Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to transform drug discovery and healthcare in the 21(st) century. However, successful commercialization will require standardized manufacturing platforms. Here we highlight the need to define standardized practices for iPSC generation and processing and discuss current challenges to the robust manufacture of iPSC products.

Although several sleep-regulating neuronal populations have been identified, little is known about how they interact with each other to control sleep/wake states. We previously identified neuropeptide VF (NPVF) and the hypothalamic neurons that produce it as a sleep-promoting system (Lee et al., 2017). Here we show using zebrafish that npvf-expressing neurons control sleep via the serotonergic raphe nuclei (RN), a hindbrain structure that is critical for sleep in both diurnal zebrafish and nocturnal mice. Using genetic labeling and calcium imaging, we show that npvf-expressing neurons innervate and can activate serotonergic RN neurons. We also demonstrate that chemogenetic or optogenetic stimulation of npvf-expressing neurons induces sleep in a manner that requires NPVF and serotonin in the RN. Finally, we provide genetic evidence that NPVF acts upstream of serotonin in the RN to maintain normal sleep levels. These findings reveal a novel hypothalamic-hindbrain neuronal circuit for sleep/wake control.

Increased global connectivity has catalyzed technological development in almost all industries, in part through the facilitation of novel collaborative structures. Notably, open innovation and crowd-sourcing-of expertise and/ or funding-has tremendous potential to increase the effi ciency with which biomedical ecosystems interact to deliver safe, effi cacious and affordable therapies to patients. Consequently, such practices offer tremendous potential in advancing development of cellular therapies.In this vein, the CASMI Translational Stem Cell Consortium (CTSCC) was formed to unite global thought-leaders, producing academically rigorous and commercially practicable solutions to a range of challenges in pluripotent stem cell translation. Critically, the CTSCC research agenda is defi ned through continuous consultation with its international funding and research partners.Herein, initial fi ndings for all research focus areas are presented to inform global product development strategies, and to stimulate continued industry interaction around biomanufacturing, strategic partnerships, standards, regulation and intellectual property and clinical adoption.