Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca | Huberman Lab
Want to support the channel? Become a member to get early access to our videos, watch member-only videos and request summaries of podcasts of your choice! / @podcastsummaries7672 Dr. Sergiu Pașca discusses autism as a complex spectrum disorder defined behaviorally and influenced by diverse genetic and environmental factors. He highlights gender differences in diagnosis, the challenges of correlating behavioral features with biological markers, and the limitations of current treatments, which largely focus on symptom management. Advances in genetics reveal many autism-associated genes, while emerging therapies like gene editing and stem cell approaches offer future hope, particularly for rare genetic subtypes. Central to his work is the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model human brain development via 3D organoids and assemblids that replicate brain circuits. Transplanting these organoids into animal models bridges in vitro and in vivo research, enabling better study of human neurons and potential therapies. Ethical considerations surrounding brain organoid research are actively addressed. His research has advanced understanding of monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders and aims to expand therapeutic options for severe autism and other brain diseases, underscoring the transformative potential of combining stem cell biology, genetics, and neurotechnology. 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Gender Differences and Diagnostic Challenges in Autism 02:06 Biological Basis, Early Diagnosis, and Behavioral Features 02:59 The Role of Genetics and Environmental Factors 03:56 Current Treatment Paradigms for Autism 04:43 The Promise and Challenges of Gene Therapy 05:37 Stem Cells and Modeling Human Brain Development 06:31 Organoids and Assemblids 07:35 Transplantation of Organoids into Animal Models 08:25 Ethical Considerations in Brain Organoids and Assemblids 09:14 Application to Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Disorders 10:07 Future Perspectives, and Scientific Culture This video is a podcast summary of the Huberman Lab episode titled 'Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca'. Link: • Curing Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia wi... Publish date: Aug 18, 2025 Summary article: https://podmarized.com/episodes/huber... 💌 Daily Podcast Knowledge Delivered Into Your Inbox: https://podcastnuggets.substack.com #sergiupașca #hubermanlab #autism #stemcells
