Abstract
As I read each issue of Cell Transplantation, I am struck by the idea that cell transplantation therapies may be a solution for damage and disease in almost every organ system, from wounds to cancers to liver failure to the central nervous system to . . . you name it. Amazing!
Our field has grown and evolved to the point that these therapies, which were merely intangible ideas only a few years ago, have now become critical pathways to restoring the ravages of illness and injury.
The publisher of Cell Transplantation, Cognizant Communication Corporation, has asked me to again take on the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief alongside Dr. Shinn-Zong (John) Lin and I am honored to be writing this editorial. I wish to personally thank Dr. Camillo Ricordi for his years of service as Co-Editor-in-Chief and for co-founding the journal. For over two decades he has been an inspirational leader and personal friend to us and we wish him continued success.
What is significant, in looking at this burgeoning field and this growing journal, is how strongly the idea of cell transplantation has taken hold. In the beginning, it was just an idea. We knew that cell therapy worked in blood cancers, but could the transplantation of cells create a new therapeutic modality, different from surgical and pharmaceutical intervention? Could cells be induced to form pluripotent stem cells, enabling them to repair damage in ways we hadn't dreamed? The last several years of research have answered some of these questions with a resounding “Yes.”
In fact, this journal has taken the subject of cell transplantation to the highest level scientifically. Since the journal was launched, the scientific study of cell transplantation has increased across all organ systems and a dazzling range of diseases. The accumulation of data regarding the basic science of cell activity has been immeasurably advanced. Most importantly, these advances offer new hope to patients and families suffering from a myriad of pathological conditions.
For that reason, I'm excited about helping to lead Cell Transplantation as it continues to grow with this new frontier. We are fortunate to have distinguished and internationally recognized Editorial Board members and the privilege of publishing the groundbreaking and transformative research of experts and pioneers in the field.
As Associate Editor Dr. David Eve leaves the journal management to pursue other professional opportunities, I am delighted to introduce our new Associate Editor, Samantha Portis. Samantha comes to Cell Transplantation holding a master's degree in medical science with a concentration in aging and neuroscience and with editorial experience. We also hope to expand and make some changes to the Editorial Board over the next year. To that end, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Dragos Cretoiu as section editor of the Methods and New Technologies section and Dr. Marina Emborg, who will be joining Dr. John Sladek as a section editor for our bustling Neuroscience and Tissue Engineering section. We look forward to the changes to our Editorial Board, with the aim of expanding the quality, scope, and breadth of Cell Transplantation. If you have an interest in engaging with us, please let us know.
The present issue is the special American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) issue, featuring data from material presented at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Society. Each article introduces new and critical ideas in cell transplantation therapy and we hope that you enjoy perusing the latest breakthroughs in this growing field. We sincerely thank you, our readers and contributors, for your constant support and hope that you will continue to grow with us as we embark on this new chapter and strive for excellence in academic publishing.