The cell programming revolution – with Mark Kotter

Scientists are embarking on a biological version of the digital revolution. Until recently, controlling the mechanisms within cells—how they develop and change—was out of reach. But now biologists are finding ways to reprogramme cells at the genetic level, giving them access to the entire operating system of life.

Success is going to require collaboration across biology, computer science, physics and mathematics. The huge rewards will include extending our lifespans, curing a range of debilitating ailments and giving birth to a whole new generation of technology.

Dr Mark Kotter is a doctor, scientist, and serial entrepreneur. As a neurosurgeon, he treats patients with spinal cord injury. Mark is best known for discovering the importance of macrophages for brain regeneration, which led to the first regenerative medicine trial for degenerative cervical myelopathy, and for developing opti-ox, a gene targeting approach that enables faithful execution of genetic information in cells. Applied to cellular reprogramming, opti-ox demonstrated that robust activation of a new cell type program (encoded in transcription factors) is necessary and sufficient to deterministically induce a new cellular identity. These findings challenge the theory that cell reprogramming depends on stochastically determined permissive states and enable the production of any human cell within days at purities approaching 100%.

This talk was recorded at the Royal Institution on 10 March 2022.
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[ericstorey]

Here I am, a 70 year old retired blacksmith who has the curiosity of a ten year old. I am overwhelmed by this incredible field of study and the possibilities that may become available in the future. I’m an outsider looking in. I’ve always had this thought that cells, like say cancer cells are cells that don’t like their job description, I know, bizarrely wide of the mark, but cell programming and the possible future therapies may bring solutions to humanity and I just love the very thought of it, I wish you all well in your studies.

[pikiwiki]

What a careful, clear speaker. So enjoyable

[aclearlight]

A truly beautiful and profound talk. I would also add that just reading through the appreciative and thoughtful comments left by grateful viewers helps to lift one's hope that not all of our social media spaces are overrun by disagreeable bots and trolls.

[stephenr]

What a time we r living. Full of chaos but also hope and lot of fun! Seating confortably at home hearing a genius talk about freaking potent science. Beautiful!

[geoffreyraleigh]

It is mind boggling how the human race can think and develop using the resources of the natural world. This has to be the most informative channel on YouTube. Thank you for the upload.

[dpchait]

It’s lovely how careful and guarded his first words are. Because it’s true the global corporate governance has abused certain scientific advances

[helenbroadfoot]

How wonderfully clear! Your patient delivery and desire to be understood shone through. It enabled me to understand the concepts and their potential even though I have no background in biology. Kudos and all the very best to you and your wonderful work!

[imstevemcqueen]

Very clearly communicated. Pleasure to listen to

[trevorbates]

This is skirting the real problem...what we need to know is the electromagnetics that builds up in a living cell and tells that cell to replicate. I have a model in my head which says that two, invisible, electromagnetic forces, come together and pass through each other, invisibly, whilst the atoms that are carried by them are chemically crushed together in the core of this activity then left behind after the invisible electromagnetic forces leave and enter neighbouring cells to dismantle then replicate them. The Higgs field is a related imploding force...but with a subtle difference because atomic particles can't escape the Higgs field unless they are kicked out.

[TheBillNye]

I feel lucky to be a student when this type of technology is emerging and I may be able to use it in my professional career

[.-]

Wonderfully described. What a wonderful world awaits we use it wisely

[JustNow]

Great talk. Clear and important and interesting

[AlokKumar-ymbl]

excellent explanation sir...i love the way you describe..Great respect for you..after listening your speech i totally understand that the all the branches of science are together will extremely impacting on humans sustainability in present and far future...please except my respect 🙏 and heartily wishes...thank you sir..Great God bless you all.

[tlwmdbt]

Where is the difference between this and eugenics?

[d.e.]

My spinal cord injury was almost 40 years ago. I'm fed up with "how to live" with it approaches. If only for a few years, I'd like my body back.

[jasonhamilton]

Thank you for your research. The miracles possible using stem cells are truly inspiring.

Please be careful with the creation of biological computers in regards to the possibility of creating enslaved consciousness.

[user_a]

He should talk to Michael Levin - he is well along the regeneration road. Bioelectricity and stimuli.

[denismorgan]

My father suffered 2 strokes 4 years ago and as gained weakness down one side due to nueron damage. Is it possible to get the neurons back or create new neurons to regain proper movements. And can muscle memory help. I am a great believer that providing no more damage is done time and muscle memory can help re program and even help gain new neurons I would like to know if this is feasible in theory and does it happen in practice.

[jaya]

What a wonderful approach . The new technology is really going to make wonders! Great and all the best wishes for you and your team

[johnwalker]

My name is Ozymandias, king of kings. Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' The passage quoted is from the 19th century poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley. it's quoted in the film “Alien: Covenant” and serves as an allegory for the film's central theme.