Royan Stem Cell – Royan institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology (RI-SCBT)

Massoud Vosough MD. Ph.D.
Regenerative Medicine

Email:masvos@royaninstitute.org
Tel:+982122518388
Fax:
CV:Massoud Vosough

Massoud Vosough is medical professional with a diverse background in the regenerative medicine field. After graduating from Tehran University of Medical Sciences with a degree in general medicine, he continued his studies and specialized in his current profession Starting in 2006, Dr. Vosough studied medical biotechnology, pursuing a doctorate at the Pasteur Institute of Iran. His research focus culminated in thesis on the “mass production of liver cells in a bioreactor, utilizing both embryonic and induced stem cells”, which was conducted at Royan Research Institute. After successfully defending his thesis, Massoud passed two consecutive postdoctoral courses at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, where he worked under the guidance of Professor Stefan Strom. During this period, he contributed to the HUMAN project in the European Union and various other projects in the realm of regenerative medicine. Presently, Massoud is the head of the Regenerative Medicine Department and Head of the Cell Therapy Center at Royan Research Institute. His current research focuses on the control of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, with a primary focus on utilizing stem cells for the treatment of chronic and degenerative conditions. Dr. Massoud Vosough’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge and contributions to the forefront of regenerative medicine showcase his passion for making a lasting impact in this field.

Welcome to our research interest section, where we explore cutting-edge advancements in making gastrointestinal (GI) and liver cancer history. Our primary focus is on hepatocyte differentiation therapy and innovative molecular/targeted approaches. In our group, collaboration of Medical Doctors, Engineers, and experts in Basic science, led to the development of different research studies, providing a dynamic environment for advanced researches. One of our key research avenues involves the generation of liver organoids from hiPSCs or primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). We are dedicated to differentiate hiPSCs into hepatocyte-like cells on a large scale, enhance the maturity of hiPSC-derived hepatocytes and maintain PHHs through co-culture with supportive cells and liver-specific ECM-microparticles. These models serve as robust platforms for drug testing, providing invaluable insights into molecular and targeted therapy approaches. Our commitment extends to tissue engineering applications for regenerative medicine and toxicological studies. Our efforts in hepatic research encompass: Engineering hydrogels and scaffolds to repair injured livers. Creating organoid-like tissues by 3D cell culture alongside with liver specific ECM. Development of microfluidic devices for regenerative medicine applications. recognition and modification of genetic pathways in HCC Biomarker discovery by the use of bioinformatics approach Additionally, our research encompasses innovative therapeutic approaches to combat liver cancer. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we are pioneering radionuclide therapy, 3D liver cancer modeling (tumoroid), Cell-ECM and cell (HCC)-Cell (non-parenchymal) interaction. At the intersection of HCC differentiation therapy and advanced molecular/targeted approaches, our multidisciplinary research aims to reshape the landscape of liver regeneration studies. Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the future of liver-related therapeutics.

Fatemeh Majidi

PhD students

Zohreh Hashemian

PhD students

Bahareh Sadri

PhD students

Fazeleh Ranjbar

PhD students

Yasamin H.Sharif.Z

PhD students

Roghayeh Naserkhaki

PhD students

Kosar Nouri

PhD Alumni

Negar Asadollahi

PhD Alumni

Parisa Taheri

MSc Alumni

Zahra Hendi

MSc Alumni

Kosar Rahi

MSc Alumni

Tina Mandegarfard

MSc Alumni

Mahsa Ghasemzad

MSc Alumni

Ibrahim Ghoytasi

MSc Alumni

Mahdieh Hashemi

MSc Alumni

Sadaf Bahadori

MSc Alumni

Shukoofeh Torabi

MSc Alumni

Zahra Hajilou

MSc Alumni

Zahra Marhamati

MSc Students

Amirhossein Farrokhzad

MSc Students

Sara Miremadi

MSc Students

Elmira Amini

MSc Students

Shiva Sherafaty pour

MSc Students

Seyedeh Kiana Teymoorian

MSc Students

Sorour Akrami

MSc Students

Hani Keshavarz Alikhani

Postdoctoral fellow

1. Ghoytasi I, Ashtiani MK, Ghasemzad M, Piryaei A, Iravani S, Zarrabi A, et al. Mechanobiological reprogramming in liver cancer: Conjugated linoleic acid disrupts EMT and cytoskeletal dynamics. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2025;716:136744. 2. Revokatova D, Bikmulina P, Heydari Z, Solovieva A, Vosough M, Shpichka A, et al. Getting Blood out of a Stone: Vascularization via Spheroids and Organoids in 3D Bioprinting. Cells. 2025;14(9):665. 3. Vosough M, Shokouhian B, Sharbaf MA, Solhi R, Heidari Z, Seydi H, et al. Role of mitogens in normal and pathological liver regeneration. Hepatology Communications. 2025;9(5):e0692. 4. Mobini S, Chizari M, Rismani E, Mafakher L, Sadrzadeh MJ, Vosough M. Targeting CD84 protein on myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a novel immunotherapy in solid tumors. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine. 2025;261:108607. 5. Torabi S, Shekari F, Najimi M, Vosough M. Reply to: Letter to Editor by Saravanan Sampoornam et al. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2025;29(5):e70465. 6. Ramezankhani R, Verfaillie C, Vosough M, Chai YC. Strategies to Establish Reliable Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells From Pluripotent Stem Cells. 2025. 7. Rismani E, Hossein-Khannazer N, Hassan M, Shams E, Najimi M, Vosough M. Targeting glypican 3 by immunotoxins: the promise of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets. 2025;29(1-2):59-73. 8. Heydari Z, Gramignoli R, Piryaei A, Zahmatkesh E, Pooyan P, Seydi H, et al. Standard Protocols for Characterising Primary and In Vitro‐Generated Human Hepatocytes. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2025;29(3):e70390. 9. Nouri K, Piryaei A, Seydi H, Zarkesh I, Ghoytasi I, Shokouhian B, et al. Fibrotic liver extracellular matrix induces cancerous phenotype in biomimetic micro-tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma model. Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International. 2025;24(1):92-103. 10. Mousavi MA, Rezaei M, Pourhamzeh M, Salari M, Hossein-Khannazer N, Shpichka A, et al. Translational Approach using Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products for Huntington's Disease. Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology. 2025;20(1):14-31.

...