Topic: Third International StemNet Meeting: Translational Pathways of MSCs and Extracellular Vesicles in Regenerative and Precision Medicine

StemNet is a federation of the four main Italian stem cell research associations - the Forum of Italian Researchers on Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells (FIRST), the Gruppo Italiano Staminali Mesenchimali (GISM), the International Placenta Stem Cell Society (IPLASS), and the Stem Cell Research Italy (SCRI). Through collaboration and the exchange of expertise, StemNet seeks to share and synergize experiences to enhance both the quality and the impact of research in this advancing field (https://stemnet.webnode.it/). The Third International StemNet Meeting (https://stemnet2026.azuleon.org/welcome), held in Bologna, Italy, on 12-13 March 2026, brings together scientific innovation, technological advancement, and translational ambition in the stem cell field. Aligned with the mission of Extracellular Vesicles and Circulating Nuclei Acids (EVCNA) - to advance knowledge of extracellular vesicles (EVs), cell-derived products, and their clinical relevance - this Special Issue highlights the evolving continuum from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to their cell-free derivatives as next-generation therapeutic platforms in regenerative and precision medicine.

Across sessions spanning biofabrication and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, omics profiling, cancer stem cell biology, and the manufacturing of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), the meeting underscores a central paradigm: translational relevance must guide innovation. Dedicated contributions on EV purification and characterization, as well as microRNA-engineered vesicles, emphasize the maturation of EV research from exploratory biological investigation to rational and precision-oriented therapeutic design. Moreover, discussions on science communication, artificial intelligence in medical writing, and initiatives supporting next-generation investigators underscored the recognition that meaningful translational impact requires clarity, transparency, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This EVCNA Special Issue intends to provide an up-to-date overview of recent advances in EV research, featuring contributions from participants who delivered oral or poster presentations at the meeting. The collection comprises original research articles, review articles, and short communications covering the following topics in EV science:

- Molecular mechanisms of EV biogenesis and release;

- Advances in EV isolation and characterization techniques;

- Roles of EVs in cell-cell communication and signaling pathways;

- Diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs;

- Emerging clinical applications of EVs.