Kyoto University iPS Cell Research

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are one of key technology to realize the new era of medicine. They can differentiate into any type of cell in the body and proliferate indefinitely in culture. It will be useful in elucidating causes of disease and developing new drugs and therapies such as cell transplantation. To deliver the benefits of iPS cell research quickly, Kyoto University established the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) in Kyoto, Japan. The director of CiRA is Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, reported the establishment of iPS cells for the first time in the world and received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2012. “iPS Cell Research Fund” supports CiRA researchers including Dr. Yamanaka. He shares: “Before my career as a scientist, I became a medical doctor. However, as a resident treating patients suffering from intractable diseases, I realized I could best help a large number of patients by conducting basic research to understand disease mechanisms and develop new therapies. Thanks to a great research team, this basic research led to iPS cells. iPS cells show great promise for regenerative medicine and drug discovery, especially for diseases that still have no effective treatment. To reach this promise, however, we need financial assistance to hire brilliant minds and create an excellent research environment. Your gift will go a long way to our ultimate goal of using iPS cells to bring better health to all around the world.”