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Division of Clinical Basis for ES Cell Research

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MESSAGE FROM THE LAB

In our department, we first established a human ES cell line in Japan, and our research results are being used not only in human ES cells but also in human iPS cells. Regenerative medicine using cells and tissues derived from human ES cells and human iPSC cells (collectively called human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)) is now at the stage of clinical trials where safety and efficacy have been confirmed worldwide. Our laboratory is developing the basic technology for this, and at the same time, we are establishing human ES cell lines for clinical use.

Division of Clinical Basis for ES Cell Research

Associate ProfessorEihachiro Kawase

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Program-Specific Assistant Professor
Kei Takada

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RESEARCH

Development and implementation of basic research for the establishment and utilization of human ES cell lines for clinical use

Regenerative medicine using cells and tissues derived from human ES cells and human iPS cells has attracted worldwide attention. It is currently in the clinical trial stage, where safety and efficacy are confirmed. Our laboratory is engaged in establishing human ES cell lines for clinical use, stock production, and distribution to (clinical) research facilities. At the same time, we are developing the necessary fundamental technologies for this purpose.

Phase contrast photograph of the first human ES cells established in Japan

As shown in the photo, human ES cells were cultured with support cells called feeder cells in culture media containing animal components, which was unsuitable for clinical use. The development of culture substrates and culture media was essential for the realization of regenerative medicine using human ES cells and human iPS cells.

Development of an efficient human pluripotent stem cell culture method using the LM-E8 Fragment

Matrigel was conventionally used as a culture substrate for human ES cells and human iPS cells, but it was not suitable for practical use in regenerative medicine. In collaboration with Prof. Sekiguchi of Osaka University, we found that Laminin-511 is appropriate and that its E8 fragment (a) is the minimal constitutive site. Using this LM-E8 fragment, we found that cells grow, survive, and increase more efficiently than Matrigel (b,c). This EM-E8 fragment has been commercialized as iMatrix and is used worldwide.
Adapted in part from Nature Communication (DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2231)

Photographs of work in the cell processing facility at the institute (Left) and some of the data from the clinical human ES cell line (KthES11) established in this facility (Right).
Adapted in part from Stem Cell Research (DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.102020)

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