Kyoto University CiRA

Read more about working with a world-leading iPS cell research institute

Courses

Location

Kyoto

Host Type

The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) was established to develop iPS cell-based technologies for the benefit of patients afflicted with intractable diseases, and to function as a world-leading iPS cell research institute. Under the direction of Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2012, approximately 30 research groups work to achieve those goals. Laboratories are organized into five departments focusing on reprogramming, cell growth and differentiation, clinical applications, fundamental cell technology, and ethics. Our research building is equipped with core facilities for animal research and cell processing, and enables seamless movement from basic labs to preclinical and clinical teams. Over the decade, CiRA will work on establishing basic iPS cell technologies, acquiring patents, building an iPS cell bank, conducting preclinical and clinical research, and supporting drug screening and development.

Student Story|Julia Kudryashev, Bio Eng, '17

Julia Kudryashev, Bio Eng, '17

I used my biology background and lab experience to understand how these systems worked and to run the assays that evaluated the systems.

Julia at work in the Hotta-sensei laboratory

The research is all focused on the development and use of iPSCs and is divided into 5 departments. I worked in the first CiRA building in Hotta-sensei’s lab, which is part of the Department of Life Science Frontiers. Hotta-sensei’s lab is focused on developing disease models and quality-control methods for iPSCs.

For my internship, I tested the efficiency and uses of a CRISPR-Cas system within human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). CRISPR-Cas is a gene-editing system that contains a strand of guide RNA and a protein that locates and cleaves a matching DNA strand. When a strand of DNA is cleaved, it is possible to induce mutations in that region when the cell tries to repair it. These mutations can be random deletions or insertions of DNA bases which can lead to removed or altered genes.

This system can be used to develop disease models.

Student Story|Lucy Yang, Bio Eng, '17

Lucy Yang, Bio Eng, '17

"Back at MIT, I’m working as a lab technician full-time at the Manalis Lab, where I worked previously as a part-time UROP for 2 years. I have renewed energy to address social issues at my MIT workplace and renewed confidence in my research abilities."

Lucy Yang out with co-workers

Editing the genome can correct genetic diseases, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. So, developing gene-editing tools for human use is under intense investigation. However, gene therapy is hampered by delivery issues. For instance, the body’s immune system can detect and destroy delivery vehicles. My project involves designing a virus-like particles (VLPs) to deliver gene therapy products. Inside the VLP, we package components for CRISPR-Cas9, a major technology in gene editing. The system involves a protein (Cas9) that uses a reference (guide RNA) to DNA at a predetermined location.

Thanks to my extensive wet lab training at MIT through UROP projects, I was able to hit the ground running on our VLP project.