Kyoto University
Graphical abstract The Kazuo Takayama lab shows how iPS cells can be used to study SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. With more than 125 million people infected and nearly 3 million dead, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the world in inconceivable ways. Adding to the challenge is that the patient condition varies widely, from the asymptomatic to respiratory failure and death. A new study by CiRA researchers shows how iPS cells can be used to study infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), revealing gender differences seen with the disease. One of the devasting aspects of COVID-19 is its unpredictable nature. An unknown number of people infected are asymptomatic, and those that do show symptoms range widely, from mild to severe.
Kyoto University The Haruhisa Inoue lab uses iPS cells to find potential drugs against RNA viruses. The last year has seen intensive research around the world on SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite several vaccines already available, the rapid mutation of the virus is causing concern that the infection will continue to spread. A new study led by CiRA Professor Haruhisa Inoue shows that iPS cells can assist in finding effective drugs for RNA viruses. HIV, Ebola virus, and now the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, in the last half century, RNA viruses have been responsible for many of society’s greatest health calamities. One of the great challenges in managing these viruses is their rapid mutation rate. Indeed, it is possible that as SARS-Cov-2 continues to mutate, it may need, like influenza, new vaccines annually.
Kyoto University Naïve and primed PSCs (iPS cells and embryonic stem cells) represent different periods in development (before and after the embryo implants itself into the uterus). Naïve PSCs can become all the major cell components that make up the villi, which goes on to become the placenta. Primed PSCs cannot and instead form cells that lead to the amnion. The Yasuhiro Takashima lab shows that naïve iPS cells can be induced to form all the stages that mimic early placenta development in humans. Gynecologist Shingo Io knows that during birth there will not only be a baby leaving the mother’s body. Joining the cries that bring joy to the room will be a silent entity, the placenta. Like the baby, this tissue only began to grow upon conception, but little is known about how the placenta develops inside the mother. A new study by Io, CiRA Junior Associate Professor Yasuhiro Takashima and colleagues reports how iPS cells can be used to study this development. The
Kyoto University A team of scientists led by CiRA Professor Haruhisa Inoue reports the combination of deep learning and iPS cell technology for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For many devasting neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), patients are diagnosed only after becoming symptomatic. However, the evidence of memory and muscle loss is seen only after the disease has progressed to irreversible states. Researchers are therefore exploring ways to identify patients well before they become symptomatic, which could allow for wider clinical options. “If we can catch the disease at the reversible stage, we may reverse and cancel the disease.” said CiRA Prof. Haruhisa Inoue, a specialist of ALS research using iPS cells.