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8AIST TODAY 2013-1life-liaison-ml@aist.go.jpFor inquiries about this article : Research Planning Office of Life Science and Blotechnologyhttp://unit.aist.go.jp/scrc/cie/index_en.htmlFor inquiries about this article : Research Center for Stem Cell Engineeringno rejection occurring. Research on the redifferentiation of these pluripotent cells (iPS cells) into those of various organs such as the heart by the introduction of various genes from outside or chemical treatment is actively conducted.However, iPS cells result in a wide variety of responses in differentiation, depending on the production or cultivation method. It is difficult to remove cancerous cells from a differentiated cell mass. Since it is known that cancer occurs even if only one out of 10,000 cells is cancerous, the important point is how to create iPS cells that will not become cancerous. To this end, it is necessary to standardize stem cells by investigating the nature of cells (Fig. 3).Future prospects of stem cell researchFrom the perspective of stem cell research as described above, it is evident that there are a wide variety of stem cell types. It is therefore necessary to select the appropriate way of producing or using stem cells depending on the purpose. This will definitely require standardization of stem cells. This, in turn, means that usable and unusable stem cells must be distinguished clearly.Future stem cell research is certain to change and evolve in significant ways because of various positive prospects such as cooperation between medicine and engineering, development of new materials such as scaffolds necessary to create tissues of two- or three-dimensional structures, improvement of culture fluids and culture methods, improvement of methods to collect stem cells, development of applications for stem cells, use of bioinformatics, and development of medical equipment related to stem cells. We can look forward to a bright future for stem cell research as we will be seeing the development of a variety of new technologies including the development of new treatment methods and new drugs using hitherto untapped types of cells, and the development of new medical equipment.Remarkable advances are undoubtedly taking place in regenerative medicine and regenerative technology, but we must never forget that the most important points are safety, certainty, and reproducibility. If we continue our efforts by always respecting these top priorities from the perspective of the natural history of all life forms including humankind, we will surely be able to attain great advances in regenerative medicine and regenerative science. We cannot be too careful in our handling of regenerative medicine, including reproductive medicine, which may affect future generations. Although it is highly commendable that we actively conduct research on pain mitigation in one generation and development of new drugs, this does not mean that we should try to achieve everything, because such new developments and treatments may affect our descendants for generations to come. We must clearly understand that scientists will be held responsible for the outcome of such research and that their ethics will be tested.There are now high expectations for the development of new drug screening systems using various stem cells. Also important is research on how to revitalize stem cells in our body to treat ourselves or maintain our health. Cell therapy will be an effective treatment of various diseases and injuries, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, spinal damage, and eyeball damage, that cannot be easily cured with drugs or other existing means. Since there are strong expectations in society for economic effects and for recovery from diseases by the future advancement of this research, further growth in this field is very much anticipated.DirectorResearch Center for Stem Cell EngineeringMakoto ASASHIMA

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