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New Research Results

Not for hearing but for symbiosis

Researchers at AIST conducted a detailed analysis of glycans and gene expression information in neural cell populations differentiated from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, identifying their diversity and the characteristics of highly expressed glycan antigens. They also successfully identified glycan markers capable of labeling non-target cells.
Cell populations differentiated from iPS cells for regenerative medicine applications contain various "non-target cells" alongside the target cells. These cells must be identified and removed, as they may impact therapeutic efficacy and safety. Markers that distinguish cell type and state, such as surface proteins or glycans, are useful for removing non-target cells. However, the types of non-target cells present vary depending on the target cell type and differentiation induction method, making it difficult to create a marker common to all. Consequently, there is a need for technology to identify the types of non-target cells specific to each cell manufacturing process and determine/find specific markers for each type.
Here, we performed a detailed analysis of the glycans and gene expression in a population of neural cells differentiated from iPS cells. We used a technology developed by AIST called the 'single-cell glycan-RNA sequencing method' (hereinafter referred to as the 'scGR-seq method'), which enables the simultaneous analysis of glycan and gene expression for each individual cell. As a result, we successfully identified the cell types of non-target cells present within the neural cell population and the glycan markers capable of labeling them. This achievement contributes to advancing quality control and separation techniques for iPS cell-derived cells, and it is expected to enhance the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine.
Details of this technology were published in Stem Cell Reports on September 4, 2025 (Eastern Time).

Development of Glycan Markers for Differentiated Cells Derived from iPS Cells Using scGR-seq Method

Not for hearing but for symbiosis

Like us humans, insects possess sensory organs responsible for vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. For vision, insects primarily rely on compound eyes. But what about hearing? For example, crickets develop tympanal organs on their forelegs, which function like a human’s eardrum to detect sound. They use these “ears on the legs” to listen to courtship songs and sense approaching enemies.
The tympanal organs have evolved in insects repeatedly. For example, cicadas, grasshoppers, moths and mantises have tympanal ears on their abdomen or thorax. Uniquely, stinkbugs of the family Dinidoridae, encompassing around 100 species representing 16 genera in the world, have yet been reported to possess a tympanal organ specifically on the hindlegs of adult females. However, no detailed studies have been conducted on this minor group of stinkbugs. How do dinidorid females perceive male’s song or dance using their hindlegs?
To address this question, we investigated the Japanese dinidorid stinkbug Megumenum gracilicorne. Unexpectedly, we found that its so-called “tympanal organ” is not an auditory organ but instead a novel symbiotic organ.

Fungus-transfer behavior from the organ to the eggs by an ovipositing female of M. gracilicorne.

Open Innovation Laboratory

Since FY 2016, as a part of the “Open Innovation Arena concept” promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), AIST has created the concept of “open innovation laboratories” (OILs), collaborative research bases located on university campuses, and has been engaged in their provision. We are planning to establish more than ten OILs by FY 2020.

AIST will merge the basic research carried out at universities, etc. with AISTʼs goal-oriented basic research and applied technology development, and will promote bridging research and evelopment and industry by the establishment of OILs.