Pluripotent stem cells are capable of producing various kinds of body cells. As such, iPS cells have exciting potential in the development of medical treatments for a wide range of diseases that are currently untreatable. They can also be used to treat damage to the brain, spinal cord, skeletal muscles and heart. Kyoto University started providing stem cells to commercial enterprises in July 2008. After receiving cell lines from Kyoto University and organizing the distribution system, RIKEN BRC started provision to nonprofit academic research institutions for teaching and research purposes, on March 25.
Two lines of human iPS cells were deposited at RIKEN BRC by Shinya Yamanaka, head of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University. One was generated using four transcription factors, namely Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. The other was generated using these factors except for c-Myc, which is known to cause cancer.
To receive the iPS cells, the researcher wishing to use them and his or her institution’s authorized representative must submit a Material Transfer Agreement to Kyoto University and RIKEN BRC.
The MTAs are available from the following websites:
www.saci.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ips/ips_index_e.html
www.brc.riken.jp/lab/cell/english/
RIKEN BRC provides the iPS cells for free, but charges a transmittal fee of Y28,000 per sample to cover preparation, handling and distribution costs.
For the first time in Japan, RIKEN BRC has also started providing KhES-1, an ES cell line, which was established by Norio Nakatsuji of Kyoto University. Both iPS and ES cells are attracting attention as multifunctional stem cells with some common features, and basic research into these cells is crucial for the progress of biological and medical research.
