Group 1 - Orizuru Therapeutics is developing a method to transplant pancreatic "islet cells" derived from iPS cells into patients with type 1 diabetes, aiming to reduce the frequency of insulin injections [1][5] - The company plans to initiate clinical trials in Japan and the United States by 2027, with the goal of practical application of this therapy [1][5] - The research is supported by major investors including Takeda Pharmaceutical, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, and the company was established in 2021 [3] Group 2 - iPS cells, which can differentiate into various cell types, are being increasingly applied in drug research, with other Japanese companies also developing treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and heart disease [3] - A clinical trial led by doctors at Kyoto University is expected to clarify the safety and partial efficacy of the treatment by 2026, which will inform future international collaborative trials [5]

Core Viewpoint - Kyoto University is collaborating with Google's AI division, Google DeepMind, to enhance the efficiency and safety of iPS cell production using AI tools like "AI co-scientist" [2][4][6]. Group 1: Collaboration and Research Focus - Kyoto University will utilize Google's "AI co-scientist," set to be released in February 2025, to accelerate the medical applications of iPS cells [2][4]. - The collaboration aims to develop more efficient and safer techniques for iPS cell production, leveraging AI's capabilities to propose hypotheses and analyze experimental data [4][6]. Group 2: AI's Impact on Research - The rapid development of AI is fundamentally changing the pace of scientific research, creating opportunities that were unimaginable a few years ago, as noted by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka [4][6]. - AI tools have already been successfully applied in various research institutions, such as Imperial College London and Stanford University, demonstrating their potential in elucidating complex biological mechanisms and treatment methods [6]. Group 3: Importance of Data Protection - Kyoto University emphasizes that their collaboration with Google will not involve sharing experimental data externally, to protect their research advantages [8]. - There is a concern that if Japanese research data becomes a training resource for overseas AI, it could undermine the competitive edge of Japanese institutions [8].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Cabinet Office has reached a consensus to allow the use of human iPS cells to create fertilized eggs for non-reproductive, scientifically valid research purposes, with a cultivation period limited to 14 days and a prohibition on implanting fertilized eggs into human or animal uteri [1][2][4]. Group 1: Research Guidelines - The new guidelines permit the creation and handling of fertilized eggs only for non-reproductive and scientifically reasonable research purposes, with a maximum cultivation period of 14 days [2][4]. - The aim of allowing research on fertilized eggs is to gain insights into the mechanisms of early reproduction, which could help identify causes of infertility and genetic diseases [2][3]. Group 2: Historical Context and Developments - Previously, research using iPS cells was limited to creating sperm and eggs, but the new guidelines expand this to include fertilized eggs, provided existing rules for fertilized egg research are followed [2][3]. - Japan has been at the forefront of research in using iPS cells for reproductive mechanisms, with successful experiments in mice leading to the creation of offspring [2][3]. Group 3: Ethical Considerations - The report emphasizes the need for ethical consistency regardless of the source of the fertilized egg, as stated by experts involved in the ethical review [3][4]. - The cultivation of fertilized eggs is restricted to 14 days due to the onset of significant developmental processes, marking the beginning of individual development [4]. Group 4: International Context - The guidelines are based on international standards, with some regions like California allowing similar research under specific ethical reviews [4]. - The discussion of life ethics and the establishment of rules can enhance Japan's international standing in the field of stem cell research [4].

你肝脏（大阪大学提供） 武部教授小组从以往的研究中发现，维生素C和胆红素是形成肝脏结构的重要物质。他们将iPS细 胞分化为肝细胞后，分为两组，一组添加胆红素，另一组添加维生素C。胆红素是从细胞外添 加，而维生素C则通过改变基因使细胞自身能够合成。 大阪大学的武部贵则教授等利用iPS细胞制造出迷你肝脏 当将添加了胆红素和维生素C的肝细胞混合培养时，便形成了结构和功能与人类肝脏相似的类器 官。收集多个这种类器官，移植到处于肝衰竭状态的小鼠体内，结果显示其存活率及氨的分解能 力得到了提高。 今后，研究团队计划将这种类器官大型化，制作人工肝脏并进行临床试验，力争作为肝衰竭等疾 病的治疗方法尽早实现应用。研究成果已发表在英国科学期刊《自然》上。 武部教授等开发的迷 大阪大学武部贵则教授等人利用iPS细胞制造出了再现人类肝脏结构和功能的"类器官"。今后，研 究团队计划将这种类器官大型化，制作人工肝脏并进行临床试验，力争作为肝衰竭等疾病的治疗 方法尽早实现应用…… 大阪大学武部贵则教授等人的研究小组利用iPS细胞制造出了再现人类肝脏结构和功能的"类器官 （迷你器官）"。他们发现了在形成肝脏结构过程中至关重要的两种物质，并添 ...