Masayo takahashi biography of christopher

Until very recently, it was thought that in adult mammals the retina was entirely incapable of regenerating, but we now know that at least new retinal neurons can be generated after being damaged. This has opened up new hope that the ability to regenerate neurons and even to reconstitute the neural network may be retained in the adult retina.

We are now exploring the exciting prospect that, by transplanting cells from outside of the retina or by regeneration from intrinsic progenitor cells, it may one day be possible to restore lost function to damaged retinas. Our research into retinal regeneration seeks to achieve clinical applications by developing methods for inducing stem cells or embryonic stem cells to differentiate into retinal neurons and pigment epithelial cells in sufficient quantities for use in the treatment of patients suffering from conditions in which such cells have been damaged or lost.

We must also ensure that such cells establish viable grafts upon transplantation and induce the reconstitution of functional neural networks. We also hope to develop means of promoting true regeneration by activating endogenous stem cells to replace cells lost to trauma or disease and thus repair damaged tissues.

Masayo takahashi biography of christopher

Access to a broad spectrum of developmental biological research information will be key to the achievement of these goals, and we appreciate the opportunities for exchange that working in the environment provided by the RIKEN CDB. Therapeutic applications cannot be developed from basic research alone; the clinical approach — a thorough understanding of the medical condition to be treated is equally important.

For conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, even the successful transplantation of cells in animal models may not necessarily be translatable to a human clinical therapy without an understanding of the underlying genetics and possible immunological involvement. Our goal is to study retinal regeneration based on both a strong foundation in basic research and solid clinical evidence.

Mandai M, et al. Autologous induced stem-cell-derived retinal cells for macular degeneration. New Engl J Med Stem Cell Reports 8, 69—83 Sugita S, et al. IPSCs and ESCs have the potential to industrialize the cell therapy field because they can be expanded so that more cells can be made for many patients. Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk.

Read Edit View history. Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikidata item. Japanese medical physician, ophthalmologist and stem cell researcher. Education [ edit ]. Research [ edit ]. Awards and honors [ edit ]. Further prospects [ edit ]. References [ edit ]. Retrieved 6 September New England Journal of Medicine.

ISSN PMID S2CID Gladstone Institutes. Archived from the original on 30 January The Japan Times Online. Retrieved Asian Scientist Magazine Science, technology and medical news updates from Asia.