February 3, 2011 - The Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and Shimadzu Corporation have entered into a collaborative research agreement focused on the analysis of reprogramming states and the search for biomarkers in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Under this agreement, Shimadzu will employ mass spectrometry to study the proteomics of iPSCs biomanufactured by CiRA, and will seek to identify novel biomarkers, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, protein fragments, and small peptides, through comparative analysis of cell properties and gene expression patterns.

This research may lead to techniques for the selection of more fully reprogrammed pluripotent cells, and of higher quality target cells in induced differentiation protocols.


About CiRA
Following the generation of human iPSCs by Prof. Shinya Yamanaka and others in November 2007, Kyoto University established the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application within the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (ICeMS) in January 2008 to further promote scientific advances in the fields of induced pluripotency and reprogramming. CiRA is the world's first institute to focus specifically on these areas, and its researchers strive to realize the potential medical benefits of these cells as rapidly as can safely and responsibly be done. CiRA became an independent institute in April 2010, under the leadership of Prof. Yamanaka.

Shimadzu Corporation
Since its establishment in 1875, Shimadzu Corp. has pursued leading-edge science and technologies in its core business areas of analytics and metrics, medical devices, aeronautics, and industrial equipment. We conduct research and development using a combination of medical applications and analytics to identify biological markers of disease, and develop molecular probes and imaging technologies to support early diagnostics and drug discovery leading to next-generation medical applications.

For more information, please visit http://www.shimadzu.com/