
CiRA Reporter
CiRA Reporter

Support
December 23, 2024
For Developing the Next Generation of iPSC Scientists

Rina Ogura
Ever since elementary school, I wanted to become a doctor because I wanted to do something that contributes to society. On the other hand, I also became interested in research because I am always curious about everything around me, constantly asking "Why?" and "How come?" questions, so I entered the Kyoto University School of Medicine, which is at the cutting-edge of clinical practice and research.
After graduating, I worked as a resident physician at a hospital in Kobe. I was shocked to see many patients suffering from diseases with limited treatment options despite many advances in modern medicine. Through that experience, I became determined to dedicate my work to the benefit of more patients through basic biomedical research and pursue a career as a clinician scientist.
I decided to perform research at CiRA because I became interested in differentiation during my clinical practice and wanted to try stem cell research. Furthermore, I was struck by Professor Osafune's enthusiasm for focusing on basic biomedical research to save patients.
Current Research and Goals
My current research concerns using iPS cells as a treatment for diabetes. Specifically, I am investigating the differentiation mechanisms of pancreatic beta cells, which secrete insulin, by generating them from iPS cells using various compounds and proteins. There are many aspects of pancreatic beta cell differentiation that we still do not fully understand, so I believe we can make groundbreaking discoveries that will lead to unprecedented treatments for diabetes. In addition, we can use pancreatic beta cells produced from iPS cells not only to treat severe diabetes by transplanting them into patients but also for drug discovery to identify new therapeutic agents for diabetes in vitro because they can reproduce the disease conditions in vivo. Basic research is a repetitive process of trial and error. I would like to engage in basic biomedical research while also considering how to connect it to clinical applications so my work can contribute to patients in the future.

Ph.D. student Rina Ogura conducts an experiment in an open lab at CiRA
About the Study Support System
This system allows me to devote my time to research by receiving financial support. I can concentrate on my research activities with a sense of security. Furthermore, the support I receive through this system motivates me to do my best for even better research. When I reflect on the expectations everyone has for me, I am both grateful and humbled, providing additional drive for me to continue devoting myself to this work.