01Development of Pluripotent Stem Cells, Including Development of Next-generation iPS Cells

Establish a system to produce next-generation iPS cells (iPS cell 2.0*) for clinical applications

• Develop improved ES cells directly derived from the naïve epiblasts of human embryos
• Establish methods to generate iPS cells with low immunogenicity
• Evaluate the differentiation potentials of iPS cell 2.0 and improved ES cells

02Development of Innovative Highly Functional Cells

• Develop basic technologies to produce “designer cells” with functional enhancements suitable for transplantation by focusing on technological advances in DNA, RNA, and protein engineering
• Develop highly functional cells to improve the production efficiency of gene therapeutic vectors

03Research to Elucidate the Mechanisms of Reprogramming, Development, and Regeneration

• Provide feedback for establishing iPS cell 2.0 through detailed analysis of reprogramming factors
• Use human embryos and blastoids to elucidate mechanisms of reprogramming and development
• Enhance the functional maturation of different cell types for transplantation using models that mimic developmental processes

04Development of Next-generation Genome Editing and Gene Delivery Technologies

• Develop next-generation genome editing technology platform for industrialization
• Develop advanced gene delivery technology using RNA, virus-like particles, cells, etc.
• Establish tissue-specific gene delivery technology

05Development of Technologies to Integrate Cell and Gene Therapies

• Establish technology to create designer cells (highly functional cells)
• Develop in vivo gene transfer methods to optimize the host environment
• Establish ex vivo in utero therapies for rare pediatric diseases
• Create a platform for in vivo reprogramming

06Fundamental Research to Promote the Application of Cell and Gene Therapies

• Promote automation and digital transformation of iPS cell production and quality control
• Develop automated, all-in-one culture systems for iPSC products
• Develop novel animal models for pre-clinical studies of next-generation regenerative medical products
• Develop cell characterization based on multi-layered genome information analysis

07Functioning as a Central Hub

Bring together researchers across disciplines, borders, and industries to participate to build a platform for the development of next-generation cell and gene therapies.

08Fostering Young Researchers

• To foster young researchers who will lead the next generation with advanced specialization and multi-skills