Research groups such as Kyoto University have succeeded in producing iPS cells from cultured cells of Japanese monkey skin through joint research with the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University.The culture method and properties of Japanese macaque iPS cells are basically similar to those of human iPS cells, and they have succeeded in selectively inducing differentiation into neural stem cells, which are the source of nerve cells.
Japanese macaques are endemic to Japan and are the northernmost primates in the world except humans.Field observations of Japanese macaque behavior, society, and ecology for more than half a century have not only become the cornerstone of Japanese primatology, but the advanced cognitive and motor functions of Japanese macaques have also contributed to the development of neuroscience.
However, in response to the question "how are the characteristics of Japanese macaques formed?", Developmental biology understanding and molecules are due to ethical and technical restrictions on surgical experiments such as fetal anatomy and genetic modification. The elucidation of the mechanism was delayed.
Therefore, in this research, we focused on using iPS cell technology, and this time, we succeeded in producing Japanese monkey iPS cells based on the know-how of human and mouse iPS cells.Furthermore, we succeeded in selectively inducing neural stem cells from iPS cells, demonstrating that Japanese monkey iPS cells can provide a simple experimental system for studying brain nerve development.
By using iPS cells of Japanese macaques, it is possible to carry out research on fetal development and gene modification, which are difficult to experiment with individuals, at the cell culture level.It is expected that Japanese macaque iPS cells will be a powerful tool for conducting more in-depth research on the characteristics of Japanese macaques that have been clarified by field research and neuroscience from the viewpoint of genes and cells.
Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells in Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)
