Laboratory of Cell Cultures (JCRB Cell Bank)

1. Key members

• Project Leader - Arihiro Kohara
• Postdoctoral associates - Fumio Kasai, Ryuji Tazawa
• Technical assistant - Setsuko Shioda, Azusa Ohtani, Midori Ozawa, Noriko Hirayama, Eiko Kawaguchi, Naomi Hara, Masashi Iemura, Hiromi Ikeda, Kohei Kawakami, Akemi Arakawa, Junko Sakai, Yumiko Yamada, Kikuko Ietsuka, Tomoko Tano, Sayaka Miyata, Aya Ohnishi, Nozomi Sugihara
• Collaborating Researcher - Touho Yoshida, Motonobu Satoh, Takuo Kosaka

2. Background and objectives

The JCRB Cell Bank was originally established in National Institute of Health, Tokyo in 1984. In 2005, the Cell Bank has relocated to the NIBIO, Osaka. The cultured cells represent an in vitro model for numerous studies in medical science and pharmaceutical research. In particular, human-derived cultured cells are indispensable for these studies. As the JCRB cell bank, we are collecting human culture cells derived from various disease patients, and human stem cells including induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and adult mesenchymal stem cells. The cells are checked by several strict tests, and then the qualified cells are provided to researchers. Further, we are developing the qualification method, functional evaluation method, and also culture method for human cells in order to support fundamental research on medical or pharmaceutical sciences.

3. Overview of our research

I. JCRB Cell Bank: From the collection to distribution of cells and information

We are collecting human culture cells derived from various disease patients, and human stem cells including induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and adult mesenchymal stem cells. The cells are qualified by testing for microbial contamination, virus contamination, and cross culture contamination, and also confirming their karyotype and cell characteristics. And then the qualified cells are provided to researchers. The information of these cells is available at our webstite, http://bioresource.nibio.go.jp.

II. Development of quality control procedures and functional evaluation methods for cultured cells

In the cell culture area, mycoplasma contamination, virus contamination and cross contamination with other cell lines are serious problems to be sorted out. We are developing the procedures for testing for microbial contamination, virus contamination, and cross culture contamination. We are also developing functional evaluation methods and culture methods for human stem cells and differentiated cells.

III.Development of the functional serum-free culture conditions for human stem cells and differentiated cells.

For the purpose of developing an in vitro drug toxicity test for new drugs using cultured cells, we are developing the functional growth factor defined serum-free culture conditions for human stem cells and differentiated cells. Especially, we are challenging to establish the culture conditions for the functional human hepatocytes which are suitable for the drug toxicity testing.

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