Kindai University Faculty of Medicine
Understanding stem cells,
delivering safe cell therapies.
The Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine was established within the Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, to support clinical research in regenerative medicine and to advance basic research. With staff specialized in cell biology and a rigorously controlled cell processing facility, we study mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and pluripotent stem cells, and we prepare and quality-control cells used in clinical practice.
News
Research
Mesenchymal stromal cells from bone marrow and other tissues are widely used in regenerative medicine, yet they are highly heterogeneous, and it remains unclear which cells actually function as stem cells. We aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that define stemness, and to identify and isolate the cells best suited for therapy.
Molecular mechanisms defining MSC stemness
We found that LRRC15, a membrane protein regulated by the transcription factor TWIST1, marks cells with high stemness within MSC populations. Using LRRC15 as an indicator, we isolate cells with superior self-renewal and multipotency and investigate the molecular circuits that sustain these properties.
Toriumi K, et al. iScience 2023Establishing and culturing naïve iPS cells
Human iPS cells are pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into many cell types. Conventional human iPS cells are in a "primed" state, whereas "naïve" pluripotent stem cells are in a more immature state resembling the pre-implantation embryo.
Naïve iPS cells differ from conventional iPS cells in gene expression and epigenetic features, and they are attracting attention as an important model for understanding early human development and cell differentiation.
Together with RIKEN, Institute of Science Tokyo, and other research institutions, we study the conversion of human and non-human primate iPS cells into the naïve state. By optimizing conversion conditions and culture environments, we aim to establish robust methods for deriving and maintaining naïve iPS cells, and to understand how pluripotency and early development are regulated in primates.
Takehara T, et al. PNAS Nexus 2025Stem cell aging
Stem cell aging reduces the capacity of tissues to regenerate and maintain homeostasis, and it is increasingly recognized as a contributor to organismal aging and to the onset and progression of age-related diseases.
We focus on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which reside in tissues throughout the body and play key roles in tissue maintenance and repair. We ask how MSCs change with age, how these changes affect tissue function and regenerative capacity, and what factors drive cellular senescence.
In collaboration with the Department of Anesthesiology at our hospital, we are also investigating how quality-control mechanisms of mitochondria and peroxisomes (mitophagy and pexophagy) relate to cellular senescence, focusing on microRNAs whose expression increases with age.
Shinyashiki Y, et al. PLoS One 2026 / Itokazu M, et al. Sci Rep 2025Cell processing and quality control
At our in-hospital cell processing center (CPC), we prepare cells for clinical research and treatments conducted under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine, and we support clinical departments across the university in delivering regenerative medicine, including the development of standard operating procedures and quality management systems. Our new CPC began operation with the relocation to the new campus in November 2025 and is equipped with a state-of-the-art isolator from Shibuya Corporation.
Clinical Programs
Kindai University Hospital provides regenerative medicine and cell therapies that harness the functions of cells for a range of diseases. Working with each clinical department, we strive to deliver safe, high-quality care grounded in specialized knowledge and technique.
Regenerative Medical Products
CAR-T cell therapy
CAR-T cell therapy collects a patient's own T cells, genetically modifies them to recognize and attack cancer cells, and returns them to the body. It has been introduced as a new treatment for certain blood cancers, including leukemia and malignant lymphoma.
The Department of Hematology at Kindai University Hospital serves as a CAR-T therapy center for southern Osaka and provides treatment with multiple CAR-T cell products. In close cooperation with the Center for Transfusion and Cell Therapy, which has specialized expertise in handling cell products, treatment is delivered under a rigorous quality management system from cell collection through product management and administration.
Regenerative Medicine under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine
PRP and APS therapy for knee osteoarthritis
In collaboration with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, our division provides treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous protein solution (APS) for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
PRP and APS therapies inject components prepared from the patient's own blood, containing platelets and anti-inflammatory proteins, into the knee joint. The aim is to suppress inflammation in the joint, relieve pain, and improve joint function.
For details, please see the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery website (in Japanese).
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- Phone
- +81-72-288-6562 (direct)
+81-72-288-7222 (main) - Fax
- +81-72-298-1500
- reg-med [at] med.kindai.ac.jp
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We welcome facility visits and questions from educational institutions (by arrangement). Please contact us by email, replacing [at] with @.