iPSC Learning

After finishing his Ph.D. at Osaka University, Dr. Yamanaka applied and was accepted to a Ph.D program in Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, San Francisco. While there, he was exposed to a new environment and colleagues willing to provide him with the resources needed to learn more about gene targeting and stem cells. From culturing embryonic stem cells to making chimeras to presentation tips, many of his skills surrounding his position as a researcher were elevated significantly throughout his time at Gladstone. An important message that was brought across to Dr. Yamanaka at the time was from the Gladstone president who said “VW” - researchers require a clear vision for what they would like to accomplish and the ability to work hard in order to achieve it.

​

Upon returning to Japan, he found that many of the characteristics he had come to value in America was no longer applicable back home. In particular, the enthusiasm he held for mouse embryonic stem cells was not matched by his colleagues. Combined with the difficulties in obtaining funding and his work being rejected by major journals, he developed what is known as Post America Depression (PAD).

When circumstances seemed at their lowest, Dr. Yamanaka secured a position in charge of his own laboratory at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology. There, he encountered numerous passionate and intelligent individuals who were willing to engage in discussion and research surrounding stem cells. Thus, he established the purpose of his lab to focus on embryonic stem cell research - however, without utilizing embryos. Dr. Yamanaka’s goal was to develop pluripotent cells similar to embryonic SCs from normal body cells. This mission later proved to be the core for his work with Induced Pluripotent Cells that would eventually award him with a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.