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Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University


Rethinking the governance of human embryo model research

The revised guidelines in Japan bring human embryo model research under a single oversight system, requiring ethics review and public availability of findings. Key differences with international guidelines, such as ISSCR, concern the definition of human embryo models and covered research types, including organoid studies.

Scientists develop a new method to decode how DNA 'switches' control gene activity

Scientists developed a new technique called e2MPRA to study cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that control gene expression. The method combines enrichment with epigenomic profiling, enabling researchers to directly link what a CRE does with how it functions under identical conditions.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

Why it is so hard to get started on an unpleasant task: Scientists identify a “motivation brake”

Researchers at ASHBi found a 'motivation brake' in the brain's ventral striatum and ventral pallidum pathways. This circuit dampens drive to act when tasks are stressful or unpleasant, impacting daily life and social functions. The discovery sheds light on conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026

iRECODE: A new computational method that brings clarity to single-cell analysis

iRECODE reduces technical and batch noise in single-cell data, revealing cellular patterns hidden by noise. The method outperforms existing techniques with high accuracy and low computational cost, enabling researchers to detect rare cell types and subtle biological changes.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2025

New full-term placental stem cells could transform research on late-pregnancy complications

Researchers have successfully developed human placental stem cells from full-term pregnancies, sharing characteristics with early pregnancy cells. These Ch-TS cells can develop into key cell types essential for proper placental function, offering a more relevant model to study late-stage complications.

Metabolic insights from kidney ‘immune hubs’ point to new therapeutic concept

Researchers discovered that immune hubs in the kidney create a unique metabolic environment, accumulating glutathione to counter oxidative stress. Blocking this process prevents TLS formation or causes existing structures to shrink. Urine glutathione levels can serve as a non-invasive biomarker for TLSs and disease progression.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2025

Scientist uncover hidden immune “hubs” that drive joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found two types of peripheral helper T cells in inflamed joints: stem-like and effector cells. Stem-like cells live in immune hubs and help activate B cells, while effector cells cause inflammation outside the hubs. Targeting stem-like cells may offer new treatment hope for RA patients.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2025

When immune commanders misfire: new insights into rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

Researchers have discovered a primate-specific cytokine called IGFL2 that plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. IGFL2 boosts the production of autoantibodies and activates immune cells, further amplifying inflammation and joint damage.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025

Scientists recreate mouse egg cell development without ovarian support cells

Researchers have successfully reconstituted mouse egg cell development from embryonic stem cells entirely in vitro, without ovarian support cells. This new method enables detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms and has important implications for human reproductive biology and fertility preservation.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Safeguarding intestinal stem cells during aging through balanced signaling

The study reveals that the interplay between ERK/MAPK and IFN-gamma signaling is essential for preserving intestinal stem cells during aging. The researchers found that maintaining a balance between these signaling pathways is critical for supporting stem cell maintenance, while also driving age-related changes in differentiated cells.

Understanding cell differentiation mechanisms through scEGOT

A new computational tool, scEGOT, has been developed to analyze single-cell dynamics across different cell types. The study focused on the induction process of human primordial germ cell-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells, revealing key transition points and genes regulating these processes.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

Energy crisis in kidney cells

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that energy imbalances in podocytes contribute to kidney damage and proteinuria after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The researchers found that interventions targeting mitochondrial dynamics held promise in alleviating foot process effacement and improving podocyte outcomes.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

Teenage hormonal shift surprises scientists – opposite impacts on kidney injury

Researchers found that female sex hormones may increase susceptibility to kidney injury during puberty, contradicting the protective effects seen in adulthood. The study suggests that developmental changes driven by the hormonal surge in puberty may override the benefits of female sex hormones later in life.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Investigating the role of interhemispheric pathways in motor recovery

A study published in Nature Communications found that disrupting interhemispheric pathways increases the ability of motor cortex on the unaffected side, facilitating recovery. The discovery highlights the adaptability of spared neural pathways and their potential for aiding rehabilitation strategies.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Legal challenges in human brain organoid research and its applications

A recent study categorizes human brain organoid research's legal challenges into five key themes: consciousness, consent, ownership, transplantation, and legal status. This categorization aims to establish regulatory priorities for the future, guiding responsible and ethical advancement in the field.

New imaging technique reveals intracellular energy dynamics in kidney cells

A newly developed imaging system has allowed researchers to visualize ATP production and utilization in different kidney cell segments. The study found distinct ATP synthesis pathways in proximal tubules and podocytes, suggesting targeting these pathways could lead to more effective treatments for kidney diseases.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

One essential step for a germ cell, one giant leap for the future of reproductive medicine

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology have identified a crucial signaling molecule that drives epigenetic reprogramming and differentiation in human germ cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of human IVG research, which aims to treat all forms of inferti...

Revealing the conflict mechanism between cognition and emotion

A recent study investigated how specific brain circuits regulate emotional responses in depression, revealing a 'top-down' influence of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on the cingulo-striatal network. This finding suggests disrupting this signal might lead to pessimistic decision-making, a hallmark of depression.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Proposals for cell donation procedures to create brain organoids

A comprehensive literature review and analysis reveal uncertainties in obtaining informed consent from cell donors due to the potential for brain organoid consciousness. Researchers propose three methods to address these concerns, emphasizing the importance of tailoring consent procedures and prioritizing ethical oversight.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 4, 2024

Linking genes and brain circuitry in anxiety disorders

Scientists at Kyoto University have discovered two gene clusters associated with anxiety disorders that have distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns and functional profiles within the human brain. These findings provide new insights into the underlying causes of ADs and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2023

Unravelling the mechanism of urticaria from eruption shapes

A study by Kyoto University researchers uses hierarchical mathematical modeling to analyze the shapes of skin eruptions and link them to the in vivo pathological dynamics of CSU. The Criteria for Classification of Eruption Geometry (EGe criteria) was developed, demonstrating high reliability among dermatologists.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Exploring the ethics of transplanting human brain organoids into animals

This study examines ethical issues in human brain organoid transplantation into animals, considering cell collection, generation, transplantation, pre-integration, integration, and post-integration stages. Researchers highlight the importance of collaboration to address associated issues and potential impact on society.

Potential inheritable effects and ethical considerations of epigenome editing

This study examines the ethics and practical questions of epigenome editing for therapeutic purposes, including its potential for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. The authors propose criteria for evaluating the validity of human applications, highlighting the need for stringent regulations to ensure safe and ethical use.