Current state of and outlook for organogenesis from undifferentiated cells.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of regenerative medicine and artificial internal organ development are, respectively, to regenerate and provide for transplant tissue or organs.


METHODS
We summarize recent research on tissue differentiation and organogenesis using stem cells and report our laboratory's research using amphibian undifferentiated cells.


RESULTS
We have successfully induced differentiation in cells from Xenopus laevis and generated structures in vitro that function in a similar way to organs when transplanted to Xenopus and newt embryos. We are attempting to establish a system to induce sensory organs, including eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experimental systems in amphibians are useful for organogenetic research, and it is hoped that our techniques can, in the future, be applied to mammals.
Asashima
Makoto
M
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. asashi@bio.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Okabayashi
Koji
K
D000663:Amphibians; D000818:Animals; D001187:Artificial Organs / Q000639:trends*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D038081:Organogenesis; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*