GUC24S152C | Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Technologies for Neuroscience

Yoshiho Ikeuchi is a researcher in IIS, The University of Tokyo. He is also affiliated with Institute for AI and Beyond, and Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering in the University. He received PhD degree in 2007 at Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology in The University of Tokyo. He did his post-doctoral neuroscience research at Harvard Medical School from 2007 to 2013, and at Washington University in St. Louis from 2013 to 2014. He was appointed as Lecturer in 2014, and then Associate Professor in 2018 at Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. His goal of research is to construct nervous tissues from human multipotent stem cells (iPS cells) and to functionalize them to better understand the mechanisms of the brain. The group develops a technology to connect neural organoids via an axon bundle to model neuronal circuits, and to analyze network activity of the neural tissues using multielectrode arrays. The groups also use the tissues to analyze local and activity-dependent protein synthesis regulations in the neurons.

Assoc. Prof. Yoshiho  IKEUCHI

1	Subject	Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Technologies for Neuroscience
2	Field	Biology, bioengineering, neuroscience
3	Key words	Stem cells; organoids; neurons
4	Global Unit	1
5	Lecturer	Yoshiho IKEUCHI
6	Period	June 17 - 28, 2024
7	Time	17:00-18:30 (Japan Standard Time)
8	Lecture style	In-person (on Komaba Campus)
9	Evaluation Criteria	Excellent (S) 90–100％; Very good (A) 80–89％; Good (B) 70–79%; Pass (C) 60–69%; Fail (D) 0–59％
10	Evaluation methods	Attendance and participation 30% Presentation 30% Final paper 40%
11	Prerequisites	The participants should know basic biology. It is recommended to finish basic cellular and molecular biology courses in order to have knowledge in cells and molecules in biology (for example: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology)
12	Contents	Purpose Students who successfully complete this course will be able to understand the foundational principles and emerging techniques in tissue engineering and stem cell technologies, specifically as they apply to neuroscience. They will gain a comprehensive overview of the field, including the biological underpinnings of neural tissue engineering, the development and potential of stem cell technologies, and the ethical implications surrounding their use in neuroscience. Through this course, students will develop the ability to critically analyze current research and methodologies, fostering a deeper appreciation for the challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course is designed to inspire curiosity and provide a solid foundation for further study in neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine. By the end of the course, students will not only be conversant in key concepts and debates within neuroengineering, but also equipped with the knowledge to envision future applications and innovations in brain science. This course aims to empower students as they embark on their journey in the ever-evolving landscape of neuroscience research and application, preparing them for advanced academic pursuits or careers in the biomedical sciences.   Description This in-person course provides a comprehensive exploration of tissue engineering and stem cell technologies in neuroscience, primarily delivered through engaging lectures. Alongside these lectures, the course features lab visits, offering students a hands-on experience to understand the basics of microfabrication, cell culture, electrical measurement of neuronal activity, and microscopy. These visits are designed to give students a real-world insight into the techniques and technologies at the forefront of neuroengineering. Additionally, the course includes a series of group discussions, with a special focus on the ethical implications of advancements in neuroscience. These discussions are aimed at fostering critical thinking and active engagement with the complex moral questions inherent in this rapidly evolving field. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical lab experiences and interactive discussions, the course aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of the current and future potential of tissue engineering and stem cells in neuroscience. Ideal for students at the early stages of their academic journey, this course offers an opportunity to build a strong foundation in this interdisciplinary field, enriched with real-life applications and ethical considerations.   Schedule Session 1: Introduction to Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Technologies ・Overview of the course ・Basic concepts in tissue engineering and stem cell biology ・The significance of these technologies in neuroscience Session 2: Fundamentals of Stem Cell Biology ・Types of stem cells (embryonic, adult, iPSCs) ・Stem cell niche and regulation Session 3: Basics of Tissue Engineering ・Scaffolds, biomaterials, and growth factors ・Strategies for tissue regeneration Session 4: Microfabrication Techniques in Tissue Engineering ・Lab visit: Demonstration of microfabrication techniques ・Applications in neural tissue engineering Session 5: Cell Culture Methods for Neural Tissues ・Lab visit: Cell culture techniques specific to neural cells ・Understanding the cell environment and tissue culture Session 6: Electrical Measurement of Neuronal Activity ・Lab visit: Techniques for measuring neuronal activity ・Understanding electrophysiology in neural networks Session 7: Introduction to Microscopy in Neuroscience ・Lab visit: Microscopy techniques (e.g., fluorescent, confocal) ・Observing and analyzing neural cells and tissues Session 8: Ethical Considerations in Neuroscience Research ・Group discussion: Ethics in stem cell research and neuroengineering ・Regulatory and societal implications Session 9: Current Trends and Future Directions ・Recent advancements in the field ・Potential future applications of tissue engineering and stem cells in neuroscience Session 10: Course Review and Discussion ・Review of key concepts and technologies covered ・Open discussion and Q&A session ・Final remarks and course closure   Assignments TBD
13	Required readings	None at this moment.
14	Reference readings	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11064-022-03682-1
15	Notes on Taking the Course	-

UTokyo Global Unit Courses (GUC)
International Education Promotion Group, Education and Student Support Department
The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8652 JAPAN

For inquiries regarding GUC, kindly direct them to the following email address:
utokyo-guc.adm(at)gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp *Please change (at) to @