Reprogramming the future: How to change a cell

30/05/2023

Shirley Hall, Chancellor’s Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter

Inaugural lecture of Professor Keisuke Kaji, Professor of Biology of Reprogramming, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh.

Every human begins their journey as a single cell; a fertilised egg. This one cell has the potential to turn into any other cell type and eventually build a body.

Scientists call this cellular flexibility ‘pluripotency’. It’s an ability that is quickly lost as cells develop into a baby. In 2006, scientists found a way to recall this pluripotency, even in adult cells. This means scientists can create cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, that can then be redirected to make any other cell type.

This flexibility creates huge opportunities for future medical therapies but first we need to understand exactly how it works.

Join us as Professor Keisuke Kaji talks about his research journey to understand the process of this remarkable cellular reprogramming.

This lecture is free and open to all and is followed by a joint drinks reception afterwards.

Organised by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh and part of the Inaugural Lectures 2023 series.

This event may be photographed and/or recorded for promotional or recruitment materials for the University and University approved third parties. For further information please contact cmvm.events@ed.ac.uk.