Regenrative Medicine - Human ear cartliage from iPS Cells

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160122/k10010381831000.html

Researchers create human ear cartilage from iPS cells [Technology]

January 22, 2016 

NHK NEWSWEB 

A group of researchers of universities including The University of Tokyo created a human ear cartilage “auricular cartilage” successfully almost in life size using iPS cells. This is the first cartilage created in three dimensions using iPS cells according to the group. 

The study was led by Professor Tsuyoshi Takato of The University of Tokyo and Professor Noriyuki Tsumaki of Kyoto University.

The study group created 100 cartilage clusters from iPS cells and inserted into three 8mm diameter plastic tubes.

Then the tube was bent to the shape of human ears and transplanted into mice subcutaneously. In two months, the clusters of cartilage fused each other to form human ear-shaped cartilage “auricular cartilage”.

The auricular cartilage is approximately 5 cm large, almost equal to life size of human ear, and there will be clinical studies for patients suffering microtia, underdeveloped ear cartilage.

The group claims this is the first time to create cartilage in three dimensions with iPS cells and sees opportunities in applying the technology to treat various disease and injuries by making nose cartilage and knee cartilage to treat damage caused by the aging

Dr. Takato said he would like to put the technology into practical use and treat microtia patients five years from now, after conducting long-term follow-up and predicting the probability of transplant rejection.