Yoshiki Sasai

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Yoshiki Sasai, circa 2012

Yoshiki Sasai (笹井 芳樹, June 5, 1962 – August 5, 2014) was a prominent Japanese stem cell biologist known for his pioneering work in the field of regenerative medicine. He was a professor at the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB) in Kobe, Japan.

Early Life and Education

Yoshiki Sasai was born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Kyoto University with a degree in medicine and later earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the same institution. His early research focused on the development of the central nervous system.

Career

Sasai joined the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in 2000, where he made significant contributions to the field of stem cell research. He was particularly known for his work on the development of organoids, which are three-dimensional structures grown from stem cells that mimic the architecture and function of real organs.

Major Contributions

One of Sasai's most notable achievements was the development of retinal tissue from embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough provided a new avenue for studying retinal diseases and potential treatments. He also developed cerebral organoids, which are miniature, simplified versions of the human brain grown in vitro. These organoids have been used to study neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Sasai received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. He was a recipient of the Japan Academy Prize and was recognized by various international scientific communities for his groundbreaking work.

Controversies

In 2014, Sasai was involved in a controversy related to the publication of papers on stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP) cells. The papers, which were later retracted, claimed that a simple acid bath could reprogram mature cells into pluripotent stem cells. The controversy led to intense scrutiny and criticism, and Sasai faced significant professional and personal challenges as a result.

Death

Yoshiki Sasai tragically passed away on August 5, 2014. His death was ruled a suicide, and it was widely believed to be related to the stress and pressure from the STAP cell controversy.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, Sasai's contributions to the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine remain highly regarded. His work on organoids continues to influence current research and holds promise for future medical advancements.

See Also

• Stem cell
• Regenerative medicine
• Organoids
• RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology
• Kyoto University