Somatic cell reprogramming courses were launched in the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology (IFM&B) on June 2.

Bioscience has been rapidly developing in recent times. The first research work on adult cell reprogramming was published in 2006, whereas in 2012 that research got a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. The developed technology of adult cell reprogramming makes it possible to receive human pluripotent stem cells for each person that brings hope to incurably ill patients.

?Several hundreds of world laboratories use reprogramming to simulate serious diseases. Only three Russian laboratories reprogram human cells. Therefore the experts of the Somatic Cell Reprogramming OpenLab in the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology of KFU decided to open practical courses which are unique for Russia,? ? explained the head of the somatic Cell Reprogramming OpenLab Sergey Kiselyov. ?The courses aim to teach specialists how to use the technology of producing iPS cells?.

Best Russian experts are invited to teach at the courses that include three 5-day training workshops (laboratory  courses, lectures and hands-on experience with the unique facilities of KFU). The first workshop was attended by experts from all Russia (Yakutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo, Ufa, Moscow) and from the Ukraine.  The applicants had to severely compete to get to the courses, there were eight applicants per place. The attendees will receive a state-recognized Certificate of Professional Development. Next courses are scheduled for autumn.  

The goal of the IFM&B of KFU is to increase the number of Russian experts in the given scientific field who are able to generate ideas and create disease treatment technologies. Next year it is planned to launch a new curriculum of practical courses.