The RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology (CDB) is a world-class research institute dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of life. Located in Kobe, Japan, CDB is part of the renowned RIKEN research institutes. The Center’s international team of scientists conducts both basic and applied research in a wide range of areas including developmental biology, cell signaling, regenerative medicine, and cancer.
The mission of CDB is to contribute to the advancement of science and technology by conducting innovative research at the cutting edge of developmental biology. The Center strives to create new knowledge that will help unlock the secrets of life and lead to improved health for all.
CDB was founded in 1981 as the Institute for Developmental Biology by Dr. Susumu Ohno, one of the world’s leading authorities on genetics. Under Dr. Ohno’s leadership, CDB quickly established itself as a premier research institute, attracting top scientists from around the globe. Today, CDB is home to over 200 researchers from more than 20 countries working in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge facilities.
The scientific accomplishments of CDB have been widely recognized internationally. In addition to numerous awards and honors received by individual scientists at the Center, CDB has also been ranked among the top research institutes in Japan by Thomson Reuters Science Watch® .
Research at CDB focuses on many different aspects of developmental biology including embryonic development, stem cells, tissue regeneration, organogenesis, tumorigenesis ,and evolutionary developmental biology . By studying how these processes work in both normal development and disease states ,scientists at CDB are working towards developing new treatments for conditions such as cancer , birth defects ,and degenerative diseases . In addition ,the knowledge gained through this type of research can be used to improve agricultural productivity and create environmentally friendly biofuels .
Some notable discoveries made by scientists at CDB include: •The identification of genes that control fruit fly embryonic development •The discovery that certain chemicals can induce pluripotency in mammalian cells •Insights into how tissue regeneration occurs after injury•The identification of key genes involved in cancer metastasis
Through its groundbreaking research ,the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology is helping to unravel the mysteries of life and pave the way for improved health for all.