We pursue two scientific interests:

  • Molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal development and metabolism.
  • Clinical applications of basic findings about biological processes.

Theme

1. Skeletal development and metabolism

Our primary focus is on the transcriptional regulation of genes which are involved in the differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. We are combining mouse genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to study those biological processes. In addition, we recently started a project to explore genomic targets of osteogenic- or chondrogenic transcription factors through a genome-wide approach, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq). ChIP-seq combined with transcriptomics and proteomics will enable us to uncover mechanisms and biological significances of transcriptional events. We screen biological processes for important research targets, based on bioinformatical analyses of the enormous data, and attempt to comprehensively understand them. This approach is now becoming a main stream in biology and medicine.

Ongoing projects:

  • Analyses on molecular mechanisms through which Hh, BMP, and Wnt signaling determine cell fates of osteo-chondroprogenitors.
  • ChIP-seq, transcriptome, and proteome analyses to understand mechanisms of transcriptional events in osteoblasts and chondrocytes.
  • Genetic studies to clarify roles of the Runx family in chondrogenic differentiation.
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2. Clinical application of basic findings

We try to develop gene therapy- and nucleic acid-based regeneration system of skeletal tissues, osteogenic and chondrogenic small compounds, and bio-compatible medical materials. Our goal is to establish tissue regeneration system for bone and cartilage defects as well as novel strategies for the treatment of osteoporosis and cartilage degeneration.

Ongoing projects:

  • Development of screening systems for osteogenic and chondrogenic factors
  • Identification of osteogenic and chondrogenic compounds through the screening of small compound libraries
  • Research and development for clinical applications of cell membrane-coating technology
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Collaborators

  • Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • University of Connecticut Health Center
  • Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University
  • Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, Keio University
  • Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University
  • Department of Biological Chemistry, Chubu University
  • NEXT21 K.K.
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