At the Evomics Lab, our focus is on answering a fundamental question in evolutionary biology: how does natural selection construct and shape complex biological systems? We employ cutting-edge omics tools and integrate diverse fields such as genetics, neuroscience, developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology to molecularly dissect the evolutionary processes that underlie the emergence of evolutionary novelties and species' adaptation to changing environments.
Our research explores various model and non-model species, investigating subjects such as the origin of nervous systems, neurodevelopmental renovation, developmental system adaptation, ecological specialization, and symbiotic multi-species coevolution. To investigate natural differences among and within species, we use both fieldwork and laboratory experiments. Additionally, we establish experimental evolution platforms in the laboratory to track evolutionary processes in real-time.
Our research programs aim to lay the groundwork for advancing evolutionary biology in the Omics era.
___________________
Research Interests
Evo-Neuro-Devo: Understanding developmental renovation underlying nervous system evolution (Research model: insect chemosensory systems)
CeLTEE (C. elegans Long-Term Evolution Experiment): Establishing LTEE platform for multicellular system (Research model: C. elegans)
Symbiotic coevolution: Uncovering evolution of Fig-Fig wasp-Fig nematode symbiosis
On the origin of nervous system (Research model: Choanoflagellates)