Research Topics

Research Topics

1. Elucidation of glial dependence mechanisms of adult newt limb re-patterning during regeneration. 

2. Biomimicking newt-like regeneration in mouse 3D cultures and organoid structures.

1. Elucidation of glial dependence mechanisms of adult newt limb re-patterning during regeneration. 

Nerve dependence is a classic phenomena that require for tissue regeneration in animals. We are studying how sensory Schwann cells (a subpopulation of peripheral glial cells) of the limb reactivates the ZRS (zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence, a limb enhancer of Shh). This is an important event necessary for proper adult limb re-patterning, and unique in urodele amphibians. We take an interdisciplinary approach, currently focusing on a bottom-up to understand activation and regulation of the adult newt ZRS enhancer expression in peripheral sensory Schwann cells . We are current examining whether examining if newt sensory

2. Biomimicking newt-like regeneration in mouse 3D cultures and organoid structures

As part of a newt group efforts with Dr. Chiba Chikafumi, we are looking at unique extracellular and intracellular regenerative factors of the newt for applications in mammalian systems. Here we are seeking to establish mouse 3D culture or organoids with the aid of newt regenerative factors.