Research

 Traditionally, stem cells have existed as an original form of the various somatic cells that have already differentiated in terms of both morphology and function. Today, these stem cells can also be artificially created using engineering techniques. As these technologies have developed and become more advanced, it is now possible to produce stem cells with a variety of characteristics. In our lab, it is possible to produce not only human stem cells but also stem cells of various species. In the process, we can introduce novel technologies to increase the stem cell generation efficiency or create stem cells with new characteristics tailored to their intended purposes.

 Organoids have been known as miniature organs which mimic in vivo real organs. While animal cell experiments have been traditionally conducted in 2D systems, recent advancements have led to the active research using 3D platform, represented as the organoids. In our lab, we can manufacture organoids that simulate various types of organs, including brain, muscle, bone, and cartilage. Research on these organoids is expected to be highly useful as a pre-clinical platform that could replace animal testing in the fields such as new drug development and cosmetics research. Furthermore, organoid research is anticipated to advance scientific understanding of human developmental processes and contribute to the treatment of numerous genetic disorders currently classified as incurable.

 The animal cells we primarily work with are on a micro-scale, but a closer look at how they function reveals that they are closely connected to the microscopic world at the nano-scale. Molecules that regulate signaling pathways inside the cells or nuclei, proteins expressed on the cell membrane surface, and substances such as antibodies which act on cell membrane receptors are all on the nano-scale. Thus, a deep understanding of the nano-world is essential for more precisely controlling cellular engineering. In our lab, we can engineer various animal cells, including stem cells and immune cells, at the nano-scale. This means we can regulate the phenotypes expressed on the cell surface, re-design substances secreted by cells, and even create cell-derived or non-cell-derived nanomaterials to propose various therapeutic concepts.