Stem cell biology

Embryonic stem cell development

Cell fate determination

The development of human embryonic stem cells is characterized by significant changes, which result from the interplay between intracellular self-regulatory factors and extracellular environmental factors. At our lab, we investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie fate determination, metabolic preference, and cellular heterogeneity during the development of human embryonic stem cells.

Human neural crest & PNS development

Neural crest stem cell  development

Molecular & cellular interaction within PNS-CNS circuitry

We recognize the human nervous system as a unified entity composed of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Moreover, we consider peripheral organs that transmit and receive signals with the nervous system are integrated parts that interact with the nervous system. Our research focuses on examining the bidirectional effects of connected peripheral organs, peripheral nerves, and the brain on development, physiology, and pathology. We investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie these interactions. To achieve these objectives, we utilize human pluripotent stem cells to model the development of the peripheral and central nervous systems, as well as various organoids.

Pathological mechanisms of human diseases

Stem cell-based disease modeling

Molecular & cellular pathological mechanism

We establish disease models using stem cells and gene editing to replace animal-based research, enabling a more precise understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology in humans. Our ongoing research focuses on genetic diseases, developmental disorders, congenital malformations, degenerative diseases, infectious diseases, and cancers.