Our Research

Background

Our bodies are constructed through the various processes of cell fate decisions. Cell type-specific gene expression is induced in these processes. It is thought that multiple nuclear regulatory layers are interdependently involved in the cell fate decisions, such as the epigenome, the higher-order genomic structure, and DNA/protein interactions. However, the actual picture of how these layers contribute to the cell fate decisions is still unclear. We define these multiple layers of chromatin structure as “epicode” that is responsible for cell fate decision (Fig. 1).

Research content

In this research group, we aim to decipher the epicodes responsible for biological events throughout life: Transgenerational information transmission, Early embryo fate, Nutritional environment response, Long-term memory and aging (Fig. 2).

To analyze the epicode in a limited number of cells in vivo, a technical breakthrough in chromatin analysis is required. We will build three innovative chromatin analysis platforms: Single-cell and spatial omics, Live imaging of posttranslational modification (PTM) and transcription, and Cryo-electron microscopy and tomography (CryoEM/ET) (Fig. 2). Based on the information on chromatin and nuclear structures obtained by these techniques, we will perform mutant analysis in vivo. By linking the corresponding mutant phenotype with the changes in chromatin and nuclear structures, the epicodes for cell fate decision will be obtained.

Goal of the Research

We will prove that the multi-layered nuclear information acts as a code for cell fate decisions. Through these research activities, we hope to generate a new paradigm in the field of gene regulation through the lens of ‘epicode’ (Fig. 3). These activities are expected to have a significant international impact internationally in the field and will contribute to the expansion of the field of life sciences.