The Laboratory of Animal Development consists of two teams, led by Yoshiko Takahashi (Professor) and Yutaka Sato (Associate Professor). In the “Intestinal Peristalsis Project” currently being intensively promoted by the Takahashi team, we make full use of the analysis tools originally developed in our laboratory, such as quantitative analysis of peristalsis and organoid contraction, to investigate peristalsis. We are trying to clarify the intercellular signal and its vibration mechanism. There are a wide variety of approaches, including cell transplantation, genetic engineering, live imaging, and collaborative research with mathematical scientists. A blood vessel patterning project is also underway. We aim to conduct research that connects genes, cells, tissues, and organs.
The Sato team is conducting research using sea squirts that belong to the tunicates, which are the closest animal group to vertebrates. We aim to understand the mechanism of cell differentiation in ascidian embryogenesis and the origin and evolution of chordates through it. We mainly focus on experimental analysis, but also make use of genome analysis such as informatics analysis and simple theoretical analysis.