Research Overview

In the process of organogenesis, cell differentiation proceeds in parallel with the alteration of the three-dimensional tissue structure. During this dynamic structural realignment, cells are thought to communicate with each other as they undergo qualitative change. The theory, in other words, is that individual cell behavior is regulated by "local rules" within the cell community, with different rules applying on each side of the boundary between different organs.

Using ES cells and iPS cells as a powerful tool, we seek to identify the 'local rules' of the cell community and thereby reach a full understanding of the organogenesis mechanism of the digestive tract, the pancreas, liver, lung and other endodermal organs.