Research

ES and iPS cells—also called pluripotent stem cells—are used for research in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. We are developing clinical-grade iPS cells using naïve pluripotent stem cells, which are more similar to fertilized eggs than conventional human pluripotent stem cells and have advantages such as low DNA methylation levels. Conversely, we aim to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of reprogramming, including epigenomic regulation, because they remain largely elusive.

Early human development is a black box that is technically and ethically difficult to study. We, the first in the world to establish naive pluripotent stem cells, are now using them to build human stem cell-based embryo models (embryo-like organoids; embryoids) to study early development. The goal is to understand early human development and generate organoids for potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Regeneration of damaged organs and tissues in vivo is the ultimate goal of regenerative medicine. We have successfully established trophoblast stem cells from naive pluripotent stem cells and aim to apply this technology to reprogramming and treatments of the placenta, an essential organ for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy that causes fatal conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension when it malfunctions. Our goal is to perform in vivo reprogramming to regenerate not only this vital organ for pregnancy but also various other organs.

Although we primarily aim to understand human development, in vivo human studies cannot be performed. Therefore, it is important to develop animal models to understand human development. Indeed, mouse models have significantly contributed to human health. We aim to contribute to our understanding of human development by analyzing primates closely related to humans.