All the vertebrate brains develop from a single layer of epithelial cells that function as neural stem cells, which go through common processes: the initial proliferative phase, and the subsequent neurogenic phase, at which neural stem cells undergo asymmetric cell divisions to generate self-renewing and differentiating daughter cells. Especially, the mammalian brain has rapidly evolved to explosively increase the neuron number and brain size, leading to gyrification. We explore both the principles underlying common processes for brain formation as well as specific mechanisms that allowed the mammals to develop into such complex brains, ultimately enabling human to gain intelligence. We use mouse and ferret that form the folded brain as models.

Meiosis in oocytes is prone to chromosome segregation errors and thus frequently produces aneuploid eggs. The aneuploidy of eggs is a leading cause of pregnancy loss and congenital diseases such as Down syndrome. We aim to understand the causes of chromosome segregation errors in oocytes. We will reveal molecular mechanisms of how unique features of oocytes and age-related effects predispose to chromosome segregation errors. The mechanisms in oocytes will be compared with those in eggs and zygotes, by which we will understand differentiation of intracellular mechanisms through development. By understanding how aging affects chromosome segregation in oocytes, we will provide insights into how events at cell, tissue and organ levels are interconnected at different life stages.

 Prometaphase belt of chromosomes

A kidney organoid generated from human pluripotent stem cells