The reproductive cells in our bodies are the only cells that transmit life to the next generation through the formation of eggs and sperm. During the formation of eggs and sperm, meiosis is necessary to reduce the number of chromosomes containing genetic information by half for subsequent fertilization and embryo development.
We are aiming to elucidate the basic mechanisms of meiosis and its sexual and species differences by utilizing technologies such as developmental engineering and genetic engineering.
These studies are expected to contribute to elucidating the causes of infertility, developing reproductive medicine and contraceptive drugs, and even improving animal and livestock breeding.
Educational content
Cherish your curiosity and enjoy each discovery
Oogenesis and spermatogenesis occur in the ovaries and testes of animals during their development, differentiation, and sexual maturation. Unlike eggs in the ovary, sperm are produced in the testis through a cycle of meiosis that occurs periodically throughout most of the male life.
We mainly use mice and pigs as models, focusing on how periodicity and homeostasis are maintained in spermatogenesis, while analyzing sexual and species differences in meiosis and their effects on fertility. We strive to provide research and education that expose students to the latest trends in the field of life sciences, help them acquire knowledge and experimental techniques, foster an affinity for agriculture and life sciences, and inspire them to contribute to solving the problems facing humanity.
Prospects for joint research and industry-academia collaboration
Contributing to the health and well-being of people through efficient animal production and the investigation of the causes of infertility
In livestock animals, including cattle and pigs, reproductive disorders such as a decrease in the number and quality of sperm in males are known to be risk factors for low conception rates in females. In addition, techniques for producing functional sperm by transplanting spermatogonial cells, which are the precursors of sperm, from outside the body have been developed in fish, birds, and mammals. This technology is expected to have various applications, including the cryopreservation of genetic resources, the creation of genetically modified organisms, and efficient animal production.
In humans, infertility is a socially important issue, with an estimated one in five couples in Japan struggling with it. Approximately half of infertility cases are caused by male factors, with the main causes being sperm production disorders and chromosomal abnormalities caused by meiosis. In addition, against the backdrop of recent trends toward later marriage, increased attention is being paid to the effects of aging on sperm and male fertility.
By using model mice and pigs to elucidate the mechanisms underlying meiosis and spermatogenesis, we aim to contribute to human health and welfare through applications in animal agriculture and the development of treatments for infertility.
