Our Research Focus
研究の焦点
In mammals, the oocyte is the single cell that accepts sperm and supports the next generation of embryonic development. Thus, the oocyte is a pivotal player in sexual reproduction. Our lab investigates how this lone oocyte cell acquires the precise "developmental potentcy" to generate the full diversity of cell types and tissues. We study how its epigenome and 3D genome are remodelled over time by integrating single-cell multi-omics, nanopore sequencing and machine-learning models. Our goal is to reveal testable mechanisms of developmental potency.
Research Projects
研究テーマ
[Project A] Integrated AI Modeling of Oocytes
テーマ① 卵母細胞の統合AIモデリング
By combining the complementary strengths of single-cell analysis and bulk-cell technologies, we will cross-integrate epigenomic and three-dimensional structural data from diverse oocytes to reconstruct the developmental course of the oocyte, paving the way for in silico studies on virtual oocytes.
・Au Yeung WK, Maruyama O, Sasaki H. A convolutional neural network-based regression model to infer the epigenetic crosstalk responsible for CG methylation patterns. BMC Bioinformatics. 2021 Jun 23;22(1):341.
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[Project B] Sequencing Technology Development
テーマ② シーケンシング技術の開発
We are developing new epigenomic methods to study epigenome, taking advantage of the Oxford Nanopore sequencer’s ability to read long and native DNA molecules, beyond the capabilities of conventional next-generation sequencing technologies.
Our Research Environment
研究環境
Our laboratory is equipped with nanopore sequencers, high‑performance computers, and animal instruments. We foster an environment that integrates experimental biology with informatics.
