How do chromosomes divide?
In a body, every single cell has the same number of chromosomes. This is because when a cell divides, the replicated chromatids are equally segregated into daughter cells. But, the first meiotic division is a clear exception. This division segregates maternal and paternal chromosomes for production of eggs and sperms, which are the origin of a new life. What is the story behind this division?
Read More
News
18 November, 2024
Lab Excursion
We went on a lab excursion to celebrate Kohei's paper and to welcome David and Katerina from IAPG, Czech. After harvesting potatoes at Nakai Farm in Kobe, we enjoyed a BBQ at Kobe Fruit and Flower Park.
18 November, 2024
IAPG researchers visit our lab from Czech Republic
As part of JSPS Bilateral Joint Research Project, Dr. David Drutovic（Group Leader) and Ms. Katerina Holubova (Trainee) from Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IAPG CAS) visited our lab. Katerina will stay for a month to learn live imaging techniques.
22 October, 2024
SMC Complexes: Orchestrating Diverse Genome Functions
Kohei Asai presented a poster at NIG & RIKEN International Symposium 2024 SMC Complexes: Orchestrating Diverse Genome Functions which was held in Numazu from 15 to 18 October, 2024.
15 October, 2024
Age-Dependent Ovarian Toxicity of Chemotherapy
In a collaborative study between Dr. Takenaka of Gifu University and visiting researcher Dr. Takase, we investigated the effects of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide on the primordial follicles of juvenile mice. Our results showed that younger mice experienced higher levels of DNA damage and apoptosis, leading to a significant reduction in ovarian reserve.
Takenaka M*⁺, Takase HM*⁺, Suzuki NN, Saigo C, Takeuchi T, and Furui T (*These authors contributed equally to this work, ⁺Co-corresponding authors), "Effect and mechanisms of cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity on the quality of primordial follicles with respect to age at treatment initiation", Reproductive Biology, 24(4), (2024) doi: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100959
・Reproductive Biology
24 September, 2024
Construction of functional artificial kinetochore beads in cells
The kinetochore is a macromolecular complex built on centromeric DNA of chromosomes. It plays an essential role in chromosome segregation by mediating the dynamic regulation of attachment to spindle microtubules. In this study, we developed functional artificial kinetochore beads in cells. Like native chromosomes, artificial kinetochore beads align at the spindle equator with stable microtubule attachment to the opposite poles. The artificial kinetochore beads will serve as a tool to develop strategies for manipulating chromosome segregation.
Asai K, Zhou Y, Takenouchi O, and Kitajima TS, "Artificial kinetochore beads establish a biorientation-like state in the spindle", Science, Sep. 20: 385(6715), 1366-1375 (2024) doi: 10.1126/science.adn5428
・Science
Upcoming Events
6 November - 8 November, 2024
EMBO Workshop "Molecular Mechanisms of Developmental and Regenerative Biology"
18 November, 2024
Oocyte Day at Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague
27 November - 29 November, 2024
The 47th Annual Meeting of the Molecular Biology Society of Japan