Research Interests
Developing a new therapeutic strategy
to treat spinal ligament ossification.
Our research aims to develop a new therapeutic strategy to treat spinal ligament ossification by targeting the mechanisms that drive heterotopic bone formation in spinal soft tissues or Achilles tendon. A central concept of the project is heterotopic ossification, the formation of mature bone in extraskeletal soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and fascia. Building on this idea, the research views heterotopic ossification as a disorder driven by diverse factors, including aberrant cell signaling, calcium ion dependent changes, and mechanical stimulation.
We aim to discover new therapies by integrating these multiple mechanistic perspectives.
Research on the mechanism of tendon development and formation.
Our research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that govern tendon formation and homeostasis, with particular emphasis on the signaling pathways that drive tenocyte differentiation and maturation. A central theme is to define how key developmental regulators such as SCX and mechanosensitive pathways including YAP/TAZ, TGFβ, and integrin signaling coordinate gene expression programs during tendon development. We mainly focus on Hippo signaling which is key signaling pathway for cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and organ sizing. Through tenogenesis cell culture system and observing Xenopus laevis embryo tendon structure, we can study about tendon developmental process.
Study for rare pediatric disease using Xenopus laevis model.
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pediatric rare diseases using Xenopus laevis as a vertebrate model organism. By exploiting the accessibility of early Xenopus embryos, we perform targeted gene perturbation through morpholino-mediated knockdown or CRISPR-based genome editing, enabling rapid and efficient assessment of how specific genetic mutations give rise to distinct phenotypic outcomes in vivo. This experimental framework allows us to systematically investigate disease etiology and to establish phenotype-driven platforms for therapeutic exploration, including small-molecule drug screening aimed at disease rescue.
A major area of interest in our laboratory is the study of multiciliated cells present on the surface epithelium of Xenopus laevis. Direct visualization and quantitative analysis of motile cilia provide a powerful system to model ciliopathies, a diverse group of human disorders caused by defects in cilia structure or function. Through integrated approaches combining in vivo imaging, functional rescue experiments, and molecular profiling techniques such as ChIP-seq and proteomics, we aim to link gene function to cellular architecture and organismal phenotypes. Ultimately, our work seeks to bridge developmental biology and disease modeling to advance mechanistic insight and translational strategies for pediatric rare diseases.
Study for redifferentiation strategy of
dedifferentiated chondrocyte during OA.
Our research focuses on developing redifferentiation-based therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis (OA) by targeting the phenotypic plasticity of mature chondrocytes. In OA, chondrocytes progressively lose their differentiated characteristics and functional capacity, contributing to cartilage degeneration. We investigate how mature chondrocytes can be intentionally driven into a dedifferentiated, more plastic state using defined molecular cues, thereby restoring their responsiveness to regenerative signals.
Study about target gene's effect on embryo regeneration.
Our research investigates the functional roles of target genes during embryonic regeneration using in vivo electroporation–based gene manipulation. By introducing candidate genes into specific regions of the embryo through localized electroporation, we achieve spatially controlled modulation of gene expression prior to tissue injury. Subsequent amputation allows direct assessment of how altered gene activity influences regenerative responses, including cell proliferation, patterning, and tissue restoration at the injury site.