Ikawa Lab

AboutAbout the lab

Uncovering gene function in the whole organism

The Ikawa Lab (Department of Experimental Genome Research) develops tools for analyzing gene function using reproductive engineering and developmental engineering, and studies reproductive biology at the level of the whole organism.
The lab explains that methods for examining gene function in whole organisms, and animals whose genes have been artificially manipulated, have come to play a role in disease research and basic biological research.
In fertilization research, the lab uses knockout mice and transgenic mice to re-examine long-held established theories.
The lab carries out its research in collaboration with the Animal Resource Center for Infectious Diseases and the Center for Genetic Analysis of Biological Responses, both affiliated with the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, and also supports the production of genetically modified animals through the nonprofit organization Developmental Engineering Research Association.

ResearchResearch themes

The lab develops tools for analyzing gene function using reproductive engineering and developmental engineering. Building on this, it studies reproductive biology at the level of the whole organism and works to elucidate the mechanisms of fertilization.

*Illustrative image

Mechanisms of fertilization↗

Using knockout mice and transgenic mice, the lab re-examines long-held established theories and aims to describe how fertilization works at the level of the whole organism. It studies the steps from the sperm's journey to the egg, through binding to the zona pellucida, to fusion with the egg.

VoicesStudent voices

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