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Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine Lab
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The lab investigates how the stem cells that produce blood replicate themselves, and how that process breaks down.
AboutAbout the lab
Understanding stem cells at the molecular level and applying that knowledge
The lab studies, at the molecular level, how hematopoietic stem cells, which produce blood, replicate themselves (self-renewal).
It has become clear that when the mechanisms controlling stem cells break down, many diseases can result, and the lab also works to understand this.
In particular, from the perspective of "stem cell aging and disease," the lab investigates how the properties of hematopoietic stem cells change with age and how those changes contribute to the onset of blood cancers.
The lab aims to apply its findings to regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
Key terms
- Hematopoietic stem cell
- A stem cell found in the bone marrow that gives rise to all types of blood cells, including red blood cells and white blood cells
- Self-renewal
- The process by which a stem cell divides and continues to produce stem cells with the same properties as itself
- Epigenetics
- A mechanism that switches gene activity on and off through marks attached to DNA and histones, without changing the DNA sequence
ResearchResearch themes
The lab's central aim is to uncover the molecular basis of how hematopoietic stem cells self-renew. It also studies diseases that arise when this mechanism breaks down, especially the link between age-related changes in hematopoietic stem cells and the onset of blood cancers.
*Illustrative imageHow stem cells self-renew
Focusing on the "cellular memory" that stem cells retain through cell division, the lab analyzes the epigenetics of hematopoietic stem cells, using approaches such as Polycomb group complexes, which are involved in histone modification. It also aims to develop methods for controlling stem cells.
*Illustrative imageEpigenetics of cancer and aging
Disruption of gene regulation through chemical modifications of DNA and histones contributes to the development of cancer. Focusing mainly on hematologic malignancies and the aging of hematopoietic stem cells, the lab conducts research that could lead to new treatments.
*Illustrative imageComprehensive analysis of epigenome changes
The lab comprehensively analyzes epigenomic changes associated with aging and cancer using next-generation sequencing technologies such as ChIP-seq, RRBS, and ATAC-seq.
MembersFaculty
The lab's members consist of faculty, project researchers, visiting researchers, doctoral students, and staff (academic specialists, technical specialists, and project specialists).As of 2026
- ProfessorAtsushi IwamaPublications ↗
- LecturerMotohiko OshimaPublications ↗
- Assistant ProfessorYaeko Nakajima-TakagiPublications ↗
- Project Assistant ProfessorTakako Yokomizo
- Project Assistant ProfessorShuhei KoidePublications ↗
- Project Assistant ProfessorMinori TamaiPublications ↗
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images.
- Top image: “Hematopoietic Stem Cell (NIH BioArt 199)” Courtesy of NIAID Ryan Kissinger / Public domain (cropped)
- How stem cells self-renew: “Chromatin and histones” Darryl Leja, NHGRI / Public domain (cropped)
- Epigenetics of cancer and aging: “Xenopus laevis nucleosome, Histone H3.3C (2) 1AOI” Luger K, Mäder AW, Richmond RK, Sargent DF, Richmond TJ / CC0 (cropped)
- Comprehensive analysis of epigenome changes: “Next Gen Sequencer (NIH BioArt 386)” Courtesy of NIAID Ryan Kissinger / Public domain (cropped)
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