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Molecular Genetics Lab
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The lab studies how genetic information is passed to the next generation, starting from spermatogonial stem cells, the cells that give rise to sperm.
AboutAbout the lab
Understanding the cells that pass genetic information to the next generation
The Molecular Genetics Lab (Shinohara Lab) focuses on spermatogonial stem cells, the source of sperm, and studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which an individual passes genetic information to the next generation.
Among germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells are the only ones with the ability to keep producing copies of themselves (self-renewal).
The lab established a culture method that allows spermatogonial stem cells to be expanded for a long time in vitro, and named these cells GS cells.
It aims to apply the knowledge gained to gene modification technology and medicine.
Key terms
- Spermatogonial stem cell
- A stem cell that exists in very small numbers in the testis and gives rise to sperm. It can keep producing copies of itself
- Self-renewal
- The process in which a stem cell divides to produce a stem cell with the same properties as itself
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- A method of fertilization in which a single sperm is injected into an egg with a fine needle. It is used in assisted reproductive technology
NewsLab news
View More ↗ResearchResearch themes
The lab established a culture system (GS cells) that expands spermatogonial stem cells in vitro, and has developed a new method of gene modification that does not rely on eggs or embryos. It now studies how spermatogonial stem cells self-renew, how assisted reproductive technology affects offspring, and how stem cells maintain their genomes.
*Illustrative imageHow spermatogonial stem cells self-renew
Stem cells maintain a balance between divisions that preserve stem cells and divisions that produce differentiated cells. Using transplantation methods and culture-system experiments, the lab investigates how spermatogonial stem cells control this self-renewal and differentiation.
*Illustrative imageEffects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection on offspring
By examining the descendants of mice born through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the lab found that implantation failure, malformations, and behavioral abnormalities occur in the grandchild generation. It aims to clarify how assisted reproductive technology affects offspring across generations, and the mechanisms behind these effects.
*Illustrative imageAging of spermatogonial stem cells and the mechanisms that protect the genome
GS cells continue to proliferate as stem cells for more than two years and can produce normal offspring. Using long-cultured GS cells and aged mice, the lab investigates how an intact genome is passed on to offspring.
MembersFaculty
- ProfessorTakashi Shinohara
- LecturerMito Shinohara
- Assistant ProfessorHiroko Morimoto
- Assistant ProfessorTakehiro Miyazaki
- Assistant ProfessorYusuke Shiromoto
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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. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Brinster Male germline stem cell transplantation” Credd7398 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- How spermatogonial stem cells self-renew: “AA09260a” SozvezdieL / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection on offspring: “ICSI Procedure” Manu5 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Aging of spermatogonial stem cells and the mechanisms that protect the genome: “Icsi” 作者不詳 / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (Functional Micromorphology Lab): “Macaca fascicularis Ao Nang 5” kallerna / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Tumor Biology (Pathology II) Lab): “Whole slide image of H&E stained breast tumour tissue” KajsaMollersen / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
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