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Genome Editing Technology Development Unit
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A technology development unit that uses genome editing to control gene function over time.
AboutAbout the lab
Programming the "time" of the genome
The Genome Editing Technology Development Unit views the genome as a "dynamic program" that changes over time, and studies how to control gene function from the outside.
The unit investigates how the circadian clock affects the function of joints and bones, and aims for "time-targeted drug discovery", which intervenes at the optimal time in line with biological rhythms.
The unit also develops technologies for creating its own research materials, such as mice and cell lines made with CRISPR/Cas9.
The unit also supports researchers who use genome editing, for example by taking commissions to generate genetically modified mice and by holding seminars that include hands-on training.
Key terms
- Chrono-genetics
- An approach that uses genome editing to control the function of a specific gene from the outside, including when and at what timing it takes effect
- Circadian rhythm
- A biological rhythm with a cycle of about one day, kept by the circadian clock
- Time-targeted drug discovery
- A way of developing drugs that intervene in disease at the most effective time, in line with biological rhythms
NewsLab news
Assistant Professor Ono received the Topic Presentation Award at the 135th Annual Meeting of the Japan Prosthodontic Society
A paper by Assistant Professor Ono et al. was published in Scientific Reports
A paper by Independent Associate Professor Takahata et al. was published in the Journal of Oral Biosciences
Research on Mic-628, a compound that advances the circadian clock, was published in PNAS
An Associate Professor received the 2025 Research Encouragement Award from the Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research
ResearchResearch themes
The unit pursues chrono-genetics: it reconsiders the genome not as a "static blueprint" but as a "dynamic program" that changes over time, and controls the function of specific genes from the outside, deciding when and at what timing they act. Its research rests on four pillars: gene switch control, the relationship between the circadian clock and the musculoskeletal system, connections among organs throughout the body, and the creation of its own research materials.
*Illustrative imageRemote Control of Gene Switches
The unit aims to build a mechanism that controls gene function when needed, using small-molecule compounds that respond specifically to sequences inserted by genome editing. The goal is a next-generation therapeutic strategy that improves disease conditions while minimizing systemic side effects.
*Illustrative imageCircadian Rhythms and Drug Discovery for Musculoskeletal Diseases
The unit studies the role of the circadian clock in the homeostasis of the musculoskeletal system, such as joints and bones. Mic-628, a compound the unit discovered, is a tool that advances the phase of clock genes independently of circadian rhythms, and the unit aims to establish time-targeted drug discovery for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
*Illustrative imageConnections Between the Musculoskeletal System and Organs Throughout the Body
The unit detects the faint signals sent out by joints and bones and studies the mechanisms that regulate aging and disease throughout the body. It analyzes how synchrony and divergence between the musculoskeletal system and whole-body organs affect health, and aims to identify biomarkers that detect pre-symptomatic disease states (mibyo).
*Illustrative imageCreating and Developing Original Research Materials
The unit independently develops rapid generation of animals using CRISPR/Cas9, as well as epigenetic control technologies that apply dCas9. It carries out highly original research starting from the mice and cell lines it has created itself.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Genome Editing Technology Development Unit consist of faculty members and technical assistants.As of 2026
- Associate ProfessorYoshifumi Takahata
- Assistant ProfessorEmi Ono
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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: “DNA-Helix-Rendering 20220603” PantheraLeo1359531 / CC0 (cropped)
- Remote Control of Gene Switches: “XBio illustration – Genome Editing” explorebiology / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Circadian Rhythms and Drug Discovery for Musculoskeletal Diseases: “Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis -- Smart-Servier” Laboratoires Servier / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Connections Between the Musculoskeletal System and Organs Throughout the Body: “3D rendering of bone joint with drug-eluting coating” Skyecaitlin258 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Creating and Developing Original Research Materials: “CRISPR-Cas9 Editing of the Genome ( )” National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (AI Research Unit): “OPG w56J” Couraco / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Bioinformatics Lab): “The Genome sequence when printed fills a huge book of close print” Stephencdickson / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Advanced Functional Materials Science Joint Research Lab): “Dental composites and tools” User:Mattes / CC0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Oral-Systemic Connection Joint Research Lab): “In a dental clinic, New Orleans, 2 April 2026 - 2” Infrogmation / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
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