Gene Function Analysis Lab [Research Institute for Microbial Diseases]

AboutAbout the lab

Uncovering the mechanisms of fertilization at the whole-animal level

The Gene Function Analysis Lab studies reproductive biology at the whole-animal level, while developing tools to investigate gene function using reproductive engineering and developmental engineering.
Genetically modified animals, whose genes have been artificially manipulated, now play an important role in disease research and basic biological research.
On fertilization, the lab uses knockout mice and transgenic mice to re-examine long-held views.
The lab carries out its research in collaboration with the Animal Resource Center for Infectious Diseases and others, and also supports the production of genetically modified animals through the NPO Developmental Engineering Research Society.

ResearchResearch themes

The lab uses genetically modified animals to study gene function at the whole-animal level. For mammalian fertilization, it tests long-held views using knockout mice and other models, aiming to describe the mechanism in the living animal.

*Illustrative image

Mechanisms of fertilization↗

The lab investigates the whole process from a sperm meeting an egg, passing through the zona pellucida, and fusing with the egg, using knockout mice and other models together with cutting-edge imaging techniques. It is re-examining long-held views, such as the significance of sperm binding to the zona pellucida.

VoicesStudent voices

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