Download For fertilized eggs to form complex animal structures, cells have to

FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS
Project Title: Spatio-temporal regulation of cell polarity and cell shape during embryogenesis
Name: Asako SUGIMOTO
Institution: Tohoku University
1. Background of research
For fertilized eggs to form complex animal structures, cells have to divide, move, and change their shapes in
a coordinated manner. These dynamic cellular behaviors are programmed in the genome that contains
~20,000 genes inherited from parents. However, it is not fully understood when, where, and how these genes
function and how they cooperate each other during animal development.
2. Research objectives
In this study, we will analyze how genes contained in the genome work cooperatively in the control of cell
division, cell shape change, and cell movement, by using embryogenesis of the nematode Caenorhabditis
elegans as a model system.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity)
We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms that control dynamic cellular behaviors by using state-ofthe-arts technologies of high-resolution live-imaging microscopy and manipulation of gene functions. We will
visualize cytoskeletal proteins and their regulators in live C. elegans embryos and analyze their behaviors
within the cells. We also analyze how these protein behaviors are affected by manipulation of other gene
functions.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research
Defects in cell divisions, cell shape change and cell migration will lead to various diseases including cancer
and abnormal development. By elucidating the genomic control of cellular dynamics, this study will provide
new insights into the biology and potential cures of these genetic diseases.