Focus 1
"Induction and Early Patterning of Vertebrate Neural Tissues"
We wish to understand the molecular and cellular bases of vertebrate neural induction (i.e., the initial step of neurogenesis) and early ectodermal patterning following the primary induction. We have isolated a number of regulatory genes essential for neural determination and neural crest development. Also, we have recently identified XsalF as a master regulator of forebrain-midbrain determination. For Focus 1, the primary experimental animal we use is Xenopus.

Focus 2
"Secreted Patterning Signals that Provide Positional Information in CNS Development"
We wish to identify new patterning signals that give positional information to differentiating neural cells in the central nervous system (CNS), and analyzed their in vivo roles. For instance, Xenopus Tiarin is a novel olfactomedin-class secreted molecule that induces the dorsal specification of the CNS tissue. We use Xenopus, chick and mice for the study of Focus 2.

Focus 3
"Establishment of in vitro Neural Differentiation Systems Using ES Cells"
By using mouse ES cells, we study molecular mechanims of neural induction and specification. We have recently established efficient in vitro neural differentiation systems of ES cells. One of them uses the inducing activity of PA6 stromal cells (SDIA activity) and causes neural differentiation selectively and rapidly. We are also interested in developing feeder-free neural induction systems. By using these systems, we wish to understand signals that define the positional identity of cells in the embryonic nervous systems.

Focus 4
"Application of in vitro Produced Neural and Sensory Cells to Regenerative Medicine"
The goal of this study is to establish the technical bases of the production of neurons to be used in regenerative medicine for diseases. For instance, we have succeeded in producing dopaminergic neurons and retinal pigment epithelium from ES cells in vitro, which may be relevant to Parkinsonﾕs disease and retinal degeneration. Focus 4 is studied in close collaboration with Kyoto University Hospital.