English
Welcome to the Saito Laboratory
Germ cells are the only cells that transmit genetic information across generations. Despite their fundamental importance, many questions about their biology remain unanswered. Why do germ cells arise outside the embryo? How do they migrate long distances through diverse embryonic environments? How do they preserve their identity while surrounding cells differentiate? And what ultimately defines germ cell identity?
Our laboratory addresses these fundamental questions using avian embryos, which provide a unique experimental platform for live imaging, genetic manipulation, and in vivo functional analysis. By integrating developmental biology, cell biology, genomics, and mechanobiology, we seek to uncover the universal principles governing germ cell biology.
Research Topics
- Origin of germ cells
- Mechanisms of germ cell migration
- Maintenance of germ cell identity
- Physical regulation of cell fate
- Comparative biology of germ cells and cancer metastasis
- Development of avian experimental systems
Why avian embryos?
Chicken primordial germ cells can be cultured long-term, genetically manipulated, and reintroduced into embryos. Combined with the accessibility of avian embryos for live imaging, this system enables us to directly visualize and manipulate germ cell behavior in vivo. We also develop transgenic chickens and novel imaging tools to investigate developmental processes at single-cell resolution.
We are always looking for motivated students and collaborators.
If you are interested in developmental biology, cell migration, mechanobiology, germ cell biology, or cancer metastasis, please feel free to contact us.
