Germ cells, Sex chromosomes, Epigenetics : Mysteries of Life.
One of the greatest mysteries in biology concerns how life has perpetuated, and continues to perpetuate, from generation to generation. A key feature of the mammalian germline is sexual dimorphism: the dual developmental processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. These processes are inherently complex, which poses significant challenges to understanding the perpetuity of life and the development of treatments for germline-derived genetic and epigenetic diseases. We have worked to construct a detailed picture of the epigenetic mechanisms that govern mammalian spermatogenesis. Of note, our research is currently unveiling a revolutionary concept of meiosis as a global epigenomic reprogramming process, changing established views on meiosis. Our research directions converge to address how epigenetic mechanisms govern spermatogenesis and oogenesis, culminating in the generation of functional sperm and eggs. We will elucidate the global epigenetic mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis from the stem cell stage to sperm production, with an emphasis on dynamic changes in the epigenetic machinery and their importance to the next generation. We will also determine the molecular functions of DNA damage response pathways—which direct meiotic sex chromosome inactivation—in the epigenetic regulation of the sex chromosomes. To complement our study of male germ cells, we will determine epigenetic mechanisms underlying critical stages of oogenesis. Ultimately, we will reveal distinct features and unifying principles of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Through the culmination of our research, we are uniquely positioned to clarify how fundamental germline mechanisms intersect to ensure genome maintenance, genome defense, and epigenetic gene regulation on a systemic level.
11/28/2022: Hiro and Vihan’s paper was published!
09/01/2022: Jasmine received the Ford fellowship. Congrats, Jasmine!
08/11/2022: Mengwen’s paper was published and featured in 17 news outlets!
05/01/2022: Yasu received the Lalor foundation fellowship. Congrats, Yasu!
11/01/2021: Yuka received a funding decision for the TOYOBO postdoc fellowship. Congrats, Yuka!
10/01/2021: Yuka Kitamura Joined the lab, Welcome, Yuka!
07/05/2021: Hiro’s paper was published in BOR! Congrats, Hiro!
07/05/2021: NIGMS R35 award was funded for next five years!
07/01/2021: Kai Otsuka joined the lab. Welcome, Kai!
06/08/2021: Jasmine was selected for a trainee of T32 MCB Training Program. Congrats, Jasmine!
03/20/2021: Jasmine Esparza joined us from the BMCDB graduate group. Welcome, Jasmine!
11/01/2020: The Namekawa lab has moved from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to UC Davis.
Scientists finally decode how the ovary’s egg-production capacity changes with age
How 3D Arrangement of DNA Helps Perpetuate the Species
The XY body: an attractive chromatin domain
Viruses Play Critical Role in Evolution and Survival of the Species