Our laboratory focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern tissue regeneration and developing next-generation regenerative therapies based on stem cells and organoid technologies. We aim to bridge basic stem cell biology with translational applications, with a particular emphasis on restoring tissue function in degenerative and chronic diseases.
A central theme of our research is to uncover how regenerative capacity is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels, and how it can be enhanced or reprogrammed. Among these, aging represents one of the major biological contexts in which regenerative function is compromised. By investigating the interplay between stem cell function, tissue environment, and disease states, we seek to identify strategies that can restore or even enhance regeneration.
1. Regulation of Stem Cell Function and Tissue Regeneration
We investigate the key molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell function and tissue regeneration. Using intestinal stem cells as a primary model system, we aim to define how regenerative capacity is maintained, impaired, and restored under various physiological and pathological conditions, including aging. Our goal is to identify regulatory pathways that can be targeted to enhance tissue repair.
2. Organoid-Based Disease Modeling and Drug Screening
We develop advanced organoid models that recapitulate tissue-specific physiology and disease states. These systems enable us to model complex conditions, including aging-related dysfunction, in a controlled in vitro environment. Based on these platforms, we establish customized drug screening pipelines to identify candidate molecules that promote tissue regeneration and functional recovery.
3. Organoid-Based Regenerative Therapy
We aim to translate stem cell and organoid technologies into therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration. By utilizing disease-relevant animal models, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of organoid transplantation. Our long-term goal is to develop clinically applicable regenerative therapies that can overcome the limitations of current treatments for intractable diseases.
