XB-LAB-1199
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Suzuki Lab
Research Interests
Emerging Model Organisms Facility at the National Institutes for Basic Biology, JapanResearch Area
1. Development of genome editing techniques for various organisms. Recent advances in the CRISPR-Cas system now allow for reverse genetics in various organisms. However, it has been hampered by the lack of a simple and efficient method for gene modification in most of the non-model organisms. To overcome this issue, we developed a highly-efficient workflow for gene knockout in the founder using this CIRSPR-Cas. We call the virtually knockout founders “crispants”. Crispant assay provides us with a practical and rapid tool for functional screening of numerous genes of interest beyond the post-genome era (Figure 1). Despite the practical utility of the knockout technique, there is still room for improvement in the integration of exogenous DNA into a target chromosomal site (i.e. knock-in), which is still somewhat limited in various organisms. Therefore, we are currently developing more efficient and practical knock-in techniques than conventional ones. 2. Finding new model organisms and deciphering organ regeneration One of our missions is to discover unique organisms and develop them as new model organisms for basic biology. A recent example of this is our recent establishment of the newt Pleurodeles waltl as an experimental model animal for regenerative biology using NGS and genome editing techniques. P. waltl possesses several excellent characteristics as a model animal: easy breeding, short sexual maturation period, remarkable regenerative capacity and comparatively high efficiency of genome editing (Figure 2). We are currently researching the molecular basis of organ regeneration using this newt. In addition, we widely support researchers who attempt to develop new model organisms contributing to the up-coming biology.Current Members
Suzuki, Ken-ichi T
(Principal Investigator/Director)
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