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Our Research Interests
Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Genomics, Single-Cell Transcriptomics, Photosymbiosis
Current Projects
Genetic Regulation and Evolution of Symbiotic Cell States
Animal–algal photosymbiosis is a fascinating process in which microalgae reside within an animal host, forming an intimate and often essential partnership. During photosymbiosis, the algal cells supply the host with photosynthetic products such as sugars. Successful symbiosis depends on the finely tuned coordination of gene regulation between host and symbiont. To uncover the underlying mechanisms, we investigate the genomic basis and transcriptional regulation that enable the establishment and maintenance of animal–algal symbiosis.
In parallel, we explore how changes in genome structure influence gene regulation and the evolution of animal body plans. We also use rare genomic rearrangements as markers to resolve deep phylogenetic relationships among animals.
Research Directions:
Symbiosis genomics and evolution of acoels (Symsagittifera and Praesagittifera)
Symbiosis genomics and reproduction of corals (Galaxea and Euphyllia)
Evolutionary developmental biology of marine invertebrates (brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans)
Approaches:
Comparative genomics
Functional genomics
Single-cell transcriptomics
Confocal image of an adult Symsagittifera worm showing nuclei (cyan), muscle fibres (yellow), and symbiotic green algae (magenta). Image by Tosuke Sakagami.
Previous Projects | Link
Regulation of acoel stem cell fate
Evolution of animal genomes
Evolution of gene regulatory networks in deuterostomes
Specification of germlines and sensory neurons in chordates
Coral–dinoflagellate endosymbiosis
Funding
Our research has been funded by a range of funders across the globe, including Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS, Japan), Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP, International), Royal Society (UK), Academia Sinica (Taiwan), and National Science and Technology Council (NSTC, Taiwan).
The current and past direct funding includes:
National Science and Technology Council Research Project Grant
Academia Sinica Grand Challenge Program Seed Grant
Academia Sinica Career Development Award
Royal Society International Exchanges Grant (Cost Share Programme with NSTC)
Royal Society Newton International Fellowship
Human Frontier Science Program Long-Term Fellowship
Grant-in-Aid for Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellows
People from around the world have joined our lab with personal support from various fellowship and exchange programs, including Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Japan), Royal Society (UK), and Company of Biologists (UK).
Current and past fellowships and exchange support include:
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Overseas Research Fellowships
Royal Society International Exchanges Scheme
The Company of Biologists Travelling Fellowships
Banner image: Symsagittifera acoel worm by Tosuke Sakagami
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