Research
Our Research Interests
Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Genomics, Single-Cell Transcriptomics, Symbiosis
Current Projects
Genetic Regulation and Evolution of Symbiotic Cell States
Animal–algal endosymbiosis is a remarkable phenomenon in which microalgae reside within an animal host, establishing a close and often essential relationship. Successful symbiosis hinges on the precise orchestration of gene regulation between the host and the symbiont. To better understand this regulation, we are studying the genomic basis and transcriptional regulation for initiating and maintaining animal—algal symbiosis.
Research Directions:
Symbiosis genomics and evolution of acoels (Symsagittifera*, Praesagittifera, Waminoa)
Symbiosis genomics and microbiome of corals (Galaxea, Euphyllia, Stylophora)
Evolutionary developmental biology of marine invertebrates (brachiopods, bryozoans, annelids)
Approaches:
Comparative genomics
Functional genomics
Single-cell transcriptomics
*SPLiT-seq experiments are a collaboration with Jordi Solana.
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 Career Development Award
Royal Society International Exchanges Award (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
