Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Department of Biological Sciences
Graduate School of Science
The University of Tokyo

Labs Siomi Lab

JP

Core Division / Biophysics and Biochemistry Siomi Lab RNA Biology

Laboratory Website

Professor Mikiko Siomi

Assistant Professor Shigeki Hirakata

Assistant Professor Hiroya Yamazaki

Assistant Professor Yurika Namba

Subject of research

  1. 1. Molecular mechanism of biogenesis of small RNA expressed in reproductive tissues
  2. 2. Molecular mechanism of repression of transposon expression in germ cells
  3. 3. Epigenome formation process in mouse germ cells

Understanding the Biological Defense System Mediated by RNA Silencing

The stable maintenance of genomic integrity is essential for the survival of a species. Among the various cell types in multicellular organisms, germ cells are particularly important, serving as carriers that transmit genetic information to the next generation through meiosis and fertilization. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we have demonstrated that RNA silencing—driven by small non-coding RNAs (20–30 nucleotides in length)—plays a central role in safeguarding the genome in germ cells and preserving reproductive capacity. Moving forward, we aim to extend our research to mammalian germ cells to unravel the complex regulatory mechanisms of RNA silencing and its influence on the epigenome, through a combination of biochemical and computational approaches.
  • Elucidation of the principle of biogenesis and mechanism of action of small RNA molecules in germ cells