3．Research Resources & Collaboration

Colorectal Cancer Models and Functional Genomics

We use APC-mutant mouse models, reporter mice, and mouse- and human-derived colorectal organoids to investigate the functions of genes involved in tumor initiation and progression.

In particular, we employ organoid-based CRISPR screening and genome-editing technologies to functionally characterize cancer-associated genes, identify genetic dependencies of mutant cells, and investigate their interactions with the tissue microenvironment during early tumorigenesis. We also perform functional studies of human colorectal tumors using organoids derived from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

In Vivo Cancer Gene Discovery Platform

We employ Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon-based in vivo mutagenesis screens (Ref to systematically identify genes involved in tumor initiation, malignant progression, and metastasis.

By using tissue-specific Cre, this platform can be applied to model a variety of cancer types. The resulting tumors show genetic heterogeneity and carry several genetic alterations that are also identified in human cancers, recapitulating key features of human tumorigenesis.
Furthermore, this platform enables us to identify genetic alterations that are preferentially selected under specific environmental conditions, including chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and therapeutic pressure.

We welcome inquiries from researchers interested in collaborations using our experimental models and functional genomics platforms.