Multicellular organisms build their bodies by repeatedly undergoing cell division starting from a fertilized egg. The cells produced through cleavage change their characteristics depending on their position. The production and removal of signaling molecules that shape body patterns must occur at precisely the right moment within the limited timeframe of development. This timely switching is made possible by the programmed cell death (apoptosis) of the cells of the signal center that produce these signaling molecules.

Additionally, during development, many cells that fail to differentiate properly also appear. Such cells are promptly eliminated from the organism. The mechanisms of cell death are integrated into the creative process of development.

Once development is complete, the body grows rapidly and reaches sexual maturity, enabling reproduction. However, this state does not last indefinitely—organisms cannot live beyond their maximum lifespan. Aging process is also integrated into life history. While organisms adapt to environmental changes or tissue damage to sustain life, a phenomenon known as dormancy, in which development and growth temporarily pause, is also known as a biological response.

By investigating mechanisms that reduce cell or organismal vigor—such as cell death, aging, and dormancy—we aim to deepen our understanding of organismal healthy life history.

Research Projects

• • Regulation of cell vigor by methionine/SAM metabolism
• • Regulation of cell vigor by diphthamide modification of translation elongation factor 2