Content of research

The cells that make up the body of an animal cell are diploid, having two sets of genomes, one maternal and one paternal. In contrast, unfertilized eggs, which normally do not proliferate as such, become monoploid embryos with only the maternal genome, when they are activated to induce individual development (monogenesis). If monoploid individuals can be obtained from them, it will be very useful for genetic engineering and pure line creation. However, in vertebrates in general, monoploid embryos die due to the early developmental abnormality called “hemiparity syndrome,” so the use of monoploid embryo technology has not been realized yet. Using human cultured cells and early mouse embryos as models, we aim to clarify the effects of the monoploid state on developmental processes at the cellular level using molecular cell biology techniques. Based on these results, we aim to establish a cell manipulation method to eliminate the hemiploidy syndrome and to create viable monoploid individuals with stable traits.

Potential for social implementation

• ・Improving the efficiency of genetically modified cell production
• ・Breeding of marine and livestock resources

Appealing points to industry and local governments

With the innovative progress of genome editing technology, the importance and industrial value of monoploid population control technology, which enables highly efficient genetic manipulation and creation of pure strains, is increasing. We aim to contribute to the development of marine and livestock resources with high industrial value by actively sharing with industry the knowledge obtained through basic research on the physiological effects of monoploids using cell and individual experimental models.