Namekawa Lab
Principal Investigator: Satoshi Namekawa
Institution: University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: ✅ Accepting PhD Students ✅ Hiring Postdocs
Research Focus
Abstract One of the most profound mysteries in biology is how life continues to perpetuate from generation to generation. This continuity depends on the formation of specialized gametes through sexually dimorphic processes, with spermatogenesis producing sperm and oogenesis producing eggs. While male and female germlines follow unidirectional developmental programs to generate functional gametes, they also preserve their germline identity throughout adulthood. Our research converges on the central question: How do epigenetic mechanisms govern these processes? To address key knowledge gaps surrounding this question, we pursue three interconnected research areas. In Research Area 1, we will extend our ongoing efforts to define mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation in male germ cells. We will address how the male germline uses epigenetic priming to maintain a long-term spermatogonial stem cell population while simultaneously instructing the unidirectional male differentiation program, including meiosis and spermiogenesis. In Research Area 2, we will build on our current studies of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, an essential event in male germ cell development. This research d…
Active NIH Awards
- 2R35GM141085-06: Epigenetic gene regulation in the germline (2026)
- 5R35GM141085-05: Epigenetic gene regulation in the germline (2025)
- 3R35GM141085-04S2: Epigenetic gene regulations in the germline (2024)
- 5R35GM141085-04: Epigenetic gene regulation in the germline (2024)
- 3R35GM141085-04S1: Epigenetic gene regulation in the germline (2024)
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