【Major Papers of the Laboratory】
・Yamashita A, Yoshitomi H, Kihara S, Toguchida J, Tsumaki N.  「Culture substrate-associated YAP inactivation underlies chondrogenic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells」『STEM CELLS Transl Med』10(1):115-127. 2021
・Yamashita A, Morioka M, Yahara Y, Okada M, Kobayashi T, Kuriyama S, Matsuda S, Tsumaki N.「Generation of scaffoldless hyaline cartilaginous tissue from human iPSCs」『Stem Cell Reports』4(3), 404-418. 2015 
・Yamashita A, Morioka M, Kishi H, Kimura T, Yahara Y, Okada M, Fujita K, Sawai H, Ikegawa S, Tsumaki N.「Statin treatment rescues FGFR3 skeletal dysplasia phenotypes.」『Nature』513(7519): 507-11. 2014

【Education】
We provide education in histology and embryology through lectures and practical classes. 
Students learn:
(1) the histological structure of major human organs and the functions of their constituent cells;
(2) the histological structure of teeth and periodontal tissues, as well as the development of the teeth and craniofacial region; and
(3) early human embryonic development.
In histology practicals, students observe histological specimens of major organs and oral tissues under the microscope to understand normal tissue structure and function.
 

【Research】
We aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of musculoskeletal tissues, with a particular focus on bone and cartilage. Focusing on cartilage as a fundamental tissue for skeletal formation, we investigate how musculoskeletal tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and periodontal tissues, are formed and maintained.
By utilizing genome editing technologies and multi-omics analyses, we seek to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating tissue development and homeostasis, and apply these insights toward regenerative medicine and drug discovery for musculoskeletal disorders.