Plenary Lectures

The germ-cell lineage ensures the creation of new individuals, perpetuating/diversifying the genetic and epigenetic information across the generations. We have been investigating the mechanism for germ-cell development, and have shown that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs)/induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) are induced into primordial germ cell-like cells (mPGCLCs) with a robust capacity both for spermatogenesis and oogenesis and for contributing to offspring. These works have served as a basis for elucidating key mechanisms during germ-cell development such as epigenetic reprogramming, sex determination, meiotic entry, and nucleome programming...

By investigating the development of cynomolgus monkeys as a primate model, we have defined a developmental coordinate of pluripotency among mice, monkeys, and humans, identified the origin of the primate germ-cell lineage in the amnion, and have elucidated the X-chromosome dosage compensation program in primates. Accordingly, we have succeeded in inducing human iPSCs (hiPSCs) into human PGCLCs (hPGCLCs) and then into oogonia with appropriate epigenetic reprogramming. We have also shown that hPGCLCs can be propagated to ~106-fold over a period of 4 months under a defined condition. More recently, we have demonstrated an ex vivo reconstitution of fetal oocyte development in humans and monkeys, and an in vitro induction of meiotic fetal oocytes in monkeys. These studies have established a foundation for human in vitro gametogenesis.

Here, I would like to provide an overview of these works and discuss our latest findings. Building upon such progresses, I will also introduce our ongoing endeavors toward promoting advanced studies of human biology.

Vaccination is now the most successful method for eradicating infectious diseases. It also has the potential to prevent and/or treat cancer. A deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved in an immune response is needed in order to advance the fields of immunotherapy and vaccine development. The Mintern laboratory examines the molecular pathways that enhance efficient immunity during vaccination, infection, and cancer immunity. To do this, Professor Justine Mintern and the members of her research team investigate the fundamental biology of dendritic cells. This involves investigation of cellular pathways including endocytosis, recycling, ubiquitin-mediated trafficking, and autophagy, as well as identifying...new molecular machinery involved in intracellular trafficking of critical molecules required for dendritic cell function. The Mintern laboratory applies the knowledge gained by studying these processes to develop vaccine technology, particularly through the employment of innovative nanoparticle vaccines that can produce potent immunity in the presence of infection and cancer.