Solving the mysteries of bioscience
Foundational Science Fuels Breakthroughs
Inspiring Next-Generation Scientists
The Hamazaki Lab investigates the fundamental principles of human development by combining synthetic biology and stem cell-based embryo modeling.
The Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology is a collaboration between Allen Institute, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the University of Washington.
Goals and Approach
The Hamazaki lab has pioneered a stem cell technology that models post-implantation human embryo development, simulating the differentiation of neural, renal, cardiac, somatic, and endodermal lineages. This innovative platform enables the study of complex developmental processes without the ethical concerns associated with direct embryonic studies.
Human embryo development is orchestrated by the interplay of external signals, such as morphogens, and internal genetic networks. Disruptions in these pathways can lead to various developmental diseases. We developed RA- and AP-gastruloids to model these pathologies, ranging from posterior mesodermal disorders like congenital heart defects to severe neural tube and segmentation defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Recording the intra- and extracellular activities during human development lays the groundwork for advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. These advancements could significantly enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, mitigating congenital defects and improving quality of life.
Dr. Hamazaki is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genome Sciences, and the Brotman Baty Institute. He also serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at Kumamoto University, in Japan. He holds a PhD, Developmental Biology and Bioinformatics from Kyoto University.
Imaging of mouse epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs).
We are systematically analyzing how external signals and internal genetic networks coordinate development. By perturbing these intra- and extracellular activities within stem cell-based human embryo models, we can gain valuable insights into the biological processes that occur under disease conditions.
We are developing methods to record intra- and extracellular activities during human development. Documenting these biological events establishes the groundwork for advancing our understanding of human embryogenesis and serves as a foundation for future regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
