Welcome to Kawaguchi Lab

Teleosts are a diverse group of fish that make up more than half of all vertebrates. Some groups of teleosts have unique characteristics that are not found in other organisms, making them interesting research subjects. One example is the syngnathid species (seahorse, pipefish, etc). Males of the syngnathid species develop brood pouches on their ventral side, which they use to become pregnant and eventually give birth.

The morphology of the brood pouch ranges from simple to complex, with varying types inbetween. Considering that only the syngnathid species possess the brood pouch, this novel organ was established within a short evolutionary period.

Despite the fact that many genes are common among vertebrates, how was it possible for this unique novel organ to develop during the process of evolution? Was the expression of existing genes changed to facilitate new organs? Perhaps a new gene was born in order to do so? We believe that both of these occurred during the evolution of syngnathids and we are conducting research to clarify the developmental and evolutionary processes of these brood pouches.

Access

Our lab is on the 6th floor of Building No. 9. The 6th floor map resembles a seahorse! Our lab is Room 656.