Research Director

Atsushi Suzuki

Kyushu University
Professor
website

Outline

We have identified specific combinations of transcription factors that can directly convert mouse fibroblasts into cells that closely resemble hepatocytes in vitro. Based on this finding, we next aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying conversion of fibroblasts to hepatocytes and induce hepatocytes from human fibroblasts. Knowledge obtained from this study may lead us to not only discover new principles linking the role of transcription factors to epigenome reconstruction but also develop innovative approaches to treatment of liver diseases.