Division of Reproductive Biology Research

Dr. Kurita’s research interest lies in molecular mechanisms of development and carcinogenesis of sex-steroid target organs.  Currently, his laboratory investigates the regulation and function of p63 transcription factor in urogenital organs. The p63, a paralog of the tumor suppressor p53, is highly expressed in germ cells and the basal cells of many epithelial tissues. During the development of the female reproductive tract, p63 is induced in the originally p63-negative Müllerian duct epithelium by signals sent from vaginal mesenchyme, and the p63 positive cells subsequently differentiate into vaginal epithelium. Dr. Kurita’s team studies the molecular mechanism of p63 induction in the Müllerian duct epithelium. Dr. Kurita also investigates how developmental exposure to environmental hormones/chemicals inhibits activation of the p63 regulatory element in the Müllerian duct. In the male reproductive tracts (e.g. prostate, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicle), p63 is essential for differentiation of basal epithelial cells. Using p63 null mutant mice, Dr. Kurita’s team investigates the function of basal cells in these organs.

Another area of his research interest is the mechanism of uterine leiomyoma growth. His team has developed a method of growing human UL in immunodeficient mice. Using the xenograft model, Dr. Kurita studies the growth control of human UL by estrogen and progesterone.