Exploring the Role of Tissue Microenvironments
The biochemical and biomechanical properties of the cellular microenrivonment play a pivotal role in shaping various biological processes, including cellular behaviour, development, physiology and pathology. In our laboratory, guided by the concept that 'environment dictates behaviour', we explore how cellular and tissue microenvironments influence cell behaviour and fate, particularly during organ development and regeneration, using mammalian skin as a model. Our primary focus is on revealing the principles underlying the interactions between tissue stem cells and their extracellular matrix. Our ultimate research goal is to define and design the microenvironment to manipulate biological processes from outside the cells.
News & Events

Published:
Liu et al., J Invest Dermatol (2025) in press
Published:
Exploring basement membrane dynamics through cross-scale imaging,manipulation, and molecular mapping
Omachi & Fujiwara, Matrix Biology (2025) 141, 67–81

Published:
Yokota et al., Cell Reports (2025) 44, 116196

Published:
An eGFP-Col4a2 mouse model reveals basement membrane dynamics underlying hair follicle morphogenesis
Wuergezhen et al. J Cell Biol. (2025) 224 (2): e202404003
Published:
Dynamic duo: Cell-extracellular matrix interactions in hair follicle development and regeneration
Fujiwara et al. Dev Biol. (2024) 516: 20–34
Multimodal ECM consortium:
Hironobu Fujiwara will lead a 5-year ECM research consortium 'Multimodal ECM (2023-2027)'.
藤原が領域代表を務める学術変革領域研究(A) 「マルチモダルECM」がスタートします。
Contact
2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
650-0047 神戸市中央区港島南町2-2-3
hironobu.fujiwara[at]riken.jp
Tel: 078-306-3171 (Lab)





