东京大学、京都大学、大阪大学等日本QS前10名大学的研究室信息。
Professor Masaharu Hasebe's research lab focuses on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying seasonal adaptation in animals, with a particular emphasis on photoperiodic regulation of reproduction. The lab investigates how circadian clock genes and neuronal signaling—especially glutamate dynamics and kisspeptin neurons—integrate environmental light cues to control reproductive physiology. Using model organisms such as the bean bug *Riptortus pedestris* and medaka, the lab combines neurogenetics, electrophysiology, and in vivo imaging to dissect the cellular and systemic basis of seasonal breeding. A central theme is understanding the interaction between metabolic status, neural circuits, and reproductive function across species and sexes.
Professor Takashi Ishizone's research lab specializes in the development of advanced polymerization techniques, particularly anionic and living polymerization, for functional monomers with tailored reactivity and precision. The lab focuses on synthesizing well-defined polymers—such as those derived from acrylamides, vinyl esters, and thiophene-based monomers—enabling precise control over molecular weight, dispersity, and block copolymer architecture. These polymers are systematically explored for applications in organic electronics, including non-volatile memory devices and field-effect transistors, with an emphasis on structure-property relationships in semiconducting materials. The lab also investigates the role of side-chain engineering and stereochemistry in influencing molecular packing and charge transport performance.
Professor Takeshi Obayashi's research lab specializes in computational plant biology and systems genetics, focusing on gene coexpression networks and regulatory element prediction in plants. The lab develops advanced bioinformatics databases such as ATTED-II and COXPRESdb to enable functional genomics research by integrating large-scale transcriptomic data from microarrays and RNA-Seq across multiple species. Their work emphasizes methodological innovation in coexpression analysis, including noise reduction through principal component analysis and cross-species comparative coexpression to uncover evolutionary dynamics in gene regulation. The lab also extends its resources to higher animals, contributing to human and mouse gene network databases for translational research.
Professor Kazunori Shimizu's research lab specializes in innovative tissue engineering strategies that focus on scaffold-free and magnetically guided approaches to construct functional 3D tissues. The lab pioneers magnetic force-based tissue engineering (Mag-TE) using magnetite cationic liposomes to enable cell self-assembly into multilayered sheets, particularly for cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues. A key emphasis is on enhancing tissue functionality through controlled cell alignment, mechanical strength, and in vitro disease modeling for drug screening. The lab also develops microdevice-based platforms to evaluate tissue contractility, supporting applications in regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical development.
Professor Jiro Kasahara's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of neuronal signaling, particularly the roles of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The lab investigates the activation dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of CaMKIV and CaMKII in hippocampal neurons, emphasizing their involvement in long-term potentiation (LTP) and CREB phosphorylation. Additionally, the lab explores high-speed combustion phenomena, including steady-state detonation around hypersonic projectiles in hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, using advanced optical diagnostics. These diverse interests reflect a strong focus on signal transduction in the nervous system and fluid dynamics in extreme conditions.
Professor Ryu Matsuo's research lab focuses on cerebrovascular diseases, particularly ischemic stroke, with an emphasis on identifying biomarkers, environmental risk factors, and clinical determinants that influence stroke outcomes. The lab investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke subtypes, including the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), smoking status, and short-term exposure to air pollution (PM₂.₅) in stroke onset and prognosis. Additionally, the lab explores rare vascular conditions such as isolated visceral artery dissection, contributing to the understanding of cerebrovascular and systemic vascular pathologies. Their work integrates clinical stroke registries, medical imaging, and translational research to improve early diagnosis and functional outcomes in acute stroke patients.
Professor Shingo Kobayashi's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and polymerization of functional monomers, with a strong focus on precision polymer synthesis using advanced catalytic methods such as ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and anionic polymerization. The lab develops well-defined polymers with high regio- and stereoregularity, particularly for applications in advanced materials and biomedical engineering. Key research directions include the creation of model polyolefins (e.g., precision LLDPEs), non-thrombogenic coatings, and well-defined block copolymers with tailored thermal and mechanical properties.
Professor Keiichi Kakui's research lab specializes in the systematics, evolutionary biology, and functional morphology of Tanaidacea, a diverse group of small marine crustaceans. The lab investigates molecular phylogenetics using ribosomal RNA genes, discovers and describes new species, and explores the evolution of specialized structures such as thread-producing glands used in tube construction. A key focus is understanding the diversity and evolution of silk-like secretory systems in Tanaidacea, including novel anatomical structures like the pleotelsonal-gland system, and identifying silk proteins through transcriptomics and proteomics.
Professor Masahiko Takahata's research lab specializes in spinal surgery and orthopedic biomechanics, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of bone metabolism and osteoclast regulation, particularly through Siglec-15 and RANKL signaling pathways. The lab investigates clinical challenges in spinal deformity surgery, including pedicle screw placement accuracy using navigation systems and the management of complications in spinal cord decompression. They also explore the pathogenesis of insufficiency fractures in rheumatoid arthritis patients on glucocorticoid therapy, emphasizing bone quality deterioration under chronic inflammation. Their work bridges molecular biology with clinical orthopedic applications to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Professor Sho Nakakubo's research lab focuses on immunomodulatory therapies in infectious diseases, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and bacterial respiratory infections. The lab investigates the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of action of immunomodulators such as tocilizumab and baricitinib, as well as traditional herbal medicines like Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41), in enhancing host immune responses and reducing pathogen burden. Key research directions include risk stratification tools for COVID-19, biomarkers predicting disease progression, and post-acute complications such as post-COVID organizing pneumonia. The lab combines clinical data analysis with preclinical models to translate findings into practical clinical applications.
Professor Noriyuki Kawasaki's research lab specializes in cosmochemistry and planetary sciences, focusing on the isotopic and mineralogical analysis of primitive meteoritic materials to unravel the formation and evolution of the early solar system. The lab employs advanced secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to investigate oxygen and aluminum-magnesium isotope systems in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), chondrules, and other refractory components from carbonaceous chondrites and returned asteroid samples. Key research directions include tracing the isotopic heterogeneity of the solar nebula, understanding the timing and conditions of CAI formation, and reconstructing the dynamic processes such as radial transport and multiple melting events in the protoplanetary disk. The lab also emphasizes the development of precise analytical standards for SIMS to improve data accuracy in isotope geochemistry.
Professor Yasushi Shoji's research lab specializes in environmental and natural resource economics, with a focus on human behavior in recreational and protected natural areas. The lab investigates visitor preferences, green infrastructure, and sustainable management of protected areas using advanced quantitative methods such as discrete choice experiments, stated preference techniques, and big data analytics from mobile phone GPS and sensor technologies. Research directions include the impact of policy changes—like user fees or World Heritage designation—on visitor behavior, as well as the role of relational values in environmental decision-making. The lab also develops innovative methods for estimating visitor flow in complex trail systems to support evidence-based conservation and management.
Professor Daisuke Hirano's research lab specializes in polar oceanography, focusing on the interaction between ocean waters and ice sheets in Antarctica and the Arctic. The lab investigates oceanic heat transport, water mass transformation, and basal melting processes that influence ice shelf stability and global sea-level rise. Key research directions include the dynamics of warm water intrusions onto Antarctic continental shelves, the formation and evolution of dense shelf waters, and the role of polynyas in driving oceanic and cryospheric change. The lab combines in-situ observations, satellite data, and numerical modeling to understand climate-sensitive processes in polar regions.
Professor Renzhi Ma's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and functional exploration of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, particularly layered double hydroxides (LDHs), layered transition metal oxides, and related nanostructures such as nanotubes and nanobelts. The lab focuses on controlling the exfoliation and assembly of these materials into high-quality, atomically thin nanosheets with tailored compositions and functionalities, emphasizing their applications in energy storage, catalysis, and hydrogen storage. A key research direction involves developing topochemical and hydrothermal synthetic strategies to achieve precise structural control and enhanced performance in nanomaterials.
Professor Naoki Yamamoto's research lab specializes in theoretical high-energy and many-body physics, focusing on chiral anomalies, topological effects, and non-equilibrium dynamics in strongly correlated quantum systems. The lab investigates chiral transport phenomena in dense and hot matter—such as in neutron stars, core-collapse supernovae, and the early universe—using effective field theories, hydrodynamics, and kinetic theory. Key themes include the interplay between anomalies, symmetry, and collective excitations, with applications to astrophysical magnetohydrodynamics, quantum time crystals, and cosmological baryogenesis.
Professor Nobuyuki Tanaka's research lab specializes in reproductive endocrinology and cancer immunology, with a focus on the hormonal regulation of ovulation and the tumor microenvironment in urological cancers. The lab investigates steroidogenesis, particularly progesterone's role in ovulation, using rodent models and pharmacological inhibitors. It also explores tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and bladder cancer to understand immune responses and their prognostic implications. The integration of endocrine physiology and tumor immunology defines the lab’s unique interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Yasuhiro Kakinuma's research lab specializes in advanced microfabrication and functional materials, focusing on precision machining of soft and composite materials such as PDMS, carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP), and crystalline microcavities. The lab develops innovative ultraprecision manufacturing techniques—such as micro milling and computer-controlled cutting—for creating microfluidic devices, optical microcavities, and smart functional materials. A key research direction involves enhancing the performance and durability of electro-rheological fluids and gels by suppressing particle sedimentation and enabling field-responsive surface properties for adaptive applications.
Professor Seitaro Fujishima's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory lung diseases, particularly acute and fibrotic lung disorders such as ARDS and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The lab investigates the roles of key inflammatory mediators—such as IL-8, CCL22, and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7)—in neutrophil and macrophage activation, lung epithelial cell responses, and extracellular matrix remodeling. A central theme is the identification and validation of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve diagnosis and treatment of critical respiratory conditions.
Professor Yutaka Shikano's research lab specializes in quantum measurement theory and quantum information science, with a focus on weak values, quantum walks, and quantum sensing. The lab explores foundational aspects of quantum mechanics through innovative measurement protocols, including post-selected von Neumann measurements and weak measurements using structured light modes. It also investigates the application of discrete-time quantum walks as quantum simulators for physical systems and the emergence of classical features like time asymmetry through quantum dynamics. The lab bridges theoretical quantum mechanics with experimental implementations, particularly in optical systems and diamond-based quantum sensors.
Professor Kouhei Nakaji's research lab specializes in advancing quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning for near-term quantum devices. The lab focuses on developing efficient quantum algorithms for practical applications such as Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude estimation, and variational quantum simulation, with an emphasis on reducing resource demands like circuit depth and measurement count. A key direction involves integrating classical machine learning techniques—particularly generative models like transformers—into quantum simulation frameworks to enhance expressibility and scalability. The lab also pioneers hybrid quantum-classical architectures that leverage the strengths of both domains, especially in quantum generative modeling and semi-supervised learning.
