Research labs at Japan's QS Top 10 universities including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Professor Tetsuya Tomita's research lab focuses on molecular and gene therapy approaches for inflammatory joint diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The lab investigates transcription factors such as NF-κB and signaling molecules like EMMPRIN and PPARγ to understand their roles in joint inflammation and destruction. Key research directions include the development of gene therapy strategies using decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and small molecule agonists to modulate inflammatory pathways and protect joint integrity. The lab also explores direct gene transfer techniques for sustained therapeutic protein expression in target tissues.
Professor Yuji Ohkubo's research lab specializes in surface modification of polymers, particularly polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), using advanced plasma treatments to enhance adhesion properties without adhesives. The lab focuses on heat-assisted plasma (HAP) treatment, investigating how controlled heating during plasma exposure improves surface reactivity, radical formation, and interfacial bonding with various rubbers and metals. A key direction is developing adhesive-free bonding technologies for industrial applications, especially in sealing and packaging materials, by optimizing plasma parameters and rubber compounding agents like SiO₂. The lab also explores the role of different plasma gases (e.g., He, Ar) and their impact on surface chemistry and adhesion strength.
Professor Suchada Chanprateep Napathorn's research lab specializes in sustainable biotechnology and biomaterials, focusing on the valorization of agricultural residues and the development of biodegradable polymers. Key research directions include microwave-assisted hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass for fermentable sugar production, microbial production and recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) such as PHB, and the engineering of PHA biosynthesis pathways for enhanced yield and functionality. The lab also develops green, non-toxic processes for polymer recovery and designs fully degradable biocomposites using natural fibers like pineapple leaf fiber and microcrystalline cellulose.
Professor James B. Wing's research lab focuses on the immunological regulation of adaptive immune responses, with a central emphasis on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their specialized subsets, particularly T-follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells. The lab investigates how Tfr cells develop, migrate to germinal centers, and suppress T follicular helper (Tfh) cell responses to maintain humoral immune tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. Using murine and human systems, the lab explores the transcriptional and signaling mechanisms underlying Treg heterogeneity, including the role of key molecules like Foxp3, BCL-6, and CD25 in defining functional subsets. Their work also examines how Treg cell receptor diversity influences suppressive function and immune homeostasis.
Professor Kaustuv Sanyal's research lab focuses on the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying centromere biology and kinetochore assembly in pathogenic fungi, particularly in the Candida and Cryptococcus species complexes. The lab employs chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), ChIP-seq, and comparative genomics to identify and characterize centromeric DNA sequences and their associated histone variants, such as Cse4 (CENP-A homolog), across diverse fungal species. A central theme is understanding how centromere identity is maintained despite rapid sequence evolution, and how this relates to chromosome segregation, genome stability, and the evolution of mating systems. The lab also investigates the role of RNAi and epigenetic regulation in centromere function, especially in the context of pathogenicity and speciation in Basidiomycota fungi.
Professor Mitsuru Shinohara's research lab focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and aging, with a central emphasis on apolipoprotein E (APOE) isoforms—particularly APOE*ε2 and APOE*ε4—and their roles in neurodegeneration, amyloid-β metabolism, and brain homeostasis. The lab investigates how APOE variants influence Alzheimer’s disease risk, cognitive resilience, and longevity through both Aβ-dependent and Aβ-independent pathways, integrating clinical, preclinical, and translational approaches. Key research directions include the role of LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) in Aβ clearance and brain homeostasis, as well as the impact of APOE on cholesterol metabolism, neuroinflammation, and vascular health. The lab also explores the differential effects of APOE genotypes in the context of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and aging.
Professor Wenrui Zhang's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced oxide-ion conductors, particularly focusing on Dion-Jacobson phase materials for solid-state electrochemical applications. The lab explores novel perovskite-structured oxides and cation-disordered perovskites to enhance ionic conductivity and catalytic performance for energy conversion and storage devices. Key research directions include oxygen ion transport mechanisms, defect engineering, and bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions.
Professor Yutaka Ohno's research lab specializes in the fundamental investigation of electronic and optical properties of wide-bandgap semiconductors and advanced functional materials. Key research directions include the development of high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) with improved breakdown characteristics through surface passivation, the study of defect engineering in ZnO and diamond for optoelectronic applications, and the synthesis and characterization of III-V and II-VI semiconductor nanostructures such as ZnSe nanowires. The lab also explores the biological mechanisms of antileukemic drugs at the molecular level, particularly focusing on DNA polymerase inhibition by ara-CTP, and investigates immune responses in diabetic patients through cytokine profiling in monocytes.
Professor Yusuke Sato's research lab specializes in bioinspired nanotechnology and synthetic biology, focusing on the design and engineering of DNA-based nanostructures and biomolecular systems. The lab explores liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of sequence-designed DNA nanostructures to create dynamic, functional droplets and hydrogels with tunable physical properties. A key research direction involves constructing programmable molecular robots and artificial cells using DNA, lipid membranes, and motor proteins, enabling responsive behaviors such as shape-shifting and signal transduction. The lab also investigates energy-efficient power conversion systems, particularly in standalone photovoltaic applications, through innovative multiport converter designs.
Professor Yusuke Sekiguchi's research lab specializes in neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation, focusing on gait analysis, postural control, and lower limb biomechanics in patients after stroke. The lab investigates kinetic interjoint coordination, joint stiffness (quasi-joint stiffness), and the effects of orthotic interventions such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to improve mobility and community ambulation. Using advanced three-dimensional motion analysis and electromyography, the lab explores motor control mechanisms, including anticipatory and compensatory postural adjustments, to understand how brain lesion laterality influences gait speed and adaptability on uneven surfaces.
Professor Kohsuke Gonda's research lab specializes in developing advanced nanomaterials and imaging technologies for biomedical applications, with a focus on cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. The lab pioneers high-resolution in vivo imaging using quantum dots and fluorescent nanoparticles to study membrane dynamics and receptor behaviors in live tumor cells. Key research directions include the development of novel contrast agents for CT imaging, quantitative immunohistochemistry using bright, stable fluorescent nanoparticles, and the identification of new biomarkers such as PAR1 for HER2-negative breast cancer. The lab integrates nanotechnology, cell biology, and clinical pathology to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic targeting in oncology.
Professor Saikat Das's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced porous materials, with a strong focus on covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and their hybrid composites. The lab pioneers innovative strategies for creating crystalline, porous, and functional materials with tunable porosity, high surface areas, and precise chemical control, targeting applications in gas separation, molecular sieving, and sustainable energy technologies. Key research directions include the development of 3D COFs with large, non-interpenetrated pores, chiral MOFs via efficient chiral induction, and multilayered composite membranes for high-performance separation processes.
Professor Karol Bartosiewicz's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of rare-earth and transition-metal doped garnet scintillators and phosphors for advanced optoelectronic applications. The lab focuses on understanding and manipulating crystal growth, defect engineering, and local lattice distortions to tailor luminescence, scintillation efficiency, and thermal stability in materials such as YAG:Ce, TbAG:Ce, and Lu-based garnets. Key research directions include atomic-scale doping strategies, phase stability under compositional stress, and the role of ionic size and charge mismatch in influencing structural and optical properties.
Professor Gimyeong Seong's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials, particularly ceria (CeO₂)-based oxides and transition metal nanoparticles, for energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on facet-controlled synthesis, doping engineering, and non-equilibrium processes—such as supercritical hydrothermal methods—to enhance catalytic performance, oxygen storage capacity, and CO₂ capture efficiency. Key research directions include the development of highly substituted and strained nanomaterials for low-temperature catalysis and sustainable energy conversion processes.
Professor Noriyuki Ouchi's research lab focuses on the role of adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, in regulating vascular inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and atherosclerosis. The lab investigates how adiponectin modulates endothelial cell function, macrophage cholesterol metabolism, and angiogenesis through key signaling pathways such as AMPK, Akt, and NF-κB. A central theme is understanding the molecular mechanisms linking obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. The lab also explores adiponectin's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in metabolic and vascular disorders.
Professor Atsushi Inoishi's research lab specializes in advanced energy storage systems, with a primary focus on solid oxide-based rechargeable batteries. The lab explores innovative concepts such as metal-air batteries using iron, magnesium, and silicon as anodes, leveraging oxide ion conductors and oxygen shuttle mechanisms for high-capacity, stable operation at elevated temperatures. Key research directions include optimizing redox mediators like H₂/H₂O, developing cermet anodes (e.g., Ni–Fe with CMF), and enhancing interfacial stability to improve cycle life and energy efficiency. The lab integrates materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and solid-state ionics to design next-generation all-solid-state batteries with high theoretical capacity and practical durability.
Professor Kazunari Katayama's research lab focuses on tritium behavior and confinement in fusion energy systems, particularly in advanced materials for tritium breeding and permeation barrier applications. The lab investigates hydrogen and tritium transport properties in ceramics such as Li₂TiO₃, alumina (Al₂O₃), and zirconium, with an emphasis on material performance under high-temperature and irradiation conditions. Key research directions include permeation behavior, isotope exchange reactions, and the development of multilayered structures to enhance tritium retention and safety in fusion reactors like DEMO. The lab also studies the long-term stability and gas release characteristics of plasma-facing materials such as tungsten and graphite.
Professor Toshifumi Fujiwara's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and bone metabolism, with a particular emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in drug resistance and tumor microenvironment modulation, and the regulation of lysosomal trafficking in osteoclasts. The lab investigates how signaling molecules such as EGFR and RAB7 effectors like PLEKHM1 and DEF8 influence disease pathogenesis, especially in cancer and osteopetrosis. Additionally, the lab explores the translational implications of these pathways in therapeutic targeting and clinical outcomes, including prognosis in severe rheumatoid arthritis. These studies integrate cell biology, molecular signaling, and clinical data to uncover novel mechanisms and biomarkers in oncology and bone disorders.
Professor Michitaka Ohtaki's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced functional oxides and nanomaterials for energy conversion and catalytic applications. The lab focuses on enhancing thermoelectric properties of complex oxides—such as Al-doped ZnO, perovskites, and layered cobalt oxides—through microstructure and defect engineering to achieve high ZT values at elevated temperatures. A key research direction involves the synthesis of ultrafine metal nanoparticles (e.g., Rh, Pt) via photoreduction and their stable immobilization on functionalized polymer supports for efficient heterogeneous catalysis. The lab also explores the role of protective polymers and interfacial chemistry in controlling nanoparticle size, dispersion, and catalytic activity.
Professor Atsushi Suzuki's research lab focuses on the identification, isolation, and functional characterization of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells, particularly in the liver and pancreas. The lab employs advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and clonal analysis to prospectively identify and track multipotent stem cells with self-renewing capacity and differentiation potential into hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and pancreatic lineages. A central theme is understanding the molecular and signaling networks—such as BMP, HGF, and transcription factors like Nanog and Brachyury—that regulate stem cell pluripotency and lineage commitment during development and regeneration. The lab also investigates the extracellular matrix and growth factor microenvironments that guide stem cell fate decisions, contributing to regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
