Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Won Keun Oh's research lab specializes in natural product-based drug discovery, with a primary focus on identifying bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and marine organisms for the treatment of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation, particularly through key enzymes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Current research directions include the development of therapeutic agents targeting type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and breast cancer using natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme-inhibitory activities. The lab employs advanced techniques such as bioassay-guided fractionation, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic analysis to isolate and characterize novel bioactive molecules.
Professor Hyun Woo Lee's research lab focuses on the intersection of environmental health, bone metabolism, and respiratory diseases. The lab investigates the long-term impacts of air pollutants like PM₂.₅ and NO₂ on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while also exploring molecular mechanisms regulating osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation in bone marrow. Key research directions include the role of adiponectin and berberine in osteogenesis, as well as clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and sepsis management. The lab integrates molecular signaling, transcriptional regulation, and clinical epidemiology to identify therapeutic targets for metabolic and respiratory disorders.
Professor Duhwan Mun's research lab specializes in digital transformation and intelligent design automation within the engineering and manufacturing domains. The lab focuses on advancing automated conversion of engineering drawings—particularly image-format piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)—into structured digital formats using deep learning and computer vision. Key research directions include 3D CAD model reconstruction from 2D data, topology-aware recognition of engineering symbols and lines, and seamless parametric CAD model exchange across heterogeneous design systems. The lab also addresses challenges in collaborative product development, such as consistent engineering change management and persistent feature referencing in distributed design environments.
Professor Yoshikatsu Kanai's research lab specializes in molecular neuroscience and membrane transport biology, focusing on the identification and functional characterization of amino acid transporters involved in neurotransmission and cellular metabolism. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of sodium-independent amino acid transporters, particularly the LAT1 system and its regulatory subunit 4F2 (CD98), which play critical roles in brain function and disease. Their work also explores glutamate transporters in synaptic and glial cells, elucidating their roles in maintaining synaptic homeostasis and preventing excitotoxicity. These studies contribute to understanding neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors.
Professor Chihiro Yoshimura's research lab specializes in fluvial ecology and aquatic biogeochemistry, focusing on the dynamics of organic matter in stream ecosystems. The lab investigates the role of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) in sustaining stream food webs, with particular attention to its chemical composition, microbial decomposition, and transformation from coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) through invertebrate processing. Research also explores the impacts of geomorphological and climatic factors—such as steep topography and high flow variability—on riverine ecosystems in tectonically active regions like Japan. The lab integrates field observations, experimental studies, and ecological modeling to understand how freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functions are shaped by environmental gradients and disturbance regimes.
Professor Hiroyuki Suzuki's research spans diverse areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, and inorganic chemistry. His lab investigates key enzymatic mechanisms, such as acyl-CoA synthetase and renin-angiotensin system components, with a focus on disease-related pathways in chronic kidney disease and cancer. In parallel, his group has made significant contributions to main-group chemistry, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of novel silicon-sulfur compounds, including the first genuine silanethione. The lab integrates biochemical, spectroscopic, and structural approaches to explore molecular mechanisms in both biological systems and inorganic materials.
Professor Sae Hun Kim's research lab specializes in probiotic microbiology and functional dairy science, focusing on the health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria and their fermented products. The lab investigates mechanisms by which specific Lactobacillus strains—such as *L. acidophilus*, *L. plantarum*, and *L. fermentum*—modulate gut health, bone metabolism, and cholesterol reduction. Key research directions include the development of probiotic microencapsulation techniques, the role of fermented milk products in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, and the identification of bacterial factors involved in cholesterol metabolism. The lab integrates microbiological, molecular, and physiological approaches to translate probiotic mechanisms into practical health applications.
Professor Woong-Suk Yang's research lab specializes in bioactive peptides and functional foods derived from plant-based sources, with a focus on soy and oats. The lab investigates the physiological and therapeutic properties of bioactive compounds such as isoflavones, β-glucan, and fermented soy products like cheonggukjang, emphasizing their roles in preventing chronic diseases, improving gut health, and modulating immune and inflammatory responses. A key research direction involves identifying and characterizing natural bioactive peptides and phytochemicals with antiallergic, antihypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
Professor Hyung Joo Suh's research lab specializes in bioactive natural products, focusing on the functional properties and mechanisms of plant- and microbe-derived compounds for health and cosmetic applications. Key research directions include the development of anti-aging, anti-stress, and anti-fatigue agents using fermented botanicals such as red ginseng, rice bran, and mulberry extract. The lab also investigates the biochemical stability and kinetic behavior of natural pigments and antioxidants under various processing conditions. These studies aim to translate traditional herbal knowledge into evidence-based nutraceutical and cosmetic ingredients with enhanced efficacy and safety.
Professor Seong-Gyu Ko's research lab specializes in identifying and characterizing bioactive compounds from traditional herbal medicines for their therapeutic potential in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory disorders. The lab focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of herbal extracts and their active ingredients, particularly through modulation of key signaling pathways such as STAT3, NF-κB, and autophagy. Their work integrates in vitro cell culture studies with in vivo animal models to validate therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Professor Katsuyoshi Kondoh's research lab specializes in powder metallurgy and materials processing, with a primary focus on the sintering behavior of aluminum alloy powders. The lab investigates the role of alloying elements—particularly magnesium—in enhancing densification and mechanical properties during sintering by modifying surface oxide layers. Using advanced surface analysis techniques such as XPS, the lab explores interfacial reactions and deoxidation mechanisms that promote particle bonding. Their work contributes to the development of high-strength, lightweight aluminum-based materials for structural and engineering applications.
Professor Koichi Fukase's research lab specializes in synthetic organic chemistry with a focus on the chemical synthesis and structural elucidation of complex glycans, particularly peptidoglycan (PG) components from bacterial cell walls. The lab develops innovative glycosylation strategies to construct bioactive oligosaccharide fragments, aiming to understand their precise immunomodulatory activities. A key research direction involves the stereoselective synthesis of glycoconjugates using advanced protecting group strategies, such as the N-Troc group, to enable the construction of structurally defined PG fragments. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of novel glycotherapeutics and vaccine candidates based on natural glycan structures.
Professor Tamotsu Yoshimori's research lab focuses on cellular autophagy and its critical roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis, host defense against intracellular pathogens, and the pathogenesis of metabolic liver diseases. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagosome formation, lysosomal function, and the regulation of autophagy by key proteins such as Rubicon. A central theme is the dual role of autophagy in protecting cells from stress and in contributing to disease when dysregulated, particularly in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The lab also explores how pathogens like group A Streptococcus evade or are targeted by the autophagic machinery, highlighting autophagy as a key component of innate immunity.
Professor Yukio Fujiki's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying peroxisome biogenesis, membrane protein targeting, and the pathogenesis of peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs). The lab investigates the roles of peroxin proteins in peroxisomal protein import, membrane dynamics, and organelle assembly using biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches in mammalian systems. Key research directions include the characterization of peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS1 and PTS2), the function of Pex5 isoforms, and the identification of genes involved in PBDs such as Zellweger syndrome.
Professor Hailong Fan's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced functional materials, with a strong focus on sustainable and bio-inspired hydrogels, underwater adhesives, and graphene-based composites. The lab pioneers strategies for creating tough, self-healing, and reusable hydrogels through supramolecular interactions, particularly leveraging tannic acid and cation–π interactions for robust adhesion in challenging environments such as saline or underwater conditions. Key research directions include the rational design of multifunctional materials with tunable mechanical properties, enhanced biocompatibility, and stimuli-responsive behavior for biomedical and industrial applications. The lab emphasizes green synthesis methods and the use of natural molecules to achieve high performance with low environmental impact.
Professor Sang-Bum Kim's research lab specializes in neuromorphic computing and brain-inspired electronics, focusing on developing next-generation computing systems that emulate the efficiency and adaptability of the human brain. The lab explores emerging memory devices such as phase-change memory (PCM) and memristors, with an emphasis on in-situ learning, low-power operation, and hardware implementation of spike-based learning algorithms like STDP. A key direction involves integrating novel materials and nanostructures—such as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and 2T-1R PCM architectures—for applications in real-time biological signal processing, intelligent information retrieval, and energy-efficient AI hardware. The lab also investigates fundamental device behaviors, including resistance drift and thermal stability, to enhance reliability in neuromorphic systems.
Professor Osman M. Karatepe's research lab specializes in organizational behavior and human resource management, with a focus on employee well-being, job performance, and organizational outcomes in service industries. The lab investigates key constructs such as psychological capital, emotional exhaustion, work-family conflict, job embeddedness, and emotional labor, often within hospitality and retail sectors. Drawing on theoretical frameworks like the conservation of resources theory, job demands-resources model, and social exchange theory, the lab emphasizes empirical testing through structural equation modeling and longitudinal designs. Research directions include the impact of leadership, work environment, and individual psychological resources on employee engagement, innovation, and turnover intentions.
Professor Gynheung An's research lab specializes in plant molecular biology and functional genomics, with a primary focus on rice genetics and developmental biology. The lab employs T-DNA tagging and activation tagging to identify and characterize genes involved in critical developmental processes such as flowering time, tapetum development, and male fertility. Utilizing reverse genetics approaches, including gene overexpression and RNAi, the lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses and reproductive development in rice. Their work integrates molecular genetics, genomics, and physiological analyses to dissect gene function in monocotyledonous crops.
Professor Ken-ichi Otake's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of metal-organic materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal-organic nanotubes, for advanced catalytic and proton-conductive applications. The lab focuses on creating single-site heterogeneous catalysts with atomic-level precision, integrating transition metals such as vanadium and palladium into crystalline MOF frameworks to enable high selectivity and activity in oxidation and other catalytic reactions. A key research direction involves understanding and engineering proton transport in confined nanochannels, particularly in crystalline MOMs, to develop efficient solid-state electrolytes for fuel cells and electrochemical devices. The lab combines advanced characterization techniques—including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, XPS, and variable-temperature spectroscopy—to establish structure-property relationships at the molecular level.
Professor Tadashi Watabe's research lab specializes in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and metabolic biochemistry, focusing on the development of targeted radionuclide therapies and the enzymatic metabolism of xenobiotics. Key research directions include the design and evaluation of fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) for cancer theranostics using α- and β-emitting radionuclides, such as ²²⁵Ac and ⁶⁴Cu, as well as the biochemical mechanisms of carcinogen activation, particularly involving sulfotransferases and cytochrome P450-independent oxidation pathways. The lab also investigates the role of reactive metabolites in mutagenicity and the optimization of radiochemical stability in astatine-211 for targeted alpha therapy in thyroid cancer.
