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 Tadao Asami's research lab specializes in plant hormone biology, with a primary focus on brassinosteroids (BRs) and their regulatory mechanisms in plant growth and development. The lab investigates synthetic chemical regulators, particularly brassinazole, to dissect BR biosynthesis pathways and identify key enzymatic steps. By employing chemical biology approaches, the lab uncovers molecular targets and signaling dynamics of plant hormones, contributing to both fundamental plant biology and biotechnological applications. Their work also extends to the development and application of chemical tools for manipulating plant growth, including dwarfism induction and hormone pathway dissection in diverse species.
Professor Naoya Uchida's research lab focuses on advancing gene therapy and regenerative medicine for blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. The lab develops innovative viral vector systems and gene-editing technologies—such as CRISPR-Cas9 delivered via non-integrating lentiviral vectors—to enable safe and efficient genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). A key focus is enhancing HSC transduction across species (e.g., human and rhesus) and improving the generation of definitive erythroid cells from pluripotent stem cells, including the production of adult β-globin. The lab also investigates mobilization strategies for HSC collection in patients, aiming to optimize autologous HSC gene therapy protocols.
Professor Kyohei Kawaguchi's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational astrophysics, focusing on the multi-messenger phenomena associated with compact object mergers—particularly binary neutron stars and black hole–neutron star systems. The lab conducts advanced numerical relativity simulations, radiative transfer calculations, and gravitational wave modeling to understand kilonovae, post-merger outflows, and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events such as GW170817. Key research directions include the dynamics and composition of ejecta, the role of magnetic fields and dynamo amplification in remnant neutron stars, and the development of high-precision waveform models for gravitational wave detection.
Professor Hisako Matsumoto's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic airway diseases, particularly asthma. The lab investigates systemic and local inflammatory biomarkers—such as hs-CRP, periostin, and free IgE—that reflect Th2/eosinophilic inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma. A key research direction involves evaluating the clinical utility of these biomarkers in predicting and monitoring treatment responses to biologics like omalizumab, especially in severe and pediatric asthma. The lab also explores the pathophysiological roles of molecules like TIMP-1 in airway wall thickening and smooth muscle dysfunction.
Professor Takahiro Moriyama's research lab specializes in spintronics and quantum materials, with a focus on antiferromagnetic materials and their applications in next-generation electronic and photonic devices. The lab investigates spin transport, spin torque control, and the anomalous Hall effect in antiferromagnetic insulators and metals, particularly using epitaxial thin films like NiO and Mn3Ir. A key direction involves leveraging the spin Hall effect and spin current injection to manipulate and detect antiferromagnetic order, enabling novel functionalities in spintronic devices. The lab also explores advanced image analysis techniques for facial motion and eye region dynamics, integrating 3D motion modeling with machine learning for real-world applications in human-computer interaction and affective computing.
Professor Ryou Kubota's research lab specializes in the design and characterization of functional supramolecular systems, with a focus on self-assembly, molecular recognition, and dynamic responsiveness in soft materials. The lab develops advanced chemical sensors and biosensors for amino acids, peptides, and proteins, leveraging small synthetic binders and fluorescent probes. A key research direction involves the rational construction of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels—particularly self-sorting networks—using dynamic covalent chemistry and microscopy techniques to control and visualize hierarchical structures. The lab also explores artificial signal transduction systems that mimic biological responses to temporal stimuli, such as light pulses, enabling smart, adaptive materials.
Professor Kazuo Akagi's research lab at Kyoto University specializes in the design and synthesis of chiral conjugated polymers and liquid crystal materials with advanced optical and electronic properties. The lab focuses on asymmetric polymerization, hierarchical self-assembly, and dynamic control of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) through stimuli-responsive chiral systems. Key research directions include the development of helical polyacetylenes, chiral nematic liquid crystal devices, and multifunctional polymers with fluorescence, chirality, and photochromic switching. The lab pioneers materials for applications in optoelectronics, chiral sensing, and smart optical devices.
Professor Masahito Ohue's research lab specializes in computational structural biology and bioinformatics, focusing on predicting protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions with high accuracy. The lab develops advanced in silico methods that integrate structural modeling, evolutionary information, and consensus scoring to enhance the reliability of interaction predictions, reducing the need for costly wet-lab validation. Key research directions include leveraging deep learning-based structure prediction tools like AlphaFold Multimer for interaction inference and refining protein docking solutions through statistical consensus approaches.
Professor Shun Kanai's research lab specializes in spintronics and magnetic nanodevices, focusing on electric-field-controlled magnetization switching in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The lab investigates the interplay between spin-transfer torque and electric-field effects to achieve ultra-low energy, high-speed, and reliable magnetization switching. Key research directions include the dynamics of magnetization precession, energy efficiency in spintronic devices, and the fundamental understanding of electric-field modulation of magnetic anisotropy using advanced characterization techniques such as homodyne-detected ferromagnetic resonance. The lab also explores generalized scaling laws for spin qubit coherence across diverse host materials, aiming to identify optimal materials for quantum and classical spintronic applications.
Professor Masahito Murai's research lab specializes in the development of transition metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization reactions, with a focus on rhodium-catalyzed dehydrogenative silylation and germylation of unactivated C(sp³)-H and C(sp²)-H bonds. The lab pioneers the use of chiral, bulky, and electron-rich diphosphine ligands to achieve high enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity in the formation of quaternary silicon chiral centers and complex polycyclic frameworks. A key direction involves the synthesis of novel heterocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—such as benzosiloloferrocenes, spiro-9-silabifluorenes, and azulene-fused PAHs—exhibiting unique optoelectronic and stimuli-responsive properties.
Professor Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq's research lab focuses on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on the roles of neuroactive hormones like estrogen and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10 in brain and ocular health. The lab investigates gene-environment interactions, including the impact of P450 aromatase isoforms on serotonergic neuron development and the association of genetic polymorphisms with diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Treacher Collins syndrome, and primary open-angle glaucoma. Their work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and clinical data to explore genotype-phenotype correlations and inflammatory pathways in neurological and ophthalmic conditions.
Professor Shigeru Aoki's research lab specializes in Southern Ocean physical oceanography, focusing on long-term changes in water mass properties, bottom water formation, and their links to climate variability. The lab investigates interdecadal and interannual variations in temperature, salinity, and steric sea level, particularly in the Indian and Pacific sectors of the Southern Ocean. Using sustained hydrographic observations from Japanese Antarctic Research Expeditions and historical data, the lab examines the mechanisms behind freshening and warming trends in Antarctic Bottom Waters and their implications for global ocean circulation and climate. The research also explores connections between atmospheric modes, such as the Antarctic Oscillation, and coastal sea level variations.
Professor Takeo Sato's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to nutrient availability, particularly the balance between carbon and nitrogen (C/N) metabolism. The lab investigates how plants sense and signal changes in C/N ratios to regulate key developmental transitions, such as post-germinative growth arrest and flowering time. Central to their work are the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), ubiquitin ligases like ATL31 and ATL6, and their targets—including 14-3-3 proteins and transcription factors such as FBH4—revealing critical post-translational regulation in nutrient signaling. The lab integrates proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and genetic approaches to dissect signaling networks that coordinate plant growth with environmental nutrient cues.
Professor Masaki Ieda's research lab focuses on cardiac regeneration and the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development, innervation, and repair. The lab investigates direct cardiac reprogramming to generate induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) from fibroblasts, with an emphasis on optimizing culture conditions—such as defined serum-free media and physiologically soft substrates—to enhance reprogramming efficiency and iCM maturity. A key area of interest is the role of neurotrophic factors, particularly nerve growth factor (NGF), in regulating cardiac sympathetic and sensory innervation, with implications for heart failure and post-infarct remodeling. The lab also explores signaling pathways, including endothelin-1 and FGF/VEGF signaling, that modulate cardiac cell fate and tissue repair.
Professor Satoshi Takizawa's research lab focuses on environmental and water resource management, particularly addressing urban water security and subsidence risks in densely populated regions like Jakarta, Indonesia. The lab investigates groundwater over-abstraction, piped water supply optimization, and the integration of hydrological and geological data to identify priority areas for infrastructure development. Additionally, the lab explores biological systems, including the expression and function of endothelin peptides in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to understanding intestinal physiology and pathophysiology. The interdisciplinary approach combines environmental engineering with molecular biology to address both societal and biomedical challenges.
Professor D. Tsuna's research lab specializes in time-domain astrophysics, with a primary focus on transient astronomical phenomena such as supernovae, particularly Type II supernovae. The lab conducts detailed photometric and spectroscopic follow-up observations of newly discovered transients to study their explosion mechanisms, progenitor stars, and evolution. A key research direction involves analyzing early-time light curves and spectral features to constrain explosion parameters and circumstellar environments. The lab also contributes to the discovery and characterization of nearby supernovae, leveraging rapid-response observational campaigns to capture critical early-phase data.
Professor Makoto Komiyama's research lab specializes in nanoarchitectonics, focusing on the design and application of functional nanomaterials using DNA and lanthanide-based catalysis. The lab pioneers artificial restriction enzymes and DNA-cutting systems that enable site-selective hydrolysis or oxidative cleavage of DNA and RNA, with applications in biotechnology and precision medicine. A key focus is on DNA origami for constructing complex 3D nanostructures and their use in targeted drug delivery and nanoscale device fabrication. The lab also explores molecular recognition strategies and chemical functionalization to enhance DNA binding and catalytic efficiency.
Professor Eiki Takimoto's research lab focuses on cardiac signaling pathways that regulate myocardial function, hypertrophy, and remodeling in response to hemodynamic stress such as pressure overload. The lab investigates the roles of cGMP signaling, particularly through nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS3), cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A), and protein kinase G (PKG), in modulating cardiac contractility, fibrosis, and failure. Key research directions include the crosstalk between beta-adrenergic and NO/cGMP pathways, the protective role of RGS2 in attenuating pathological Gq signaling, and the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium handling and myofilament regulation via protein phosphorylation. The lab also explores therapeutic potential of cGMP-modulating drugs, such as sildenafil, in heart disease.
Professor Hokto Kazama's research lab investigates the neural circuits and computational principles underlying sensory processing, learning, and decision-making in the Drosophila brain. The lab focuses on how olfactory and gustatory systems integrate to guide behavior, with particular emphasis on the role of dopaminergic neurons in encoding innate and experience-dependent sensory values. Using a combination of in vivo imaging, electrophysiology, connectomics, and computational modeling, the lab uncovers circuit mechanisms for representational stability, plasticity, and sensory integration. Their work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems-level understanding of neural computation in a genetically tractable model organism.
Professor Tomohito Tsuru's research lab specializes in computational materials science, focusing on the atomic-scale mechanisms governing mechanical behavior in advanced metallic materials. The lab investigates dislocation dynamics, plasticity, and strengthening mechanisms—particularly in lightweight alloys like aluminum and magnesium, as well as refractory high-entropy alloys—using advanced atomistic simulations such as molecular dynamics and density functional theory. Key research directions include anisotropic deformation, dislocation nucleation, solution strengthening, and the role of interfacial structures in precipitate and matrix systems.
