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 Hiroshi Watanabe's research lab specializes in the rheology, dielectric spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics of entangled polymer systems, particularly focusing on the relaxation mechanisms of complex macromolecular architectures such as block copolymers, star polymers, and binary blends. His work centers on understanding the dynamic tube model and its extensions—especially the dynamic tube dilation (DTD) mechanism—through which entanglements influence viscoelastic and dielectric responses in polymers with well-defined architectures and molecular weights. The lab investigates how chain topology, molecular weight distribution, and intermolecular interactions govern relaxation behavior, with a strong emphasis on experimental validation of theoretical models in complex polymer systems. Their studies often combine dielectric and mechanical measurements to probe segmental dynamics and constraint release effects in entangled networks.
Professor Michihiro Araki's research lab specializes in computational and systems biology, focusing on synthetic biology, metabolic pathway engineering, and machine learning applications in biomedical and biotechnological systems. The lab develops advanced computational platforms—such as M-path—for designing synthetic metabolic pathways and explores the integration of machine learning with omics and clinical data to identify disease risk factors and optimize microbial production of valuable compounds. Key research directions include the rational design of allosteric ribozymes for synthetic gene regulation, enhancing microbial biosynthesis of natural products like benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, and applying dynamic flux balance analysis to improve microbial strain performance in bioproduction. The lab also investigates cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases using large-scale epidemiological data and interpretable machine learning models to uncover critical risk factors.
Professor Kazuhiko Nakatani's research lab specializes in biophysical and biochemical studies of ion channels and molecular recognition in biological systems, with a focus on photoreceptor cells and DNA interactions. The lab investigates the mechanisms of phototransduction in rod photoreceptors, particularly the role of cyclic GMP-gated channels and calcium feedback in light response dynamics. A key direction involves the development and application of small molecules, such as naphthyridine derivatives, that selectively bind to specific DNA structures like G-quadruplexes and G-mismatches, with implications for gene regulation and targeted therapeutics. The lab employs advanced electrophysiological techniques, NMR spectroscopy, and thermodynamic analysis to probe molecular interactions at the single-molecule and structural levels.
Professor Genti Toyokuni's research lab specializes in high-resolution seismic tomography and 3D Earth structure modeling, focusing on understanding the deep Earth's heterogeneity beneath tectonically active regions such as Northeast Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic. The lab develops advanced seismic waveform modeling techniques, including axisymmetric and 3D finite-difference methods, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of synthetic seismogram calculations for complex, heterogeneous Earth models. Their work integrates global and regional seismic data to image mantle dynamics, mantle plumes, subducting slabs, and crustal anomalies related to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Professor Kei Kamada's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced scintillator materials for radiation detection, with a focus on rare-earth doped garnet single crystals such as GAGG, LuAG, and YAG. The lab investigates crystal growth techniques—including the Czochralski and micro-pulling-down methods—to optimize structural, optical, and scintillation properties, aiming to achieve high light yield, fast decay times, and excellent energy resolution. In parallel, the lab explores novel applications in biomedical sensing, exemplified by the development of highly sensitive optically pumped atomic magnetometers for non-invasive biomagnetic field detection, such as magnetocardiography (MCG).
Professor Masaya Mitsuishi's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of advanced functional materials using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique and self-assembly strategies. The lab focuses on developing ultrathin polymer films, hybrid nanoassemblies, and silsesquioxane-based nanostructures with tailored optical, stimuli-responsive, and surface-active properties. Key research directions include the integration of rare-earth complexes, gold nanoparticles, and fluorinated polymers for applications in nanosensors, optoelectronics, and environmental technologies such as oil–water separation. The lab emphasizes precise control over molecular architecture at the nanoscale to enable real-time monitoring of photochemical processes and dynamic surface phenomena.
Professor Shuji Moriguchi's research lab specializes in numerical modeling and simulation of geohazards, with a focus on landslides, debris flows, and flood disasters. The lab develops advanced computational methods—such as the CIP scheme and discrete element methods—to simulate large-deformation flows of geomaterials, incorporating realistic rheological behaviors like Bingham-type viscosity derived from soil mechanics principles. Their work integrates field surveys with numerical analysis to improve disaster prediction and risk assessment, particularly in urban and mountainous regions vulnerable to extreme rainfall events. The lab emphasizes the impact of particle size distribution and material properties on simulation accuracy, aiming to enhance the reliability of geohazard modeling for practical disaster mitigation.
Professor Takaaki Abe's research lab specializes in molecular pharmacology and membrane transport biology, focusing on the identification, characterization, and functional analysis of organic anion transporters (OATPs/LSTs) and other membrane transporters. The lab investigates the roles of these transporters in the hepatic, renal, and reproductive systems, particularly in the disposition of endogenous compounds (e.g., bile acids, thyroid hormones, eicosanoids) and drugs. A key research direction involves understanding how transporter systems influence the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease and uremic toxin accumulation, especially through modulation of gut microbiota and intestinal transporters. The lab also explores novel transporter families, such as testis-specific and liver-specific transporters, to elucidate their physiological and pathological significance.
Professor Takashi Yoshimura's research lab focuses on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying seasonal adaptation in vertebrates, particularly in Japanese quail. The lab investigates how photoperiodic changes are sensed and transduced into physiological responses such as seasonal reproduction, migration, and molting, with a central emphasis on the role of thyroid hormone signaling in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Using molecular, genomic, and neuroanatomical approaches, the lab has elucidated the critical functions of tissue-specific TSH and deiodinase enzymes (DIO2/DIO3) in regulating local thyroid hormone activation. The lab also explores the cellular mechanisms of thyroid hormone transport via organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps) and the circadian regulation of seasonal timing in birds.
Professor Kumi Yoshida's research lab specializes in the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying flower coloration, with a primary focus on anthocyanin-based pigmentation and metal ion homeostasis in plant vacuoles. The lab investigates how metal ions such as aluminum and iron are transported into vacuoles to form stable blue anthocyanin complexes, particularly in species like hydrangea, morning glory, and tulip. Using advanced techniques in subcellular fractionation, proteomics, and molecular cloning, the lab identifies and characterizes vacuolar transporters responsible for metal hyperaccumulation and pH regulation. Their work bridges plant biochemistry, cell biology, and natural product chemistry to unravel the intricate mechanisms of natural coloration in flowers.
Professor Keisuké Goto's research lab specializes in advanced propulsion systems, particularly focusing on rotating detonation engines (RDEs) for aerospace applications. The lab conducts experimental and flight demonstration studies to optimize RDE performance under various conditions, including vacuum and microgravity environments, with an emphasis on thrust efficiency, specific impulse, and stable combustion. Research also extends to integrating RDEs into launch vehicles and testing them on ground-based sled systems and sounding rockets. The lab combines experimental fluid dynamics, propulsion system design, and real-world flight validation to advance next-generation air-breathing and rocket propulsion technologies.
Professor Katsuaki Konishi's research lab specializes in the synthesis, structural characterization, and electronic property investigation of ligand-protected gold cluster molecules. The lab focuses on designing novel gold clusters with unique geometries—such as exo-atom-protected cores, helical frameworks, and superatomic structures—using tailored ligands like diphosphines and chiral ligands to induce distinct optical, chiroptical, and electronic behaviors. Their work bridges molecular inorganic chemistry and nanomaterials science, emphasizing structure-property relationships in atomically precise gold clusters for potential applications in catalysis, sensing, and molecular electronics.
Professor Naoya Sakamoto's research lab focuses on viral immune evasion mechanisms, particularly those employed by hepatitis C virus (HCV) to subvert host innate immune responses. The lab investigates how HCV proteins such as NS5B, NS4B, and others interfere with key signaling pathways like RIG-I/STING and IFN-Jak/STAT, thereby suppressing interferon production and antiviral gene expression. A central theme is identifying viral-host protein interactions that enable viral persistence, with translational applications in developing novel antiviral therapies targeting these immune escape mechanisms. The lab also explores RNA-targeting therapeutics, such as ribozymes, to directly inhibit HCV replication at the genetic level.
Professor W. M. C. Sameera's research lab specializes in computational quantum chemistry, focusing on the mechanistic understanding of complex catalytic reactions using advanced theoretical methods. The lab employs density functional theory (DFT), DFT/MM, and the artificial force-induced reaction (AFIR) method to map reaction pathways, identify key intermediates, and elucidate selectivity-determining steps in transition metal-catalyzed transformations. Research spans homogeneous catalysis, including C–H activation, cross-coupling, and sustainable oxidation processes, as well as the reactivity of strained heterocycles like aziridines and sugar isomers. The lab emphasizes the prediction and characterization of elusive species such as oxyl radicals and mixed-valent metal complexes, often in collaboration with experimental groups to guide catalyst design.
Professor Kazuto Tsukita's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD), with an emphasis on proteinopathies, neuroinflammation, and cellular junction dynamics. The lab investigates pathological biomarkers such as α-synuclein deposits and cerebrospinal fluid proteomes using advanced proteomics and machine learning, aiming to improve early diagnosis and disease staging. Additionally, the lab explores the role of cellular junctions—especially the apical junctional complex—and their regulation by signaling molecules like AMPK and phase-separated proteins such as Cobl in maintaining epithelial and neural homeostasis. A key theme is the interplay between cellular structural organization, metabolic regulation, and neuroinflammatory processes in neurodegeneration.
Professor Masahiro Yoshida's research lab specializes in advanced photonics and materials science, focusing on the development of high-performance semiconductor lasers with superior beam quality and power output, leveraging photonic crystal engineering and non-Hermitian optics. The lab also explores quantum materials, particularly spin-1/2 systems on geometrically frustrated lattices, using nuclear magnetic resonance to probe exotic quantum phases and low-energy excitations. Additionally, the lab investigates enzymatic biocatalysis for sustainable carbohydrate conversion and contributes to applied environmental science through vector ecology studies using mark-release-recapture techniques. These diverse yet interconnected research directions reflect a strong commitment to both fundamental scientific discovery and real-world technological applications.
Professor Akihiro Kusumi's research lab specializes in the dynamic organization and functional mechanisms of the plasma membrane at the nanoscale. Using advanced single-molecule imaging and spectroscopic techniques, the lab investigates membrane heterogeneity, lipid rafts, and the role of cholesterol in organizing membrane domains that regulate signal transduction and molecular diffusion. Their work challenges and refines the classical fluid-mosaic model by revealing the time- and space-dependent nanostructures underlying plasma membrane function. The lab emphasizes quantitative, physics-based approaches to understand how membrane organization governs cellular signaling and membrane protein dynamics in living cells.
Professor Tamaki Nakano's research lab specializes in prosthodontic and implant-related biomechanics, focusing on the clinical and mechanical factors influencing dental implant success and aesthetics. Key research directions include the impact of implant-abutment connection types, emergence angles, and inter-implant distances on peri-implant bone maintenance and soft tissue stability. The lab employs advanced techniques such as three-dimensional finite element analysis and CBCT superposition to evaluate long-term outcomes and optimize implant design and placement. Their work also investigates material-specific performance, particularly the fracture resistance of zirconia abutments and the role of titanium bases in enhancing durability under oral loading conditions.
Professor Masaki Nakahata's research lab specializes in the design and development of smart, stimuli-responsive polymeric materials through supramolecular chemistry. The lab focuses on creating self-healing, self-repairing, and mechanically robust hydrogels using reversible noncovalent interactions such as host-guest inclusion (e.g., cyclodextrin-ferrocene) and dynamic covalent bonds (e.g., boronate ester formation). A key research direction involves engineering macroscopic assemblies and actuators that respond to redox, pH, or molecular stimuli, enabling applications in soft robotics, sustainable materials, and adaptive systems. The lab also explores tunable adhesion and reversible assembly using molecular recognition principles for advanced functional materials.
Professor Tadashi Eguchi's research lab specializes in the total synthesis of complex natural products, with a focus on structurally unique and biologically significant lipids and antibiotics. The lab develops innovative synthetic strategies—particularly involving stereoselective coupling methods like McMurry coupling and Julia coupling—for constructing macrocyclic and polycyclic architectures found in archaeal membrane lipids and macrolide antibiotics. A key emphasis is placed on enabling access to chemically defined, stereochemically homogeneous natural products and their analogs for structure-activity and physicochemical studies. The lab also integrates biosynthetic gene cluster analysis with synthetic chemistry to unravel the enzymatic origins of complex natural product scaffolds.
