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 Takafumi Yatabe's research lab specializes in the development of sustainable and selective catalytic transformations for the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocyclic compounds and carbonyl derivatives. The lab focuses on designing heterogeneous nanocatalysts—particularly based on transition metal nanoparticles supported on layered double hydroxides, hydroxyapatite, and metal oxides—for metal-free or low-metal catalysis in atom-economical reactions. Key research directions include acceptorless dehydrogenative aromatization, formal hydroacylation, and selective oxidation reactions, with an emphasis on replacing stoichiometric reagents and rare metals with reusable, environmentally benign catalysts.
Professor Hidenori Ichijo's research lab specializes in signal transduction pathways regulating cell death and stress responses, with a central focus on the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and its role in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of ASK1 activation, particularly its regulation by thioredoxin and TRAF proteins, and its downstream activation of JNK and p38 MAP kinase cascades. Key research directions include the redox regulation of cell signaling, the role of ASK1 in diseases such as neurodegeneration and fibrosis, and the post-translational modifications of Bcl-2 family proteins like Mcl-1 in mitochondrial apoptosis. The lab integrates biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches to dissect stress-activated kinase networks in health and disease.
Professor Ryosuke Ueki's research lab specializes in the development of oligonucleotide-based synthetic biology tools, particularly DNA aptamers, to mimic and reprogram growth factor signaling pathways. The lab focuses on designing functional mimetics of growth factors—such as HGF and bFGF—that can regulate cell behavior including proliferation, migration, and pluripotency—offering stable, cost-effective, and genetically non-invasive alternatives to natural proteins. A central theme is the engineering of aptamer assemblies that act as synthetic agonists or switches, enabling precise control over receptor activation with tunable signaling outputs, and demonstrating therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
Professor Kensuke Miyake's research lab focuses on immunology and molecular biology, particularly the signaling mechanisms of B cell surface molecules. His work centers on the RP105 receptor, a key regulator of B cell activation, survival, and proliferation, with implications in immune response modulation and apoptosis resistance. The lab investigates the molecular structure, gene expression, and functional roles of RP105 and related molecules in immune cell development and homeostasis. Their research also extends to the identification and characterization of novel immune-regulatory molecules using molecular cloning and functional assays.
Professor Tatsuya Matsumoto's research lab specializes in high-energy astrophysics, focusing on the multi-messenger phenomena associated with compact object mergers—particularly binary neutron star mergers such as GW170817. The lab investigates the physics of gamma-ray bursts, kilonovae, and relativistic outflows, with particular attention to off-axis viewing geometries, compactness constraints, and energy sources powering optical and radio transients. They employ theoretical modeling, radiative transfer, and hydrodynamic simulations to understand the dynamics of ejecta, central engine activities, and accretion processes in extreme environments.
Professor Kumiko Oguma's research lab specializes in advanced water disinfection technologies, with a primary focus on ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) and their application in inactivating pathogenic microorganisms. The lab investigates the spectral sensitivity of various microbes, optimizes UV-LED reactor designs for efficient disinfection, and employs molecular assays such as the endonuclease sensitive site (ESS) assay to correlate DNA damage with microbial inactivation. Their work also extends to understanding environmental health risks, including the role of groundwater contaminants in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. The lab integrates microbiology, environmental engineering, and photobiology to develop safer, more effective water treatment solutions.
Professor Ryo Mizuuchi's research lab focuses on the origins of life and synthetic biology, exploring how self-replicating RNA systems can evolve complexity through dynamic interactions and environmental constraints. The lab investigates the role of compartmentalization—such as membrane-free droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation and mineral surfaces—in enabling sustainable replication and suppressing parasitic molecules. Using long-term evolution experiments and in vitro systems like the translation-coupled RNA replication (TcRR) system, the lab studies how genetic information can emerge, diversify, and adapt under prebiotically plausible conditions. Their work bridges prebiotic chemistry, systems biology, and evolutionary dynamics to understand the emergence of life-like evolution in artificial systems.
Professor Akio Ikeda's research lab specializes in clinical and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying human motor control and epilepsy. The lab investigates cortical potentials such as movement-related potentials and ictal direct current (DC) shifts using subdural and scalp electroencephalography in epilepsy patients, aiming to map functional brain networks involved in motor planning and seizure onset. Key research directions include the neurophysiology of cortical tremor, the role of the pre-supplementary motor area in cognitive motor control, and the use of intracranial recordings to precisely localize epileptogenic zones. The lab integrates neurophysiological recordings with clinical evaluation to advance understanding of both normal motor function and pathological brain states.
Professor Takashi Hanakawa's research lab specializes in the neuroimaging of motor control and cognitive functions, with a focus on understanding the neural substrates underlying motor execution, motor imagery, and gait in both healthy individuals and patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The lab employs advanced neuroimaging techniques—including fMRI, SPECT, and PET—to investigate how brain networks support motor planning, execution, and the modulation of movement by external cues. A key research direction involves exploring the overlap between motor and cognitive brain regions, particularly in the prefrontal and parietal cortices, and how these networks are altered in neurodegenerative conditions.
Professor Yuichi Ogawa's research lab specializes in advanced terahertz spectroscopy and label-free biosensing, focusing on the development of highly sensitive detection methods for biological molecules. The lab pioneers innovative techniques that combine terahertz time-domain spectroscopy with interference effects to enable real-time, non-invasive protein detection on flexible polymer membranes. Their work emphasizes applications in medical diagnostics and life science research, particularly for low-concentration biomolecular analysis. The lab also explores functional surface modifications using polymers like polyethylene glycol to enhance detection stability and specificity.
Professor Shota Nishitani's research lab focuses on the neurobiological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying maternal behavior, child maltreatment, and stress responses, particularly in the context of early life adversity. The lab integrates neuroimaging, epigenetic analysis (especially DNA methylation in saliva), and psychosocial assessments to explore how early stressors affect brain development and oxytocin-related systems. A key focus is on understanding the interplay between biological aging, mental health, and parenting stress during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The lab also investigates the role of oxytocin and its epigenetic regulation in maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding outcomes.
Professor Yoshikazu Ohara's research lab specializes in advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation, focusing on the detection and characterization of closed and complex cracks in structural materials. The lab develops innovative ultrasound-based imaging techniques—such as subharmonic phased array (SPACE) and nonlinear resonant ultrasonic methods—enabling high-precision measurement of crack depth and morphology, particularly in fatigue and stress corrosion cracks. Their work bridges ultrasonics, materials science, and medical imaging, with applications in nuclear power plants, aerospace, and cardiology. The lab emphasizes the physical mechanisms of nonlinear wave interactions, including subharmonic generation and resonance, to enhance defect selectivity and imaging accuracy.
Professor Zhengyang Zhang's research lab specializes in sustainable materials management, with a focus on circular economy systems, material flow analysis, and resource recovery. The lab investigates the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of global supply chain disruptions—particularly in food and fertilizer—while advancing innovative recycling and reuse strategies for critical materials like aluminum and steel in automotive applications. It also explores emerging technologies such as photocatalytic hydrogen production and the traceability of agricultural plastic pollution to support sustainable development. The lab integrates dynamic modeling tools like the MaTrace model to quantify material dissipation and evaluate the effectiveness of remanufacturing and recycling in closing material loops.
Professor Takahisa Yamamoto's research lab specializes in the microstructural design and characterization of advanced cemented carbides, with a focus on understanding the role of dopants such as vanadium carbide (VC) in modifying grain boundary structures and interfacial properties. The lab employs advanced electron microscopy techniques—particularly high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)—to investigate atomic-scale evolution during solid-state processing. Their work emphasizes the formation mechanisms of facetted interfaces in WC–Co systems, contributing to the development of ultrafine and high-performance hard materials. The lab's research bridges materials synthesis, microstructure control, and property optimization for industrial applications in cutting tools and wear-resistant components.
Professor Gohta Goshima's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in animal cells. Using functional genomics, RNA interference screening, and high-resolution live-cell imaging in *Drosophila* S2 cells, the lab investigates the roles of microtubule-associated proteins, motor proteins, and kinetochore components in spindle formation and function. Key research directions include the regulation of microtubule nucleation via the augmin complex, the spatial organization of spindle microtubules, and the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. The lab also explores how spindle length is controlled independently of cell size, revealing intrinsic mechanisms of spindle architecture regulation.
Professor Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi’s research lab focuses on the pathophysiological roles of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol and DHEA-S, in age-related disorders such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and vascular dysfunction. The lab employs genetic epidemiology approaches, including Mendelian randomization, to investigate causal relationships between hormonal imbalances and musculoskeletal and metabolic health. A key research direction involves understanding the bone-vascular axis in glucocorticoid excess states, including Cushing’s syndrome and malignant pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, where bone metastasis and skeletal-related events significantly impact patient quality of life. The lab also explores the protective effects of DHEA-S on bone mineral density and fracture risk.
Professor Yuzo Miyazaki's research lab specializes in atmospheric chemistry, focusing on the sources, transformation, and environmental impacts of organic aerosols in diverse environments. The lab investigates water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic nitrogen (ON), and their isotopic signatures to understand biogenic and anthropogenic contributions to aerosols in urban, marine, and forested regions. Key research directions include seasonal and diurnal variations in organic aerosols, secondary organic aerosol formation, and the role of biological activity in marine aerosol production. The lab employs advanced analytical techniques such as thermal-optical analysis, stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and size-segregated sampling to trace aerosol origins and aging processes.
Professor Jun Nakanishi's research lab specializes in the development of dynamic, adaptive biomaterials and advanced bio-imaging techniques to study cellular mechanics and function. The lab focuses on creating stimuli-responsive substrates that enable precise spatiotemporal control over cell adhesion, migration, and mechanotransduction, mimicking the complexity of the native extracellular matrix. By integrating principles from robotics-inspired control strategies with cell biology and materials science, the lab pioneers technologies for live-cell protein conformation imaging and tunable microenvironments. Their work bridges fundamental cell biology with innovative engineering solutions for regenerative medicine, drug screening, and synthetic biology.
Professor Ayu Washizu's research lab focuses on the integration of digital technologies and sustainable urban development, with a strong emphasis on smart city initiatives, smart agriculture, and energy system transformation. The lab investigates how information and communication technologies (ICT) can enhance social capital, improve energy efficiency, and support the adoption of renewable energy and smart home systems. A key direction involves developing evaluation frameworks—such as the Smart Agricultural Kaizen Level (SAKL) technology map—to assess and promote technological innovation in agriculture and energy management. The lab also explores socio-economic factors influencing public acceptance of smart technologies, aiming to inform effective policy design for sustainable community development.
Professor Kenjiro Takemura's research lab specializes in the development of advanced ultrasonic motors and microfluidic technologies for biomedical and robotic applications. The lab focuses on multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) ultrasonic actuators that enable precise, compact, and direct-drive motion control, particularly for use in minimally invasive robotics and cell manipulation. Another key research direction involves innovative, non-invasive cell culture techniques—such as resonance vibration and surface acoustic wave (SAW) systems—that minimize cellular damage during harvesting and enable localized cell removal. The lab also explores tactile sensing systems inspired by human perception to improve product evaluation and human-machine interaction.
