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 Yohei Mineharu's research lab focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular diseases, particularly moyamoya disease and related vascular disorders. The lab investigates disease-causing genes such as RNF213 and GUCY1A3, exploring their roles in vascular pathology, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory signaling pathways like calcineurin/NFAT and NF-κB. A key research direction involves understanding the genetic basis of familial moyamoya disease with autosomal dominant inheritance and incomplete penetrance, while also examining the impact of genetic variants on coronary artery disease and stroke risk. Additionally, the lab explores novel immunotherapeutic strategies for glioblastoma, combining T-cell modulation with gene therapy to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
Professor Taichi Kano's research lab specializes in the development of novel chiral organocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis, with a focus on enantioselective transformations such as Mannich reactions, aldol reactions, and cycloadditions. The lab pioneers the use of axially chiral scaffolds—particularly amino trifluoromethanesulfonamides and amino sulfonamides—as highly effective catalysts for achieving high diastereo- and enantioselectivity in C–C and C–N bond formation. Their work emphasizes the design of robust, non-metallic catalysts that enable the synthesis of complex chiral building blocks with applications in natural product synthesis, such as manzacidin A. The lab also explores the synthetic utility of chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes and titanium-BINOL catalysts in enantioselective acylation and cycloaddition reactions.
Professor Nobuhiko Sugano's research lab specializes in image-guided orthopedic surgery and hip joint biomechanics, with a focus on improving the accuracy and outcomes of total hip arthroplasty through advanced medical imaging and computer-assisted technologies. The lab conducts extensive research on three-dimensional CT-based navigation systems, femoral and acetabular morphology in developmental dysplasia of the hip, and pelvic kinematics across different patient positions. Their work emphasizes patient-specific surgical planning, implant alignment, and the prevention of complications such as limb-length discrepancy and dislocation through precise preoperative and intraoperative navigation. The lab also investigates gender-related anatomical differences in hip morphology and their impact on joint range of motion and impingement.
Professor Koji Hatano's research lab focuses on translational oncology and regenerative medicine, with a strong emphasis on prostate cancer biology and bone reconstruction. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying DNA damage response and therapy resistance, particularly through microRNA regulation and ganglioside metabolism in castration-resistant prostate cancer. It also explores innovative surgical solutions for bone defects, including prosthetic and autograft-based reconstructions following tumor resection. Additionally, the lab contributes to plant biotechnology through clonal propagation and alkaloid production in medicinal plants.
Professor Hisatake Matsumoto's research lab specializes in critical care immunology and coagulopathy, focusing on the pathophysiology of sepsis, trauma-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and acute respiratory distress in conditions like COVID-19. The lab investigates key biomarkers such as cytokines, microparticles (especially endothelial and monocyte-derived microparticles), and immune mediators like RAGE and interferons to understand disease progression and identify early diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Their work integrates molecular profiling (mRNA and miRNA) with clinical scoring systems to unravel immune-coagulation crosstalk in critical illness.
Professor Kotaro Yamashita's research lab specializes in surgical oncology with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with esophageal and pancreatic cancers. The lab investigates multimodal treatment strategies, including curative-intent surgery and lymph node dissection techniques, to enhance survival and reduce postoperative complications. Key research directions include predicting postoperative pneumonia through preoperative oropharyngeal cultures and evaluating the impact of extended lymphadenectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The lab also explores the prognostic significance of metastatic patterns, particularly isolated pulmonary metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and the role of surgical resection in improving survival.
Professor Sanae Hosomi's research lab focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying acute and chronic brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI), sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), and heatstroke-induced neurological damage. The lab investigates region-specific neuroinflammation, long-term brain pathology, and the role of advanced neuroimaging techniques such as TSPO-PET and MRI in visualizing remote and persistent inflammatory changes in the brain. Their work emphasizes translational research in aging populations, with a strong focus on improving outcomes in geriatric patients with neurological emergencies in Japan’s super-aged society.
Professor Zitao Jiang's research lab specializes in natural ventilation and indoor air quality, focusing on the fluid dynamics of wind-induced airflow in buildings. The lab investigates airflow characteristics, ventilation efficiency, and the impact of building geometry and internal partitions on air exchange rates using a combination of experimental methods, wind tunnel testing, and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Key research directions include Reynolds number independence in nonisothermal flows, validation of CFD models using experimental data, and the development of practical design guidelines for sustainable building ventilation.
Professor Nagahide Takahashi's research lab focuses on the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The lab investigates polygenic risk scores, genetic risk factors such as NRG1 and KMO, and molecular pathways involving neuregulin-1 signaling and kynurenic acid metabolism. It also explores neurophysiological mechanisms, including autonomic nervous system regulation and cholinergic modulation of cardiac function. The research integrates human genetics, molecular neuroscience, and translational studies to uncover shared biological mechanisms across psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Professor Shawn E. McGlynn's research lab focuses on the bioinorganic chemistry of metalloenzymes, particularly hydrogenases and nitrogenases, with an emphasis on understanding the biosynthesis, structure, and function of their unique iron-sulfur and complex metal clusters. The lab investigates how these enzymes catalyze challenging reactions such as nitrogen fixation and hydrogen evolution under physiological conditions, often employing biochemical reconstitution, structural biology, and comparative genomics. A central theme is the role of specialized maturation proteins in assembling active enzyme cofactors, as well as exploring the evolutionary and geochemical contexts of these systems, including their potential relevance to the origin of life in hydrothermal environments. The lab also explores energy-conserving mechanisms in anaerobic microbes, especially those involved in reverse methanogenesis and energy metabolism in extreme environments.
Professor Seong-Yun Kim's research lab specializes in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, particularly subcortical vascular dementia and post-ischemic brain repair. The lab investigates microglial activation, white matter damage, and neurogenesis in response to cerebral hypoperfusion and excitotoxic injury, using rodent models and molecular techniques. Additionally, the lab explores actinide and rare earth element separation using functionalized resin materials, focusing on selective adsorption and electrochemical behavior of uranium complexes. These interdisciplinary efforts span neuroscience and materials chemistry with translational relevance to brain disorders and nuclear waste management.
Professor Hiroshi Murakami's research lab focuses on mitochondrial protein import mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the posttranslational translocation of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria. The lab also investigates enzyme biochemistry, including the purification and characterization of novel human enzymes such as salivary carbonic anhydrase, and contributes to biomedical research through genetic engineering in large animal models, including gene-targeted pigs for xenotransplantation applications. Their work spans molecular cell biology, structural biochemistry, and translational biomedicine.
Professor Takako Chikenji's research lab focuses on the pathophysiology of fibrotic and autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with a central emphasis on the role of growth factors such as TGF-β and CTGF in tissue fibrosis, particularly in carpal tunnel syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. The lab investigates the interplay between cellular senescence, immune cell infiltration, and microenvironment remodeling in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A key research direction involves exploring neuro-immune interactions, especially autonomic nervous system damage in SLE, and evaluating neuroprotective therapies to mitigate systemic organ damage. The lab also examines mesenchymal stem cell-mediated tissue repair mechanisms in fibrotic and inflammatory microenvironments.
Professor Tomoki Iwakiri's research lab specializes in climate dynamics, with a primary focus on the mechanisms and predictability of interannual climate variability, particularly the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and its multi-year variants. The lab investigates the physical processes underlying persistent La Niña events, the role of atmospheric and oceanic feedbacks, and the impacts of external forcings such as insolation changes on climate systems. Using a combination of observational data, reanalysis, and advanced climate model simulations—including large ensemble forecasts and CMIP6 models—the lab aims to improve understanding of ENSO dynamics and teleconnections, especially over regions like Japan and the Indian Ocean. Their work also extends to paleoclimate modeling, exploring how past climate states, such as the mid-Holocene, influenced ENSO and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
Professor Takashi Shinohara's research lab focuses on the biology of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), with a central emphasis on understanding their self-renewal, differentiation, and niche regulation in male fertility. The lab pioneers functional assays, including spermatogonial transplantation and in vitro culture systems, to study SSC behavior and identify key molecular markers and signaling pathways—such as GDNF and FGF2—involved in SSC maintenance. They also explore translational applications, including testicular tissue banking and xenotransplantation models for fertility preservation and studying male infertility. Their work spans basic stem cell biology and clinical applications in reproductive medicine.
Professor Takayuki Hamano's research lab focuses on the pathophysiology of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a particular emphasis on the role of fetuin-A and its interaction with mineral metabolism. The lab investigates novel biomarkers such as the fetuin-mineral complex (FMC), which includes fetuin-A, fibrinogen, fibronectin-1, and calcium, to better understand systemic calcification processes. Using advanced techniques like centrifugation and immunoassays, the lab aims to clarify the discrepancy between conventional ELISA measurements and actual biological activity of fetuin-A in CKD and diabetic patients. Their work bridges clinical nephrology and molecular biology to improve early detection and management of vascular calcification.
Professor Yoshitaka Ueki's research lab specializes in advanced thermal-fluid dynamics and materials science, with a strong focus on high-temperature fluid systems for nuclear energy applications. The lab investigates heat transfer enhancement in molten salts and liquid metal coolants—particularly lead-lithium eutectic alloys—using innovative diagnostic techniques such as high-temperature ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (HT-UDV). Their work also extends to the development of functional nanofluids and the application of deep learning for biological image analysis, particularly in marine species identification. The lab bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical energy system challenges, especially in fusion energy and advanced reactor technologies.
Professor Takasi Nishisako's research lab specializes in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices for the precise generation of monodisperse droplets and particles. The lab develops advanced microfluidic systems for high-throughput production of functional materials, including Janus microspheres, double emulsions, and anisotropic particles, with applications in electronics, drug delivery, and materials science. Key research directions include droplet-based microfluidics, multiphase flow control, and large-scale integration of microfluidic units for industrial scalability.
Professor Kotaro Takamure's research lab specializes in fluid dynamics and environmental fluid mechanics, focusing on turbulent flows, aerosol transport, and passive flow control. Key research directions include the numerical and experimental analysis of shear mixing layers, wake dynamics around bluff bodies like spheres and cylinders, and the development of innovative air purification and virus inactivation systems using ultraviolet light and air curtains. The lab also investigates interfacial phenomena in fluid-sphere interactions and the generation of homogeneous turbulence for fundamental studies. These efforts aim to address real-world challenges in public health, energy efficiency, and environmental safety.
Professor Yoshihiro Nishida's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying extracellular matrix regulation in connective tissues and cancer progression, with a central emphasis on hyaluronan (HA) metabolism. The lab investigates the roles of hyaluronan synthases (HAS-1, HAS-2, HAS-3), HA turnover, and its interaction with receptors like CD44 in diseases such as osteoarthritis and breast cancer bone metastasis. Using molecular biology, NMR spectroscopy, and cell culture models, the lab explores how HA modulation affects tumorigenicity, matrix integrity, and tissue homeostasis. Recent work also examines pharmacological inhibition of HA synthesis as a therapeutic strategy, particularly using 4-methylumbelliferone in cancer and joint disorders.
