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 Chunlan Lian's research lab focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly the roles of ectomycorrhizal fungi in enhancing host plant resilience to environmental stresses such as drought, heavy metal toxicity, and high light. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance, with an emphasis on transcription factors (e.g., BBX and MYB) regulating secondary metabolism and stress-responsive pathways in forest trees like poplar, pine, and fir. Using integrative approaches combining molecular biology, population genetics, and ecological modeling, the lab explores how symbiotic fungi and host plants co-evolve in challenging environments, especially in degraded or mine-affected ecosystems.
Professor Hideto Miyoshi's research lab specializes in natural product chemistry and enzymology, with a focus on the structure-activity relationships of bioactive natural compounds, particularly rotenone and its derivatives. The lab investigates the stereochemical and structural determinants governing the inhibitory activity of rotenone on NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) in various biological systems, including mitochondria from mammals, plants, and bacteria. Their work combines total synthesis, enzymatic assays, and structural probing to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and to explore the binding interactions within the rotenone binding site. The research also contributes to the development of selective inhibitors for biomedical and agricultural applications.
Professor Atsuto Seko's research lab specializes in computational materials science, focusing on the discovery and design of advanced functional materials using first-principles calculations and machine learning. The lab develops predictive models for thermoelectric, magnetic, and structural properties by integrating density functional theory (DFT) with data-driven techniques such as Bayesian optimization, kernel ridge regression, and cluster expansion. Key research directions include the prediction of stable phases, melting temperatures, cohesive energies, and lattice thermal conductivity in complex oxides and multicomponent systems. The lab also explores nonstoichiometric compounds and spinel oxides, aiming to uncover novel materials with tailored electronic and thermal properties for energy applications.
Professor Shusaku Uchida's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cellular adaptation to osmotic stress, particularly in the renal medulla, with a key emphasis on osmolyte transporters such as the Na⁺- and Cl⁻-dependent taurine transporter. The lab also investigates the long-term neuroendocrine and behavioral consequences of early-life stress, exploring how maternal separation in rodents models vulnerability to chronic stress and depression through alterations in the HPA axis and hippocampal plasticity. Using molecular cloning, electrophysiology, and behavioral models, the lab examines chloride channels (e.g., ClC-K1) in renal function and stress-related disorders, linking ion transport to disease susceptibility. A central theme is the interplay between environmental stressors, epigenetic regulation, and neural plasticity in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder.
Professor Megumi Mukoyoshi's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced hybrid nanomaterials, with a strong focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and alloy nanoparticles for energy and catalytic applications. The lab explores the synergistic effects in MOF-based composites, particularly in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis, while investigating the electronic and structural properties of multielemental nanomaterials using advanced spectroscopic techniques such as EXAFS. A key research direction involves tuning the catalytic performance of noble metal and transition metal nanoparticles through alloying with p- or d-block elements, as well as developing conductive carbon-encapsulated metal nanostructures for enhanced electrochemical activity.
Professor Haruki Nishio's research lab specializes in epigenetic regulation of gene expression in response to environmental cues, particularly focusing on chromatin dynamics and histone modifications such as H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 in plants. The lab investigates how organisms, especially Arabidopsis species, encode environmental memory—such as long-term temperature trends—into epigenetic marks to fine-tune developmental transitions like flowering. A key research direction involves validating laboratory-defined gene regulatory mechanisms under natural ecological conditions, using integrative approaches combining molecular biology, epigenomics, and in situ experiments. The lab also explores the neuropharmacological mechanisms of serotonin receptor modulation, particularly in relation to anti-migraine drug actions and stress responses in mammals.
Professor Albert C. M. Yang's research lab specializes in leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and learning analytics to advance precision education and formative assessment in educational settings. The lab focuses on developing intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive assessment frameworks, and AI-driven tools that enhance student learning through personalized feedback, automated test generation, and behavioral analysis. Key research directions include modeling student persistence and self-assessment behaviors, integrating large language models like GPT and BERT into educational applications, and applying cognitive theories such as the learning memory cycle to improve learning outcomes. The lab emphasizes practical, data-informed solutions to support diverse learners, especially in STEM and programming education.
Professor Fumihiko Sato's research lab specializes in plant secondary metabolism, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms and enzymatic pathways underlying the biosynthesis of medicinally important alkaloids such as nicotine, scopolamine, and berberine. The lab employs molecular biology, metabolic engineering, and functional genomics to isolate and characterize key enzymes—particularly cytochrome P450s—involved in complex alkaloid modifications, including methylenedioxy bridge formation and C–C phenol coupling. Their work also extends to the regulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and photosystem II subunits, linking plant defense responses and photosynthetic efficiency to molecular signaling. The lab's integrative approach enables the metabolic engineering of high-value natural products in plants and cell cultures.
Professor Akihito Hashidzume's research lab specializes in supramolecular chemistry and polymer science, focusing on the design and application of cyclodextrin-based systems for advanced functional materials. The lab explores molecular recognition phenomena using cyclodextrins and polymers, particularly emphasizing stimuli-responsive behavior, self-assembly, and dynamic interactions in aqueous environments. Key research directions include the development of smart hydrogels, polyrotaxanes, and nanostructured materials such as slide-ring gels and unimolecular micelles, with applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology. The lab also investigates the role of steric effects, multi-site interactions, and linkage chemistry in tuning molecular recognition and material properties.
Professor Dongjin Kim's research lab specializes in advanced power electronics and high-frequency antenna systems, focusing on high-temperature reliability, thermal management, and advanced interconnection technologies for next-generation power modules and millimeter-wave communication devices. The lab develops innovative materials and structures—such as SiC-based micro-heaters, Ag sintering techniques, and diffusion-bonded waveguide antennas—for applications in 60 GHz and 120 GHz bands, as well as in extreme environments exceeding 200 °C. Core research directions include thermal resistance evaluation, microstructural control in sintered joints, and high-gain, low-loss antenna arrays for 5G/6G and automotive electronics. The lab emphasizes precision fabrication, high-efficiency thermal interface solutions, and reliability under power cycling and high-frequency operation.
Professor Seiichi Nishizawa's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of molecular receptors and fluorescent probes for selective recognition and sensing of anions and biologically relevant molecules. The lab focuses on developing innovative signaling systems based on fluorescence turn-on responses, intramolecular excimer formation, and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanisms. Key research directions include anion sensing using pyrene- and cyanine-based fluorophores, the development of DNA aptamers with abasic sites for flavin recognition, and the design of thiourea-based ionophores for selective anion transport. The work emphasizes applications in biological imaging and environmental sensing with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Professor Masanori Koshimizu's research lab specializes in the development and fundamental investigation of advanced scintillator materials for radiation detection. The lab focuses on organic, inorganic, and hybrid scintillators—ranging from single crystals and plastic scintillators to nanocomposites—aiming to enhance scintillation efficiency, timing resolution, and detection sensitivity. Key research directions include materials design for high light yield, defect engineering in host matrices, and the integration of nanoparticles or novel host materials to create next-generation scintillators for medical imaging, high-energy physics, and nuclear safety applications.
Professor Sohei Sukenaga's research lab specializes in the thermophysical and structural properties of complex silicate and aluminosilicate melts and glasses, with a focus on understanding the role of oxide additives, cationic speciation, and short- to medium-range ordering in determining macroscopic behavior. The lab employs advanced characterization techniques such as MAS-NMR (especially 27Al, 29Si, and 17O), viscosity and density measurements, and surface tension analysis to investigate the relationships between melt composition, microstructure, and physical properties. Key research directions include the effects of alkaline earth and alkali oxides on melt viscosity and molar volume, the influence of CaO/SiO2 ratio on surface tension, and the mechanisms of heat conduction in silicate systems.
Professor Shunsuke Yamada's research lab specializes in the development of transient and biodegradable electronic systems for sustainable and implantable applications. The lab focuses on designing water-soluble ionic gels using ionic liquids and biopolymers like poly(vinyl alcohol) to create soft, flexible, and environmentally friendly devices. Key research directions include transient supercapacitors, pressure-sensitive transistors, and bioresorbable energy storage systems that degrade safely in biological or environmental settings. The lab integrates materials science, electrochemistry, and bioelectronics to pioneer next-generation wearable and implantable sensors and power sources.
Professor Ikue Mori's research lab focuses on the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception and behavior in *Caenorhabditis elegans*. The lab investigates how environmental cues such as temperature and food availability are sensed and processed by neural circuits to generate adaptive behaviors like thermotaxis and chemotaxis. Using genetic, imaging, and optogenetic approaches, the lab uncovers conserved signaling pathways—such as G protein-coupled receptors, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and ion channels—that govern sensory transduction and neural plasticity. The work provides fundamental insights into the evolutionarily conserved principles of neural circuit function relevant to learning, memory, and behavior in higher animals.
Professor Akira Matsumura's research lab specializes in foundational quantum physics and quantum information science, focusing on quantum entanglement, gravity-matter interactions, and open quantum systems. The lab investigates gravity-induced entanglement in optomechanical and hybrid quantum systems, explores multipartite entanglement in de Sitter spacetime, and examines the role of quantum fields in generating or restricting spacelike entanglement. Additionally, the lab studies quantum dynamics under relativistic symmetries and the interplay between quantum coherence, measurement, and decoherence in both relativistic and condensed matter settings.
Professor S.M. Asik Ullah’s research lab focuses on the interplay between environmental conservation, community livelihoods, and socioecological change in vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh. The lab investigates deforestation drivers, protected area management, and the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale refugee influxes—particularly the Rohingya crisis—on local ecosystems and communities. Key research directions include forest cover change, community-based natural resource management, and sustainable livelihoods in ecologically sensitive areas like the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary.
Professor Siddabasave Gowda B. Gowda's research lab specializes in lipidomics and bioactive lipid research, focusing on the identification, characterization, and functional evaluation of endogenous and dietary lipids with physiological and therapeutic relevance. The lab investigates bioactive lipids such as fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs), sphingolipids, and marine and insect-derived lipids, with particular emphasis on their roles in redox regulation, metabolic health, and disease modulation. Using advanced analytical techniques like non-targeted LC-MS/MS and reporter gene assays, the lab explores lipid signaling pathways, especially those involving the Nrf2 antioxidant response, and their implications in metabolic disorders like NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. The research bridges lipid biochemistry with translational health applications, aiming to uncover novel lipid-based therapeutics and functional foods.
Professor Noboru Noguchi's research lab specializes in the development of autonomous robotic systems for agricultural applications, focusing on precision navigation, sensor fusion, and intelligent work scheduling. The lab pioneers the integration of RTK-GPS, inertial measurement units (IMU), and fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG) to enable high-accuracy, real-time guidance of field robots in complex environments. Research also extends to unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for paddy field operations and optimization algorithms for electric spraying robots in challenging terrains such as mountainous orchards. The lab emphasizes practical implementation of automation technologies to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
Professor Yosuke Konno's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying endometrial cancer (EC) progression, with a particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs, metabolic reprogramming, and immune regulation. The lab investigates tumor-suppressive roles of microRNAs (e.g., miR-101, miR-216a), piRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (e.g., MEG3) in regulating cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance. They also explore metabolic pathways such as GLUT1-mediated glycolysis and the Warburg effect in EC, and examine the tumor-intrinsic functions of immune molecules like PD-L1. Their work integrates functional genomics, clinical correlation, and translational research to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for endometrial cancer.
