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 Yoshinori Katsumata's research lab focuses on cardiovascular protection mechanisms, particularly the role of lipid mediators such as prostaglandin D2 and its metabolites in ischemia-reperfusion injury. The lab investigates how glucocorticoids exert cardioprotective effects through the upregulation of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase and downstream signaling pathways. A key research direction involves understanding the gene regulatory networks activated by PGD2 and its derivatives, with translational applications in acute myocardial infarction and interventional cardiology. The lab also explores clinical interventions such as controlled hypotension during percutaneous coronary intervention to promote left ventricular reverse remodeling after STEMI.
Professor Kaoru Fujinami's research lab specializes in the genetic and clinical characterization of inherited retinal dystrophies, with a focus on Stargardt disease (STGD1) and occult macular dystrophy (OMD). The lab investigates the molecular basis of these conditions through comprehensive analysis of ABCA4 and RP1L1 gene variants, emphasizing genotype-phenotype correlations and the impact of genetic heterogeneity on disease presentation and progression. Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced imaging techniques, the lab contributes critical insights for prognosis, genetic counseling, and the development of targeted therapies.
Professor Shingo Maeda's research lab focuses on comparative oncology and immunology, leveraging naturally occurring canine diseases as translational models for human cancers and immune-mediated disorders. The lab investigates regulatory T cells (Tregs) in canine cancers—particularly bladder and prostate cancer—exploring their role in tumor immune evasion and the therapeutic potential of anti-Treg strategies such as CCR4 blockade. Additionally, the lab examines the immunogenetics of human and canine inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), with a focus on immune cell dynamics and genetic susceptibility. The integration of veterinary and human medicine enables the identification of conserved molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Lei Jin's research lab specializes in advanced photonics and quantum optics, focusing on ultrafast fiber lasers, quantum optomechanical systems, and nonlinear optical phenomena. The lab explores high-repetition-rate mode-locked lasers, tripartite quantum entanglement in hybrid optomechanical systems, and macroscopic quantum coherences in spinning resonators. It also investigates the interplay between light, matter, and mechanical motion at the quantum level, with applications in quantum information and sensing. Additionally, the lab applies optical imaging techniques like laser speckle imaging to biomedical diagnostics, particularly in neurological disorders such as Bell's palsy.
Professor Takuji Waseda's research lab specializes in physical oceanography and coastal engineering, focusing on the dynamics of nonlinear wave systems, extreme wave events, and ocean circulation. The lab investigates wave-structure interactions, freak wave formation, and the influence of mesoscale eddies and wind forcing on wave evolution using a combination of laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and in-situ observations. Key research directions include the instability mechanisms of deep-water wave trains, the impact of climate-driven changes in Arctic wave climates, and the interaction between ocean currents like the Kuroshio and mesoscale eddies.
Professor Masamitsu Hayashi's research lab specializes in spintronics and nanomagnetic materials, focusing on current-induced magnetization dynamics, domain wall manipulation, and spin-orbit coupling effects in ultrathin magnetic heterostructures. The lab investigates spin-transfer torque, spin Hall effects, and spin-momentum transfer phenomena to develop next-generation non-volatile memory devices such as magnetic racetrack memory. Key experimental techniques include real-time resistance measurements, magnetic force microscopy, and harmonic Hall voltage analysis to probe effective fields and domain wall states. The lab also explores acoustically driven spin currents via surface acoustic waves, advancing the field of acoustic spintronics.
Professor T. Nakatsuka's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, particularly the interplay between metabolic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes mellitus. The lab investigates epigenetic regulators—especially histone methyltransferase G9a—in DNA damage response and early hepatocarcinogenesis, using genetic and pharmacological models. Additionally, the lab explores hemodynamic and imaging biomarkers, such as hepatic vein waveforms and deep learning-based pathological analysis, to detect early liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis in high-risk populations.
Professor Manami Inoue's research lab specializes in population-based epidemiology with a focus on the interplay between lifestyle factors, metabolic health, and cancer risk. The lab investigates how behavioral factors—such as sleep duration, diet, and screening practices—impact cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in aging populations. Key research directions include the role of metabolic syndrome components in predicting total and site-specific cancers, as well as the influence of hormonal and reproductive factors on lung cancer risk in never-smoking women. The lab employs large-scale prospective cohort studies in Japan to generate evidence for preventive public health strategies.
Professor Yoshiki Ogawa's research lab specializes in the integration of advanced sensing technologies, deep learning, and environmental science to address urban sustainability and climate change challenges. The lab focuses on developing AI-driven models for large-scale urban analysis using street-view imagery to assess subjective perceptions of urban environments and estimate building characteristics such as construction year and structural type. Additionally, the lab conducts detailed spectroscopic studies of organic molecules to understand molecular conformations and rotational isomerism in various physical states, contributing to fundamental chemical knowledge. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge urban informatics, environmental science, and physical chemistry.
Professor Shohei Tada's research lab specializes in the development and mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable energy conversion, particularly focusing on CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and selective CO methanation. The lab investigates the role of metal-oxide interfaces, especially Cu–ZrO₂ and Ni–CeO₂ systems, to identify active sites and optimize catalyst design through advanced characterization techniques such as XAS, TEM, and pulse titration. A key research direction involves tailoring the structure and composition of mixed oxides (e.g., CuxZryOz, ZnxZr1–xO2–x) to enhance catalytic activity and selectivity by stabilizing highly dispersed metal species and oxygen vacancies.
Professor Tetsuya Hirata's research lab focuses on the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly endometriosis. The lab investigates the role of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and their cytokine IL-17A in disease pathogenesis, with a specific emphasis on chemokine-mediated migration (e.g., CCL20-CCR6 axis) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in endometrial cells. Additionally, the lab explores stem cell biology, particularly the role of Zscan4 in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming, contributing to regenerative medicine. The research integrates immunology, reproductive biology, and molecular signaling to uncover novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Kei Ito's research lab specializes in high-redshift galaxy evolution, focusing on the formation and early assembly of massive quiescent galaxies using cutting-edge observational facilities such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The lab investigates the structural, morphological, and multi-wavelength properties (optical, X-ray, radio) of quiescent galaxies at z > 2.5, aiming to understand the physical mechanisms driving their early quenching and structural compactness. Key research directions include identifying protoclusters, studying galaxy mergers, and probing the role of feedback and environment in early galaxy evolution.
Professor Ryo Kurihara's research lab specializes in cement-based materials and electrochemical CO₂ conversion, focusing on the microstructural evolution of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in hardened cement pastes under drying and rehumidification cycles. The lab investigates hydration mechanisms, shrinkage mitigation using shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRA), and the role of nanomaterials such as nano-TiO₂ in modifying C-S-H formation and reactivity. A key direction is the development of efficient electrochemical CO₂ reduction systems using copper-based catalysts in non-alkali electrolytes to produce multi-carbon products, aiming for sustainable carbon utilization. The lab combines advanced characterization techniques such as NMR relaxometry, BET surface area analysis, and gas diffusion electrode systems to probe interfacial phenomena and reaction mechanisms at the nanoscale.
Professor Hiroshi Kiyono's research lab focuses on mucosal immunology and host-microbe interactions, particularly the intricate crosstalk between the intestinal epithelium, innate and adaptive immune cells, and the commensal microbiota. The lab investigates how specific commensal bacteria such as Alcaligenes species colonize gut-associated lymphoid tissues like Peyer’s patches to induce antigen-specific IgA responses, thereby maintaining intestinal homeostasis. They also explore the role of epithelial cell subsets—such as M cells, Paneth cells, and goblet cells—in barrier function and immune regulation, as well as the development of novel mucosal vaccine delivery systems using nanogel technology for systemic and central nervous system protection. Their work bridges fundamental immunology with translational applications in infectious disease prevention and mucosal immunity.
Professor Toshihiko Masui's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic development and pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. The lab investigates transcriptional regulation by key factors such as PTF1a and its cofactors in pancreatic cell fate determination, as well as the roles of signaling molecules like IL-6 and RECK in tumor progression and metastasis. A central theme is understanding the tumor microenvironment, including autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. The lab also explores prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors.
Professor Tomoki Nishimura's research lab specializes in the design and development of advanced polymeric nanomaterials for biomedical applications, with a focus on stimuli-responsive and enzyme-encapsulating nanoreactors. The lab pioneers the creation of self-assembled vesicular systems—such as CAPsomes and thermoresponsive polymer vesicles—that exhibit tunable permeability and stability, enabling efficient biocatalytic reactions and targeted drug delivery. Key research directions include the engineering of nanofactories for prodrug activation, the development of sensitive molecular sensors (e.g., for fluoride), and the fundamental understanding of molecular interactions in DNA-binding agents. These innovations aim to advance next-generation therapeutics with enhanced precision and efficacy.
Professor Takehito Nakazawa's research lab specializes in fungal molecular genetics and natural product discovery, focusing on elucidating the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in fungi, particularly through genome mining and genetic engineering. The lab develops advanced molecular tools—such as gene targeting, CRISPR-based genome editing, and marker recycling systems—to manipulate industrially and ecologically important fungi like *Chaetomium globosum*, *Aspergillus oryzae*, *Pleurotus ostreatus*, and *Coprinopsis cinerea*. A central theme is the activation of silent secondary metabolite gene clusters and the functional dissection of lignin-degrading enzymes in white-rot fungi, contributing to both biotechnological applications and environmental bioremediation. The lab integrates classical genetics with next-generation sequencing to uncover novel biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms in fungi.
Professor Norihito Uemura's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synucleinopathies, particularly Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. The lab investigates the role of alpha-synuclein aggregation, propagation, and strain-specific properties in disease progression, using animal models and patient-derived materials to study seeding activity, cell-type specificity, and pathological spread. A key focus is understanding how genetic factors, such as GBA mutations, contribute to neurodegeneration and how neuronal activity modulation may offer therapeutic potential. The lab also explores the structural and functional differences between endogenous and synthetic alpha-synuclein fibrils in disease modeling and pathogenesis.
Professor Md Atiqur Rahman Ahad's research lab specializes in computer vision, human activity recognition, and wearable sensor-based human-computer interaction. The lab focuses on developing advanced methods for action and gesture recognition using 3D skeleton data, wearable sensors, and deep learning techniques. Key research directions include kinematic feature extraction, gait-based age and gender estimation, and EEG-based brain-computer interfaces for neurorehabilitation.
Professor Hirotaka Ebina's research lab focuses on advanced genetic engineering and antiviral vaccine development, with a strong emphasis on leveraging cutting-edge gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 to target and eliminate persistent viral infections like HIV-1. The lab also pioneers novel vaccine platforms, including live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and self-amplifying RNA vaccines, to enhance immune responses with reduced dosing. Additionally, the lab investigates viral pathogenesis and structural virology, particularly in parvoviruses and retroelements, to improve vaccine safety and efficacy. Their work bridges molecular virology, synthetic biology, and translational medicine to develop next-generation antiviral strategies.
