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 Hisashi Itô's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying chlorophyll biosynthesis, degradation, and redox regulation in plants. The lab investigates key enzymatic pathways involved in chlorophyll modification, including the role of glutathionylation in regulating metabolic enzymes and the enzymatic conversion of chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a. A central theme is understanding how chlorophyll metabolism contributes to plant development, stress responses, and senescence, particularly through the identification of novel intermediates and enzymes such as 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase and 8-vinyl reductase. The lab employs biochemical, genetic, and analytical approaches using model systems like Arabidopsis and etioplasts to dissect these complex metabolic pathways.
Professor Norihisa Ikoma's research lab specializes in nonlinear partial differential equations, with a focus on variational methods, constrained minimization problems, and the existence and stability of solutions to Schrödinger-type and Kirchhoff-type equations. The lab investigates ground states, normalized solutions, and semi-classical bound states under various constraints and potential conditions, including singular or logarithmic-type potentials. Key themes include compactness of minimizing sequences, orbital stability, and the development of novel analytical techniques such as deformation arguments and penalization methods for non-smooth variational problems.
Professor Makoto Naruse's research lab specializes in nanophotonics and optical information processing, focusing on leveraging ultrafast optical dynamics and quantum phenomena for next-generation computing and decision-making systems. The lab explores the use of laser chaos, single photons, and quantum dots to solve complex problems such as the multi-armed bandit problem, enabling high-speed, adaptive, and autonomous decision making in uncertain environments. A central theme is the development of scalable, low-power, and ultra-dense optical computing architectures based on optical near-field interactions and information physics principles. The lab also investigates scale-dependent optical memory and signal processing using nanoscale materials, aiming to bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in AI and information technology.
Professor Hajime Shimakawa's research lab specializes in data-driven materials science and insulating materials for high-voltage engineering, with a strong focus on integrating machine learning with physical principles to predict and understand material properties. The lab investigates charge transport and surface charge accumulation in epoxy-based insulators under DC electric fields, particularly under varying temperature and environmental conditions, to improve the reliability of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). A key research direction involves developing robust machine learning models that account for data leakage and extrapolative performance, especially for small experimental datasets in polymer composites and eco-friendly insulating gases. The lab also pioneers computational molecular exploration for identifying sustainable SF6 alternatives using quantum-mechanics-informed machine learning.
Professor Ryo Saito's research lab focuses on translational biomedical research, particularly in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, cancer progression, and inflammatory diseases. The lab employs advanced genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, to develop precise animal models—like the 3.0-Mb deletion model for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome—to study the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular conditions. A key focus is understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms in diseases such as atherosclerosis, hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, and transplant rejection, with an emphasis on immune modulation, platelet-tumor interactions, and cytokine signaling. The lab integrates behavioral phenotyping, electrophysiology, and high-throughput molecular profiling to uncover novel therapeutic targets.
Professor Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino's research lab focuses on the evolutionary origins and functional roles of mammalian-specific genomic mechanisms, particularly genomic imprinting and retrotransposon-derived genes. The lab investigates how long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons have been domesticated into essential genes—such as PEG10 and RTL1—that regulate placental development and brain function. Using comparative genomics and mouse genetic models, the lab explores the molecular basis of parent-of-origin gene expression and its impact on mammalian reproduction and neurodevelopment. Their work bridges evolutionary biology, epigenetics, and neuroscience to uncover fundamental mechanisms shaping mammalian evolution and physiology.
Professor Akinao Nose's research lab focuses on the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying the development and function of neural circuits that control rhythmic behaviors in Drosophila. The lab investigates how specific neurons, including muscle founders, interneurons like Canon, and sensory feedback neurons, are specified and integrated into functional motor circuits. Using innovative tools such as optogenetics (e.g., NpHR), genetic labeling, and transgenic Drosophila models, the lab dissects the circuit dynamics underlying locomotion, particularly larval crawling and backward movement. Their work bridges developmental neurobiology with systems neuroscience to uncover principles of neural circuit assembly and operation.
Professor Mitsuhiro Kamezaki's research lab specializes in intelligent robotics and autonomous systems for complex, dynamic environments, with a focus on human-robot interaction, autonomous navigation in crowded spaces, and advanced operator support systems in construction and disaster response. The lab develops innovative methods such as inducible social force modeling and reactive crowd navigation to enable robots to proactively interact with humans, while also creating intelligent state identification and camera control systems for enhanced situational awareness. Their work spans from autonomous mobile robots in human-coexisting environments to advanced four-arm, four-crawler disaster response robots and intelligent support systems for construction machinery.
Professor Tomomitsu Miyagaki's research lab focuses on the immunological microenvironment in cutaneous lymphomas, particularly mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), with an emphasis on chemokines, cytokines, and immune cell interactions that shape tumor progression. The lab investigates the roles of specific chemokines such as CCL18, CCL20, and CCL11, and their receptors (e.g., CCR3, CCR6), in recruiting immune cells and promoting tumor cell survival. Additionally, the lab explores the potential of non-invasive imaging techniques, like thermal imaging (FLIR ONE), for detecting subclinical inflammation in skin diseases such as pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. A growing interest in regulatory B cells and their immunomodulatory functions further expands the lab’s scope into immune regulation in inflammatory and malignant conditions.
Professor Songqian Huang's research lab focuses on non-coding RNA biology, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), in aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. The lab investigates the roles of these small non-coding RNAs in gene regulation, development, immunity, and biomineralization processes such as pearl formation in mollusks. Using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, the lab explores miRNA and piRNA diversity, expression dynamics, and functional mechanisms in species like loach, pearl oyster (*Pinctada fucata*), and *Misgurnus bipartitus*. The work also extends to mitochondrial genome characterization and evolutionary genomics in freshwater fish.
Professor Masaki Uchida's research lab specializes in quantum oxide materials, focusing on strongly correlated electron systems, topological quantum phenomena, and unconventional superconductivity. The lab investigates emergent quantum phases in complex oxides such as ruthenates, nickelates, and topological semimetals, employing advanced epitaxial thin film growth and spectroscopic techniques like angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Key research directions include strain engineering of superconductivity, control of electronic order and topological states via doping and gating, and the exploration of quantum phase transitions in low-dimensional systems.
Professor Tomonori Nagayama's research lab specializes in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure using wireless smart sensor networks. The lab focuses on developing decentralized, scalable solutions for dense structural monitoring by addressing critical challenges such as time synchronization, data loss, and limited network resources in large-scale civil structures. Key research directions include intelligent data processing at the sensor level, robust multi-hop communication protocols, and advanced signal processing for ambient vibration-based structural identification. The lab aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and real-world implementation in full-scale infrastructure.
Professor Makoto Yamagishi's research lab focuses on the molecular and epigenomic mechanisms underlying T-cell malignancies, particularly adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The lab investigates epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications (e.g., H3K27me3), chromatin remodeling, and epitranscriptomic modifications such as m⁶A on viral and host RNAs, to uncover novel therapeutic targets. By integrating multi-omics approaches—genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and chromatin accessibility—researchers in the lab aim to decode disease pathogenesis and develop precision therapies for aggressive lymphomas.
Professor Yo Kishimoto's research lab specializes in laryngeal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, focusing on the development of bioengineered vocal fold mucosa for treating chronic voice disorders. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying vocal fold fibrosis and scarring, with particular emphasis on growth factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and extracellular matrix remodeling. They also explore epigenetic modifications, including m1A RNA methylation, in the context of head and neck cancers and tumor immune microenvironments. Their work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to restore voice function through innovative biological and laser-based therapies.
Professor Ryota Gomi's research lab specializes in environmental and One Health microbiology, focusing on the detection, characterization, and genomic analysis of antimicrobial-resistant and pathogenic bacteria in environmental and clinical settings. The lab employs next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics approaches to investigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in *Enterobacteriaceae*, particularly *Escherichia coli* and *Klebsiella* species, in wastewater, rivers, and healthcare environments. A key focus is understanding the role of plasmids in horizontal gene transfer and the development of molecular tools for microbial source tracking and resistance surveillance.
Professor Hiroaki Iwata's research lab specializes in computational systems biology and bioinformatics, focusing on drug discovery and pharmacokinetic modeling. The lab develops advanced machine learning and network inference methods to predict drug-disease associations, drug combinations, and human pharmacokinetic parameters from preclinical data. Key research directions include computational drug repositioning, systems pharmacology, and the integration of multi-omics and phenotypic data for precision medicine applications.
Professor Daigo Okada's research lab specializes in computational systems biology and genetic epidemiology, focusing on integrating multi-omics data—particularly single-cell and bulk omics—with genetic variation to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases. The lab develops data-driven computational methods to analyze high-dimensional immune and epigenetic profiles, enabling discovery of genetic influences on cellular heterogeneity, gene expression variability, and aging. Key research directions include systems genetics, single-cell data integration, and the application of these approaches to vaccine response, immune system variation, and complex traits in livestock and humans.
Professor Masahiro Osakabe's research lab focuses on the ecological and evolutionary biology of pest mites, particularly the two-spotted spider mite (*Tetranychus urticae*), with a strong emphasis on their responses to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation and pesticide exposure. The lab investigates the genetic mechanisms underlying acaricide resistance, including resistance inheritance patterns and the role of population genetics in resistance evolution. Additionally, the lab explores mite behavior and spatial distribution in relation to UV radiation avoidance and host plant surface microhabitats. These studies integrate molecular genetics, ecotoxicology, and physiological ecology to address pest management challenges in agriculture.
Professor Yumi Yakiyama's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of curved π-conjugated molecules, particularly sumanene-based architectures, and explores their unique structural, electronic, and dynamic properties in solid-state and supramolecular frameworks. The lab focuses on metal-organic coordination networks, dynamic molecular motions (such as bowl inversion and pendulum-like motions), and stimuli-responsive behaviors like dielectric relaxation and ligand exchange. By combining crystal engineering, single-crystal X-ray analysis, and theoretical calculations, the group develops functional materials with tunable dielectric, optical, and magnetic properties.
Professor Yuto Kubo's research lab focuses on translational and clinical aspects of esophageal cancer management, with a strong emphasis on improving surgical outcomes, minimizing treatment-related toxicity, and developing innovative interventions for endoscopic and perioperative care. Key research directions include mitochondrial dynamics in cancer progression—particularly the role of mtDNA copy number in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chemoresistance—alongside strategies to mitigate nephrotoxicity during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The lab also pioneers practical innovations in surgical techniques and training, such as optimizing fluid management, preventing instrument fogging in laparoscopy, and developing novel hemostatic peptides for upper GI endosurgery.
