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 Keiji Masuda's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying somatic hypermutation in the adaptive immune system, particularly the roles of DNA polymerases and repair enzymes such as Polη, Polθ, and REV1 in antibody diversification. The lab also investigates the therapeutic potential of stem cells derived from dental pulp, especially those from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), for regenerative medicine and modeling neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, the lab explores the pathogenesis of skeletal dysplasias, such as metatropic dysplasia, using patient-derived stem cells to study disease mechanisms linked to ion channel mutations. Their work bridges immunology, stem cell biology, and human genetic diseases with translational applications in regenerative medicine and neurodevelopmental disorder modeling.
Professor Jiro Nakayama's research lab focuses on the dynamics of gut microbiota in early life, particularly its interplay with host immunity and environmental factors such as antibiotics and diet. The lab investigates microbial ecology in diverse Asian populations, exploring how urbanization and dietary changes influence gut microbial composition and function. A key research direction involves quorum sensing mechanisms in pathogenic bacteria like *Enterococcus faecalis*, with a focus on identifying novel anti-virulence agents that disrupt bacterial communication without affecting growth. The lab integrates microbiological, molecular, and ecological approaches to understand the long-term health implications of early-life microbial colonization.
Professor Chiaki Hori's research lab specializes in fungal biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass, focusing on the enzymatic mechanisms underlying wood decay in basidiomycete fungi. The lab investigates the roles of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), oxidative enzymes like LPMOs and CDH, and secreted proteomes in degrading complex plant cell wall components such as cellulose, xylan, and lignin. Using integrated 'omics' approaches—genomics, transcriptomics, secretomics, and proteomics—the lab explores how fungi selectively degrade lignin or adapt to recalcitrant substrates like resin-rich conifer wood. Their work also examines how environmental stresses affect biomass composition and microbial decomposition processes in forest ecosystems.
Professor Tomohiro Iwai's research lab specializes in transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization and C–H activation, with a focus on developing selective and efficient methods for constructing complex nitrogen-containing heterocycles and functionalized organic molecules. The lab explores innovative ligand design—particularly N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and phosphine ligands—to enable challenging transformations such as decarbonylation, annulation, and stereoselective C–C and C–X bond formation. A key theme is the development of robust, reusable catalysts, including polystyrene-supported phosphine hybrids and well-defined iridium and gold complexes, for applications in pharmaceutical and materials synthesis.
Professor Kōzō Ueda's research lab specializes in macroeconomics and monetary economics, with a focus on the interplay between fiscal policy, financial intermediation, and long-term economic stagnation. The lab investigates the macroeconomic implications of aging populations, financial intermediaries' net worth, and the transmission of global financial shocks through interconnected credit markets. It also explores price dynamics, bounded rationality in economic decision-making, and the role of expectations in shaping monetary policy effectiveness, particularly under the zero lower bound. The lab's work integrates dynamic general equilibrium models with real-world data to analyze structural economic challenges such as secular stagnation and debt sustainability.
Professor Takahiko Yanagitani's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced piezoelectric thin films for high-frequency ultrasonic and acoustic device applications. The lab focuses on engineering novel piezoelectric materials—such as ScAlN and textured ZnO—through precise control of crystal orientation, composition, and growth processes to achieve exceptional electromechanical coupling and temperature stability. Key research directions include the design of bulk acoustic wave resonators (FBARs), shear mode devices, and c-axis zig-zag structures for applications in non-destructive evaluation, mass sensing, and high-frequency signal processing.
Professor Tomohiro Kita's research lab specializes in silicon photonics and integrated optoelectronic devices, focusing on the development of compact, high-performance photonic integrated circuits for optical communications and sensing applications. Key research directions include wavelength-tunable laser diodes using silicon photonic filters, ultra-compact optical switches based on thermo-optic effects, and novel quantum dot-based gain materials for wide-tuning-range and narrow-linewidth light sources. The lab emphasizes miniaturization, low power consumption, and compatibility with standard silicon fabrication processes to enable practical integration in next-generation optical systems.
Professor Tatsuhiko Shirai's research lab specializes in quantum statistical mechanics, non-equilibrium quantum systems, and quantum-inspired optimization. The lab investigates steady states of driven-dissipative quantum systems, particularly focusing on conditions under which effective thermal equilibrium states emerge even without detailed balance. A key direction involves developing novel embedding and reduction techniques for Ising machines and quantum annealers to solve complex combinatorial optimization problems more efficiently. The lab also explores theoretical foundations for quantum master equations and symmetry-broken ordered phases in open quantum systems.
Professor David J. Stensel's research lab focuses on the physiological regulation of appetite and energy balance, particularly in the context of physical activity and energy deficit. The lab investigates how exercise influences appetite-related hormones such as ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), insulin, and leptin, and how these hormonal responses vary with factors like body composition, sex, and habitual activity levels. A central theme is understanding the mechanisms behind exercise-induced satiety and the individual variability in appetite regulation. The lab also explores the interplay between energy restriction and exercise in modulating feeding behavior and metabolic health.
Professor Mayu Muramatsu's research lab specializes in multiscale materials modeling and machine learning-driven materials design, focusing on polymer composites, nanocrystalline metals, and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP). The lab develops advanced computational frameworks that integrate machine learning—particularly generative models and convolutional neural networks—with multiscale simulation techniques to enable forward prediction and inverse design of microstructures from desired mechanical properties. A key focus is on nondestructive evaluation and defect characterization in advanced composites using infrared thermography and inverse analysis, aiming to enhance structural integrity and performance in engineering applications.
Professor Sumiko Watanabe's research lab focuses on signal transduction mechanisms in hematopoietic and retinal cells, with a central emphasis on the roles of cytokine receptors, JAK-STAT signaling, and epigenetic regulation in cell fate decisions. The lab investigates how granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor signaling through JAK2 and the common beta chain (βc) regulates hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, the lab explores epigenetic mechanisms—particularly H3K27me3 modification mediated by Ezh2 and Jmjd3—in retinal development and photoreceptor cell differentiation. These studies integrate molecular signaling, epigenetics, and developmental biology to understand cellular differentiation and tissue regeneration.
Professor Kazuki Nagashima's research lab specializes in advanced oxide-based nanomaterials and their electronic properties, with a focus on resistive switching mechanisms in transition metal oxides for next-generation nonvolatile memory devices. The lab explores nanoscale resistive switching in single-oxide nanowires and ultrathin films, emphasizing the electrical conduction mechanisms, filament formation, and interfacial effects in materials such as Co₃O₄, VO₂, and SnO₂. A key research direction involves developing ultra-flexible and sublithographic memory devices using novel 2D and bio-derived substrates like cellulose nanofiber paper, aiming for high-density, low-power, and mechanically robust electronics. The lab also investigates strain engineering and surface effects in epitaxial oxide films to control metal-insulator transitions and resistive switching behavior at the nanoscale.
Professor Takeshi Akuhara's research lab specializes in active-source and passive seismic imaging, with a focus on understanding the subsurface structure and fluid distribution in subduction zones—particularly the Nankai Trough and Kii Peninsula region in southwest Japan. The lab develops advanced seismic data processing techniques, such as transdimensional inversion and novel receiver function methods, to extract high-resolution P- and S-wave velocity structures and fluid content from teleseismic and ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) data. A central theme is the investigation of how hydration and fluid distribution along the megathrust fault influence fault strength and earthquake behavior, especially in offshore environments where conventional methods often fail due to water reverberations. The lab's work bridges geophysical imaging, seismic wave propagation, and earthquake mechanics to improve our understanding of subduction zone dynamics and seismic hazards.
Professor Hajime Ishikawa's research lab specializes in quantum magnetism and strongly correlated electron systems, with a focus on low-dimensional quantum materials such as kagome and triangular lattices, spin-orbit coupled 5d and 4d transition metal compounds, and frustrated magnets. The lab employs high-field magnetization, NMR, neutron diffraction, and transport measurements on high-quality single crystals to explore exotic quantum phases, including magnetization plateaus, spin-density waves, and spin liquid-like behavior. A central theme is understanding the interplay between electronic topology, electron correlation, and spin-orbit coupling in designing materials with emergent quantum order and topological properties.
Professor Eiichiro Komatsu's research lab specializes in theoretical and observational cosmology, focusing on the early universe and the origin of cosmic structure. The lab investigates primordial non-Gaussianity, inflationary physics, and the properties of dark energy and neutrinos using high-precision cosmic microwave background (CMB) data from missions like WMAP and Planck. A central theme is developing fast, sensitive statistical methods to detect subtle signals in CMB maps that reveal deviations from Gaussianity and constrain models of the early universe. The lab also works on advanced data analysis techniques, including fast bispectrum estimators and Minkowski functionals, to extract cosmological information efficiently from full-sky CMB maps.
Professor Sho Kiritani's research lab specializes in translational biomedical engineering and precision oncology, focusing on the development of innovative tissue-engineered vascular grafts using biocompatible materials like silk fibroin for cardiovascular and vascular repair. The lab also pioneers the application of rapid mass spectrometry techniques—particularly PESI-MS—combined with machine learning for real-time intraoperative diagnosis of liver metastases and pancreatic tumors, enabling accurate and timely pathological assessment. A key research direction involves identifying lipid-based biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targeting of colorectal liver metastases and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.
Professor Yasuhiro Fujiwara's research lab focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human diseases, particularly in the fields of vascular biology, male infertility, and epigenetics. The lab investigates genetic and molecular pathways involved in cerebrovascular disorders such as CADASIL, with a focus on vascular reactivity and smooth muscle function. It also explores the role of key proteins like syntaxin2 and sulfoglycolipids in spermatogenesis, identifying novel genes essential for meiotic progression. Additionally, the lab contributes to advanced genomics techniques, such as CUT&Tag optimization, to improve epigenomic profiling. The integration of genetic models, cellular imaging, and translational research defines the lab’s interdisciplinary approach.
Professor Shohei Inui's research lab specializes in molecular immunology and signal transduction, with a focus on the role of key signaling proteins in lymphocyte activation and immune regulation. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppressive agents like rapamycin, particularly their interactions with protein phosphatases and kinase complexes. Their work also extends into clinical imaging applications in infectious diseases, notably the use of CT imaging in diagnosing and staging COVID-19. The lab integrates basic molecular biology with translational research to understand immune signaling and improve diagnostic approaches in viral infections.
Professor Akira Mori's research lab specializes in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, with a focus on understanding how ecological diversity sustains ecosystem services across terrestrial systems. The lab investigates the impacts of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on ecosystem stability, particularly through the lens of non-equilibrium dynamics and spatial patterns in biodiversity. Key research directions include the role of species richness and community composition in maintaining multifunctionality, especially in forest ecosystems, and the global-scale effects of plant diversity on critical processes like decomposition. The lab integrates field studies, meta-analyses, and spatial ecology to inform sustainable conservation and forest management strategies.
Professor Ikuya Kinefuchi's research lab specializes in the fundamental understanding of gas-surface interactions and transport phenomena in nano- and micro-scale systems, with a strong focus on energy conversion and storage technologies. The lab combines advanced experimental techniques—such as molecular beam scattering, temperature-programmed desorption, and X-ray nano-computed tomography—with high-fidelity simulations including lattice density functional theory (LDFT) and direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) to investigate interfacial processes in materials like carbon nanotubes, oxide-semiconductor interfaces, and fuel cell components. Key research directions include the design of functional nanostructured surfaces for enhanced gas accommodation and energy transfer, and the 3D reconstruction and simulation of complex porous architectures in polymer electrolyte fuel cells to optimize mass transport and catalytic efficiency. The lab's interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science, surface physics, and computational modeling to advance next-generation energy devices.
