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 Yoshihiko Matsui's research lab specializes in environmental engineering, with a focus on water treatment technologies and the removal of contaminants from water. Key research directions include the coagulation and adsorption processes for micro-pollutants such as viruses, pesticides, and synthetic organic chemicals, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter. The lab investigates advanced materials like granular activated carbon and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) to optimize removal efficiency and understand underlying mechanisms at the molecular and colloidal levels. Their work also extends to innovative applications such as plasma-based fuel reformation for sustainable energy conversion.
Professor Tomonori Okamura's research lab focuses on cardiovascular and renal physiology, particularly the role of the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension and vascular function. The lab investigates hormonal and enzymatic mechanisms underlying hypertension using animal models, such as the two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rat, with a special emphasis on renin activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme dynamics in plasma and vascular tissues. The research also extends to epidemiological aspects of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia, particularly in Japanese populations. The lab aims to bridge experimental pathophysiology with clinical cardiovascular prevention strategies.
Professor Kazuyuki Aihara's research lab specializes in computational systems biology and nonlinear dynamics, focusing on modeling and analyzing complex biological signaling networks using mathematical and computational approaches. The lab integrates high-throughput 'omics' data with advanced optimization techniques, such as integer and linear programming, to reconstruct signal transduction networks and understand cellular decision-making processes. A key research direction involves the study of hybrid dynamical systems, particularly those combining continuous biochemical reactions with discrete regulatory events like gene switching or protein activation. The lab also explores the theoretical foundations of nonlinear dynamics in biological and engineered systems, aiming to uncover universal principles in systems biology and control theory.
Professor H. Kato's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, aging, and circadian rhythms, with a strong emphasis on insulin/IGF-I signaling pathways, gut microbiota modulation, and the role of circadian genes. The lab investigates therapeutic applications of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in oncology and explores natural compounds like Jerusalem artichoke for managing insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Integrative approaches combining molecular biology, transcriptomics, and translational studies are central to advancing preventive and clinical strategies in age-related and metabolic disorders.
Professor Ikuro Kasuga's research lab focuses on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in environmental and clinical settings, with a particular emphasis on the detection, dissemination, and molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes—especially those conferring resistance to last-resort antibiotics like tigecycline and colistin. The lab investigates the role of mobile genetic elements, such as integrons and plasmids, in the spread of resistance in environmental reservoirs, including water systems and drinking water treatment systems. Additionally, the lab explores microbial community dynamics in engineered and natural aquatic environments, particularly in relation to pollutant degradation and nitrification processes.
Professor Naoto Nagaosa's research lab specializes in strongly correlated electron systems, topological quantum phenomena, and unconventional superconductivity, with a focus on emergent quantum states in low-dimensional and noncentrosymmetric materials. The lab explores the interplay between spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom, particularly in systems with broken time-reversal or spatial inversion symmetry, such as topological insulators, oxide superconductors, and 2D van der Waals heterostructures. Using advanced theoretical frameworks—including Berry phase geometry and gauge field theories—the lab aims to uncover the microscopic origins of anomalous transport, topological responses, and non-Fermi liquid behavior. Experimental collaborations are central to validating theoretical predictions, especially in the context of anomalous Hall effects, magnetochiral anisotropy, and quantum criticality in correlated oxides and transition metal dichalcogenides.
Professor Hiroyuki Ogata's research lab specializes in computational biology and bioinformatics, focusing on genome analysis, functional annotation, and systems biology of microbial genomes—particularly intracellular bacteria such as Rickettsia. The lab develops advanced computational methods for comparative genomics, pathway analysis, and protein function prediction, with a strong emphasis on leveraging databases like KEGG to decode biological networks and evolutionary mechanisms. Key research directions include identifying gene transfer systems in obligate intracellular pathogens, analyzing genome evolution through comparative genomics, and creating high-performance tools for functional annotation of genes and proteins.
Professor Yuki Takahashi's research lab focuses on the biology and pharmacokinetics of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), particularly their role in intercellular communication and disease progression. The lab employs advanced labeling and tracking technologies to study sEV secretion, clearance, and biodistribution in vivo, with a special emphasis on how surface properties—such as phosphatidylserine expression—influence their circulation time and immune evasion. Key research directions include engineering sEVs for therapeutic applications, understanding tumor-derived exosome interactions in cancer progression, and developing quantitative kinetic models for sEV homeostasis in blood. The lab also explores the use of sEVs as natural drug delivery vehicles by modifying their internal and surface components.
Professor Satoshi Obika's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of novel nucleic acid analogues with enhanced biochemical properties, focusing on bridged and modified nucleic acid architectures. The lab develops advanced oligonucleotide technologies such as locked nucleic acids (LNA), amido-bridged nucleic acids (AmNA), and other XNA derivatives to improve binding affinity, nuclease resistance, and target specificity for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Key research directions include the development of antisense oligonucleotides for gene silencing—particularly targeting regulators like PCSK9—and exploring triplex-forming systems for sequence-specific detection in DNA. The lab combines synthetic organic chemistry, biophysical analysis, and molecular biology to advance next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics.
Professor Madoka Suzuki's research lab specializes in the development and application of advanced nanomaterials for cellular thermometry and bioimaging, with a focus on understanding intracellular temperature dynamics and their roles in cellular signaling. The lab pioneers innovative luminescent and fluorescent nanothermometers that enable real-time, subcellular temperature measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution, even in challenging environments such as acidic organelles. Key research directions include organelle-specific thermometry, opto-thermal manipulation of cellular processes, and the investigation of temperature-sensitive biological phenomena such as calcium signaling and mitochondrial function. The lab also explores the integration of sensing and actuation in multifunctional nanomaterials for probing and modulating cellular behavior.
Professor Eiji Ohtani's research lab specializes in mineral physics and geochemistry, focusing on the behavior of water and hydrogen in Earth's deep interior. The lab investigates the distribution, transport, and storage of water in the mantle, particularly in the transition zone and lower mantle, using geophysical, mineralogical, and isotopic data. Key research directions include deep dehydration processes in subducting slabs, the formation of hydrous magmas, and the geochemical signatures of deep water cycling. The lab also explores the role of water in influencing mantle dynamics, seismic anomalies, and the long-term evolution of Earth's interior.
Professor T. Hayashi's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced functional materials at the nanoscale, with a focus on surface science, biomaterials, and interfacial phenomena. The lab investigates molecular-level interactions at interfaces, including protein-surface adhesion, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and the bioinertness of oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated surfaces, using a combination of experimental techniques such as HREELS, AFM, and QCM, along with theoretical simulations via DFT. A key research direction involves designing bioactive and biocompatible surfaces for medical and biotechnological applications, such as titanium-biomolecule interactions and selective peptide binding. The lab also pioneers the application of machine learning to predict surface properties like water contact angle and protein adsorption from molecular structure, enabling rational material design.
Professor Yu Takagi's research lab specializes in computational neuroscience and neuroimaging, focusing on decoding human brain activity to understand mental representations, decision-making processes, and psychiatric disorders. The lab employs advanced machine learning techniques—particularly diffusion models and latent space analysis—to reconstruct visual experiences from fMRI and MEG data, bridging brain function with artificial intelligence. A key focus is uncovering shared neural substrates of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder through hypothesis-free analysis of functional and structural brain networks, with particular attention to intergenerational transmission of brain organization. The lab integrates multimodal neuroimaging, computational modeling, and large-scale cohort studies to advance brain-inspired AI and mental health interventions.
Professor Fuyuhiko Tamanoi's research lab specializes in the development and application of functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in targeted drug delivery and gene therapy. The lab focuses on engineering mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for enhanced tumor targeting, intracellular delivery, and controlled release of therapeutic agents such as chemotherapeutics and siRNA. Key research directions include surface modification of MSNs with targeting ligands (e.g., transferrin, RGD peptides), understanding cellular uptake mechanisms, and manipulating subcellular trafficking—particularly lysosomal exocytosis—to improve therapeutic efficacy. The lab also investigates signaling pathways, such as mTORC1 activation by Rheb, to bridge nanomedicine with molecular cell biology.
Professor Ninshu Ma's research lab specializes in advanced manufacturing processes and numerical simulation of lightweight metallic materials, with a strong focus on friction stir processing, resistance spot welding, and sheet metal forming. The lab develops innovative constitutive models and finite element methods to simulate and optimize forming behaviors, including springback compensation, fracture prediction, and thermal-mechanical coupling in high-strength and duplex stainless steels. Key research directions include microstructure evolution, damage mechanics, and process optimization using customized FEM simulations and experimental validation.
Professor Yukinori Takenaka's research lab focuses on the tumor microenvironment and systemic inflammatory responses in cancer patients, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The lab investigates prognostic biomarkers such as systemic immune-inflammation indices (e.g., NLR, PLR, platelet count) and sarcopenia to predict outcomes and treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. They also explore molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, including the role of proteins like galectin-3 in apoptosis regulation. Their work bridges basic cancer biology with clinical oncology, aiming to improve patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
Professor Fei Xiao's research lab specializes in data-driven intelligent systems for power systems and advanced materials, focusing on real-time security assessment, power quality disturbance detection, and machine learning applications in materials science. The lab develops probabilistic risk models, multi-objective optimization, and advanced signal processing techniques to enhance power system reliability and situational awareness. It also pioneers interpretable machine learning workflows for predicting material properties, particularly in high-entropy shape memory alloys, enabling accelerated materials discovery. The integration of smart meter data, wavelet transforms, and random matrix theory underscores the lab’s commitment to solving practical challenges in energy systems and materials engineering.
Professor Masato Yoshihara's research lab focuses on the tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer, particularly the dynamic interactions between cancer cells and stromal components such as mesothelial cells, adipocytes, and fibroblasts. The lab investigates how these cells are reprogrammed during peritoneal metastasis—such as mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and adipocyte dedifferentiation—into pro-tumorigenic phenotypes that facilitate cancer dissemination and therapeutic resistance. A key research direction involves exploring therapeutic strategies, including vitamin D and recombinant human thrombomodulin, to reverse these pathological changes and restore normal microenvironmental functions. The lab integrates in vitro models, primary cell cultures, and translational studies to uncover molecular mechanisms driving ovarian cancer progression and to identify novel targets for intervention.
Professor Akimitsu Okamoto's research lab specializes in the development of novel fluorescent nucleobase analogs and oligonucleotide probes for highly sensitive and selective nucleic acid detection. The lab focuses on designing base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleosides, excitonic hybridization-sensitive probes (ECHO), and artificial nucleobases for applications in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing, insertion polymorphism detection, and DNA-mediated charge transport. Their innovative approach enables enzyme-free, rapid, and error-resistant detection of genetic variations using unique photophysical responses such as fluorescence switching and excimer formation.
Professor Kotaro Sugawara's research lab focuses on translational oncology, particularly in gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal and gastric carcinoma. The lab investigates novel therapeutic strategies, including oncolytic virus therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to enhance antitumor immunity and overcome immunosuppressive microenvironments. A key emphasis is placed on identifying and validating predictive biomarkers—especially inflammatory and nutritional markers like GNRI, CRP-derived indices, and Glasgow Prognostic Score—for survival outcomes and treatment response in patients undergoing surgery or chemoradiotherapy. The lab also explores preoperative pulmonary and nutritional status as critical determinants of postoperative survival, aiming to improve patient selection and outcomes in esophageal cancer.
