探索全球顶尖大学的研究室——研究领域与主要论文一览无余。
Professor Etsuro Ito's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on ion channel dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and the role of signaling molecules such as cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) and oxytocin in memory consolidation and emotional regulation. The lab employs model organisms like the pond snail *Lymnaea stagnalis* to study associative learning and long-term memory at the neuronal and genetic level, while also developing ultrasensitive detection technologies for clinical biomarkers. A central theme is the integration of molecular neuroscience with translational applications in diagnostics and neuropsychiatry.
Professor Hyung Jin Choi's research lab focuses on the neuroendocrine and metabolic regulation of energy homeostasis, with a particular emphasis on incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP in the central nervous system. The lab investigates the central mechanisms underlying satiety, obesity, and type 2 diabetes using translational approaches that integrate preclinical models, human studies, and advanced neuroscientific techniques like optogenetics and calcium imaging. Additional research explores the role of bone-derived hormones like undercarboxylated osteocalcin and metabolic regulators such as vitamin K in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The lab also employs metabolomics to identify serum biomarkers associated with diabetic complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy.
Professor Yongseok Jun's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials for renewable energy applications, with a primary focus on energy storage and conversion technologies. The lab investigates two main research directions: (1) designing and synthesizing novel 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoSe₂) and their heterostructures with graphene for high-performance supercapacitors, and (2) advancing perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells through innovative electrode engineering, flexible substrates, and scalable fabrication methods. The lab emphasizes materials synthesis, nanostructure characterization, and electrochemical performance optimization to enable next-generation sustainable energy devices.
Professor Hiroyuki Noji's research lab specializes in single-molecule biophysics and nanobioengineering, focusing on the development of ultra-sensitive detection technologies for biomolecules and the mechanical characterization of molecular machines. The lab pioneers innovative microfluidic and droplet-based platforms—such as femtoliter droplet arrays and surface-patterned substrates—that enable digital, single-molecule detection with high sensitivity and spatial control. A central theme is the study of rotary ATP synthase and other biomolecular motors, exploring their mechanical dynamics, energy conversion efficiency, and regulation at the single-molecule level. The lab also develops advanced techniques for reaction control, product recovery, and real-time observation in nanoscale environments.
Professor Hiroshi Ueda's research lab specializes in the development of innovative biosensing technologies for the sensitive and noncompetitive detection of small molecules, particularly low-molecular-weight antigens such as peptides and drugs. The lab focuses on integrating advanced materials—like graphene field-effect transistors and nanobodies—with novel immunoassay principles, including open-sandwich immunoassays and bioluminescent protein-fragment complementation. Key research directions involve engineering fluorescent biosensors (e.g., mini Q-bodies) and microfluidic platforms for rapid, quantitative detection in biomedical and clinical settings. The lab also investigates enzymatic activities related to phospholipid metabolism, contributing to molecular understanding of signaling pathways.
Professor Tetsu Ichitsubo's research lab specializes in advanced materials for next-generation energy storage systems, with a primary focus on multivalent ion batteries—particularly magnesium and calcium-based batteries—aimed at achieving high energy density and safety. The lab explores novel electrode materials, such as spinel and complex oxide structures, and develops innovative electrolyte systems and battery architectures, including dual-salt and septum-free designs, to overcome kinetic and interfacial challenges. Fundamental electrochemical behavior, including ion insertion mechanisms and mechanical strain effects in alloy anodes, is also a key research direction.
Professor Soo Han Bae's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and cellular defense pathways in liver diseases, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH). The lab investigates the roles of key redox-sensitive transcription factors such as Nrf2 and its regulatory pathways, including KEAP1-Nrf2 and p62-ULK1 signaling, in maintaining cellular homeostasis under lipotoxic and oxidative stress. Central to their work is the elucidation of how antioxidant systems—such as the Prx/Srx and peroxiredoxin pathways—protect hepatocytes from mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The lab also explores the interplay between autophagy, mitochondrial quality control, and redox regulation in liver pathophysiology.
Professor Jae Won Kim's research lab specializes in advanced materials and optoelectronic devices, with a strong focus on plasmonics, organic semiconductors, and sustainable energy technologies. The lab develops novel nanomaterials—such as silver nanowire-based transparent electrodes and crosslinkable semiconducting polymers—to enhance the performance and stability of organic solar cells, OLEDs, and photovoltaic devices. Key research directions include plasmon-coupled light management, morphology control in bulk heterojunction systems, and green-processable materials for flexible and efficient optoelectronics. The lab also explores innovative manufacturing techniques, such as multi-pulse resistance spot welding, to advance materials processing in industrial applications.
Professor Shinji Mukohyama's research lab specializes in quantum gravity, cosmology, and gravitational physics, with a focus on modified theories of gravity such as Hořava-Lifshitz gravity and their cosmological implications. The lab investigates infrared modifications of gravity, bouncing and cyclic universe models, and the emergence of dark matter-like effects without invoking new particles. It also explores gravitational wave phenomenology, including blue-tilted spectra from particle production during inflation, and the role of gravitational perturbations in anti-de Sitter spacetimes and brane-world scenarios.
Professor Mayumi Ishizuka's research lab specializes in environmental toxicology and molecular pharmacology, focusing on the mechanisms of xenobiotic metabolism and the health impacts of environmental contaminants. The lab investigates cytochrome P450 enzymes in avian species to understand species-specific metabolic pathways and evolutionary adaptations. It also explores the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and carcinogenic dyes in food crops and their associated human health risks. Additionally, the lab examines molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, particularly in rodent populations exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides like warfarin.
Professor Shugo Tohyama's research lab specializes in cardiac regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, focusing on the development of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiac models for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapy. The lab pioneers advanced 3D cardiac tissue constructs such as engineered heart tissues (EHTs), cardiac organoids (COs), and scaffold-free tubular EHTs to enhance cardiomyocyte maturation and functional integration. A key emphasis is on creating clinically translatable, patient-specific models that enable personalized medicine and preclinical evaluation of cardiac therapies.
Professor Chan-Hwa Chung's research lab specializes in the design and application of advanced functional nanomaterials, with a strong focus on 2D inorganic materials such as MXenes and graphene for sensing, energy storage, and environmental remediation. The lab investigates the structure-property relationships of these materials, particularly how surface functionalities and nanostructuring influence electrochemical and photoelectrochemical performance. Key research directions include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for chemical and biomolecular detection, electrochemical sensors, and the development of high-surface-area materials for supercapacitors and pollutant monitoring.
Professor Kazuyuki Oshita's research lab specializes in sustainable waste-to-energy technologies, focusing on the recovery and utilization of valuable resources from sewage sludge. The lab investigates advanced processes such as siloxane removal for biogas purification, lipid extraction using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME), and DME-based sludge dewatering to enhance fuel quality and energy recovery. Key research directions include optimizing chemical extraction methods for biofuel production and improving the dewaterability and heating value of dewatered sludge for energy applications. The lab emphasizes practical, scalable solutions for energy recovery and pollution control in wastewater treatment systems.
Professor Takeshi Serizawa's research lab specializes in the design and fabrication of functional polymeric materials, with a focus on stimuli-responsive hydrogels, layer-by-layer assembled thin films, and biointeractive surfaces. The lab employs advanced analytical techniques such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to quantitatively investigate the assembly mechanisms and interfacial properties of these materials. Key research directions include the development of smart biomaterials for biomedical applications—such as anti- and pro-coagulant surfaces, enzymatically responsive systems, and thermoresponsive hydrogels—aimed at regulating biological responses at the material interface. The work bridges polymer chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering to create next-generation functional coatings and nanomaterials.
Professor Sin-Hyeog Im's research lab focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, with a central emphasis on immune regulation, T cell differentiation, and the role of microbial and host factors in maintaining immune tolerance. The lab investigates how commensal microbiota, such as *Bifidobacterium bifidum*, influence regulatory T cell development and function, and explores key signaling pathways—like NFAT and HIF—involved in immune cell activation and tissue inflammation. Additionally, the lab develops antigen-specific immunotherapies, exemplified by oral tolerance induction using AChR fragments to treat autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Their work bridges innate and adaptive immunity, aiming to translate basic immunological insights into novel therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Professor Takayuki Kohchi's research lab focuses on plant molecular biology and functional genomics, with a central emphasis on the liverwort *Marchantia polymorpha* as a model system for studying the evolution of land plant development and signaling. The lab investigates fundamental processes such as auxin signaling, phytochrome-mediated light perception, and targeted genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By combining reverse and forward genetics with molecular and biochemical approaches, the lab explores conserved and derived mechanisms in early land plants to uncover principles of plant evolution and development.
Professor Michihisa Koyama's research lab specializes in the design, synthesis, and atomic-scale characterization of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and environmental applications. The lab focuses on nanostructured catalysts—particularly high-entropy alloys, noble metal alloys, and intermetallic systems—aimed at enhancing catalytic activity and stability in fuel cells, automotive exhaust treatment, and electrochemical energy systems. By combining advanced spectroscopy, first-principles calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations, the lab investigates local electronic structures, surface reactivity, and degradation mechanisms at the atomic level to guide rational materials development.
Professor Shogo Kobayashi's research lab focuses on molecular oncology and cancer biology, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and metastasis. The lab investigates key regulatory proteins such as Mcl-1, exploring their post-translational modifications and roles in apoptosis evasion and tumor survival. Additionally, the lab identifies and characterizes exosomal microRNAs as potential biomarkers for early detection of intrahepatic metastasis in HCC. Their work also includes translational studies comparing adjuvant therapies in biliary tract cancer to improve post-surgical outcomes.
Professor Akihito Konishi's research lab specializes in the synthesis and characterization of nonalternant and antiaromatic hydrocarbons, with a focus on understanding their unique electronic structures and open-shell character. The lab investigates the interplay between antiaromaticity, biradical character, and electron correlation in π-conjugated systems, particularly in zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. By combining experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography with advanced theoretical calculations, the group explores structure-property relationships that enable novel magnetic, optical, and electronic behaviors in organic materials. Their work aims to design functional organic semiconductors and optoelectronic materials with tailored properties for next-generation technologies.
Professor Hideki Kanda's research lab specializes in advanced separation and extraction technologies using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) for sustainable processing of biomass and high-moisture materials. The lab focuses on energy-efficient dewatering and carotenoid/lipid extraction from microalgae and seaweed, leveraging DME’s unique phase behavior and low-temperature operation. Computational studies on nanoporous systems, including molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, further explore confined fluid behavior, phase transitions, and pore-size distribution in mesoporous materials. The integration of experimental and simulation approaches enables the development of green, scalable processes for bioresource utilization and materials characterization.
