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 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 Heebal Kim's research lab specializes in animal genomics and population genetics, focusing on identifying genetic mechanisms underlying economically and medically important traits in livestock and aquatic species. The lab integrates next-generation sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and evolutionary genomics to dissect complex traits such as disease resistance, thermotolerance, obesity, and production efficiency. Key research directions include comparative genomics of avian and bovine species, functional genomics of domestication, and translational applications of animal models to human metabolic diseases. The lab also contributes to sustainable aquaculture and livestock breeding through high-resolution genomic analysis and SNP discovery.
Professor Nam-Hyuk Cho's research lab focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of scrub typhus, a neglected tropical disease caused by *Orientia tsutsugamushi*. The lab investigates host-pathogen interactions, particularly how the bacterium manipulates innate immune responses by targeting macrophages and endothelial cells to promote survival and dissemination. Key research directions include the regulation of chemokine expression, immune evasion mechanisms, and the development of cross-protective vaccines using outer membrane proteins such as ScaA. The lab also explores bacterial virulence factors, including type IV secretion systems and genomic features like repetitive elements that may contribute to immune escape and antigenic variation.
Professor Sang Ho Choi's research lab specializes in bacterial pathogenesis, with a primary focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying acid tolerance, virulence regulation, and quorum sensing in pathogenic Vibrio species, particularly *Vibrio vulnificus*. The lab investigates key virulence factors such as hemolysin, elastase, and cadBA systems, exploring their genetic regulation, transcriptional control, and roles in host-pathogen interactions. Using molecular genetics, functional genomics, and next-generation sequencing, the lab aims to understand how environmental signals and regulatory networks contribute to bacterial survival and pathogenicity in host and environmental settings.
Professor Jae Bum Kim's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating energy metabolism, with a central emphasis on transcription factors such as ADD1/SREBP1 and LXR in adipocyte differentiation and lipid homeostasis. The lab investigates how these factors coordinate gene expression programs in response to nutritional states, including fasting and feeding, and their roles in insulin resistance and metabolic disease. Key research directions include the functional crosstalk between nuclear receptors (e.g., LXR, PPARγ) and transcription factors in adipogenesis and lipogenesis, as well as the pathophysiological implications of lipid overload and inflammation in metabolic syndrome. The lab integrates molecular biology, cell culture models, and in vivo studies to dissect regulatory networks in metabolic tissues.
Professor Sarah Yunmi Lee's research lab specializes in the development of innovative catalytic methods for the enantioselective synthesis of complex organic molecules, with a strong focus on stereoselective C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation. Her group pioneers strategies for site-selective functionalization of arenes, dynamic kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols, and asymmetric synthesis of fluorinated compounds—particularly tertiary alkyl fluorides and α-fluorocarbonyl derivatives—using novel chiral catalysts and synergistic catalytic systems. The lab emphasizes mechanistic understanding to guide the design of selective transformations, enabling access to high-value scaffolds found in bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals.
Professor Min Hyeock Lee's research lab specializes in the development of advanced functional materials for sustainable applications in food science, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. The lab focuses on designing nano- and micro-encapsulated delivery systems—particularly using natural clays like halloysite nanotubes and biopolymers—for controlled release of bioactive compounds such as essential oils, curcumin, and other antioxidants. Key research directions include enhancing the stability and performance of active food packaging, improving transdermal drug delivery through thermoresponsive hydrogels, and optimizing the physicochemical properties of edible insect oils for food applications. The lab emphasizes green and sustainable approaches by leveraging natural materials and environmentally friendly processing techniques.
Professor Kyu Yeon Hur's research lab focuses on the interplay between metabolic health, gut microbiota, and cellular stress responses in the context of diabetes and related disorders. Key research directions include understanding the role of gut microbiota in metabolic regulation and insulin sensitivity, exploring novel mechanisms of metformin beyond AMPK activation, and investigating endoplasmic reticulum stress and IRE1α signaling in liver injury and metabolic disease. The lab integrates preclinical models with translational insights to uncover pathways linking diet, microbiota, and systemic metabolism.
Professor Han Gon Choi's research lab specializes in advanced drug delivery systems, with a strong focus on nanotechnology and pharmaceutical formulation. The lab develops innovative nanocarriers—such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liquid crystalline nanoparticles, nanotransethosomes, and solid self-nanoemulsifying systems—to enhance the solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of anticancer and poorly water-soluble drugs. Key research directions include improving drug loading efficiency, controlling release profiles, and minimizing systemic side effects through surface modification and polymer-based formulations. The lab integrates analytical techniques like DSC, FTIR, and SEM to characterize drug-polymer interactions and optimize nanoformulations for oral and topical applications.
Professor Seung Kyu Min's research lab specializes in theoretical and computational quantum chemistry, with a focus on nonadiabatic molecular dynamics and the exact factorization of the electron-nuclear wave function. The lab develops advanced mixed quantum-classical methods that accurately capture quantum coherence, decoherence, and wave packet splitting in excited-state dynamics—addressing long-standing limitations in surface hopping and Ehrenfest-type approaches. Their work bridges fundamental quantum mechanics with practical simulations, enabling predictive modeling of light-induced processes in molecules and materials. The lab also contributes to open-source software development, notably the PyUNIxMD package, to advance accessible and reliable nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
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.
