Laboratory Name

Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology

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Research Theme

Post-transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression in Yeast

Our laboratory uses a budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model organism, and is focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms and the physiological func tions of the following processes. (1) Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins. (2) Molecular mechanism of mRNA localization and local translation regulating cell polar ity, asymmetric cell division, and cell-fate. (3) Regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response by protein kinases. (4) Prospore membrane formation by vesicle docking.

Introduction Video

This laboratory will participate in SRP 2025 Plus.

Laboratory Name

Molecular Virology

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Research Theme

Molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis

Emerging infectious diseases are caused by pathogens that circulate in wild and domestic animals, becoming newly infectious and problematic to humans due to adaptive mutations or changes in environmental and societal conditions. Our research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions that determine the pathogenicity and species specificity of emerging infectious diseases, including avian influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We are also focusing on the molecular mechanisms of innate immune responses to elucidate the viral pathogenicity by developing the animal models with genetically modified mice.

Introduction Video

Laboratory Name

Laboratory Animal Science

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Research Theme

Experimental genetics using genome-edited mouse models

Laboratory animals are used in numerous studies as models for the elucidation of human diseases and for in vivo evaluation of gene function. Our research aims to further develop the potential of these laboratory animals. Specifically, we are (1) developing tissue-specific in vivo genome editing techniques, (2) elucidating the causes of cardiac diseases caused by more detailed mutations such as point mutations and splicing abnormalities, and (3) elucidating the mechanisms of sperm and oocyte maintenance and maturation. We are looking for students who want to challenge “creation and analysis of genetically modi-fied animals” and “manipulation of germ cells and pre-implantated embryos” and students who are interested in “supporting” life science and medical research through the creation of genetically modified mice.

Introduction Video

This laboratory will participate in SRP 2025 Plus.

Laboratory Name

Infection Biology (Bacteriology)

Lab Page

Research Theme

Nucleoid dynamics in bacterial stress response

We aim to clarify the bacterial survival strategies in the context of the establishment of infectious diseases or symbiotic status. For example, we have found a group of genes named “esp (expression in minor subpopulation)” that are expressed in a minor subpopu lation. We clarified some are responsible for horizontal gene transfer and acquisition of antiboitics resistance genes. However, the function of many esp genes remains unknown. By clarifying these functions, we hope to understand unknown bacterial properties based on population heterogeneity. In addition, we are trying to elucidate role of dynmics of nucleoids and cell membranes, and are also working on the search for anti-virulence drugs.

This laboratory will participate in SRP 2025 Plus.

Laboratory Name

Lipid Medicine

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Research Theme

Development of new strategies for the management and treatment of metabolic diseases by qualitative control of fatty acids

As a major source of energy and as structural components of membranes, fatty acids are essential for our life. Through the cloning and the functional analysis of a mammalian fatty acid elongase Elovl6, we found the importance of the quality control of fatty acid (the length and pattern of saturation/desaturation of fatty acid) in metabolic diseases such as obesity, NAFLD and diabetes. Our group investigates the role of Elovl6 in lifestyle-related diseases, cancers and brain functions, and analyzes those molecular mechanisms. As well as unravelling the mysteries of the fatty acid diversity and biology, we are interested in the development of new approaches and therapeutics to treat various diseases based on the quality control of fatty acids

Introduction Video

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This laboratory will participate in SRP 2025 Plus.

Laboratory Name

Applied Medical Physics

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Lab Page

Research Theme

Medical Physics at the Frontiers of Healthcare: Advancing Radiotherapy, Imaging, and Safety

Our laboratory aims to develop cutting-edge medical technologies through the fusion of medicine and physics. While research topics can be flexibly set according to students’ interests, we actively engage in the following areas: (1) Radiation therapy, (2) Medical image analysis, (3) Applications of artificial intelligence, (4) Biometric measurement technologies, (5) Advancement and optimization of radiation protection and safety management. Through these efforts, we strive to enhance the accuracy of cancer treatment and improve the precision and speed of medical diagnosis, ultimately contributing to reducing the burden on patients and enhancing medical safety. Our research spans from fundamental studies to clinical applications, and we collaborate with leading research institutions and medical organizations worldwide to drive innovative research. We welcome students and researchers who are passionate about both physics and medicine

Introduction Video

Laboratory Name

Yanagisawa/ Funato Laboratory, International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS).

Lab Page

Research Theme

Molecular mechanism regulating sleep/wakefulness behavior

We spend nearly one-third of our lives asleep. The mechanism and function of sleep, how ever, remains unclear. Many factors such as mental illnesses, food, drugs, and emotions, can affect sleep/wake regulation. Disorder of sleep is not only by itself a major problem in modern society, but also an established risk factor for metabolic syndrome and other lifestyle diseases. We discovered the neuropeptide “orexin” that regulates sleep. Over 10 years of orexin research have convinced us that we have to take boldly new approaches to gain funda mental insights on the mechanism of sleep/wake regulation. Our approaches include real time visualization and manipulation of the activity of multiple neurons within the sleep/wake regulatory circuits in freely behaving mice. We also carry out a large-scale forward genetic screen in mice, looking for new genes directly responsible for sleep/wake regulation.

Introduction Video

This laboratory will participate in SRP 2025 Plus.

Laboratory Name

Division of Advanced Hemato-Oncology

Lab Page

Research Theme

Oncoimmunology in Blood and Solid Cancers

We investigate mechanisms of blood cancers by integrating both “data science” and “disease mouse models”. The data science aspect of our approach uses access to some of the worlds most powerful Super Computing resources to analyze big data from clinical samples, across both single-cell and genomic data sets. This is done via our direct association with the clinical departments treating blood cancers. As biological events are discovered from within the data science research targeting human cancers, we strive to prove principles via disease mouse models. Through the continued and dedicated progress verifying the molecular pathology, our ultimate aim is to return meaningful and useable results from analysis in basic research, back to clinical practice and bedside treatment: “Bench to Bedside”

Laboratory Name

Diagnostic Pathology

Research Theme

What is YAP1-positive pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma?

(1) Analysis using surgical specimens and cell lines (41 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, 14 small cell carcinoma cell lines, and 10 esophageal carcinoma cell lines) to explore molecular targets of cancer in terms of both molecular markers and morphology.
(2) Visium analysis, whole genome analysis, single cell analysis, etc. using resected lung cancer specimens.
(3) Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of abnormal differentiation (dedifferentiation, neuroendocrine differentiation, EMT, gastrointestinal epithelial differentiation, etc.) seen in lung cancer.
(4) Research on the mechanisms of drug sensitivity and resistance acquisition using cancer cell lines

Laboratory Name

Genome Biology

Lab Page

Research Theme

Omics Analysis in Space Life Sciences

We develop genomics technologies for limited sample analysis, and apply these methods for broad range of collaborative projects including mouse and human experiments in International Space Station, genome-epigenome analysis of biobanking clinical samples, and automation of laboratory processes by Labdroid “Maholo”. We also manage genom ics analysis platform with Tsukuba i-Laboratory, which mainly provides RNAseq, ChIPseq Exome and gene panel analysis for internal and external users. Students are encouraged to participate in these projects based on their research interests to develop experience and network in research community. Through these activities, we train highly skilled creative scientists who can contribute to science and society.

Laboratory Name

Anatomy and Embryology

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Research Theme

Histological Analysis of Genetically Manipulated Mice

・ Elucidation of molecular mechanism of pancreatic beta-cell development and its ap plication.
・ Functional analysis of large Maf transcription factor family, MafB and c-Maf in macro phage development and functions.
・ Elucidating biological roles of carbohydrates using glycosyltransferase conditional KO mice.
・ Study of diseases and drug discovery by development of novel imaging system.
・ Elucidation of etiology and gene function in desease model mice.

Introduction Video

Laboratory Name

Chemical Biology and in silico Drug Discovery

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Research Theme

Introduction to In Silico Drug Discovery

In recent years, in silico drug discovery—integrating bioinformatics and chemoinformatics—has gained significant attention in pharmaceutical research.
At the Hirokawa Laboratory, we utilize both Ligand-Based Drug Design, which is guided by compound information, and Structure-Based Drug Design, which is based on the 3D structure of target molecules.
Our goal is to identify novel drug targets and action sites, as well as to streamline the drug development process.

Laboratory Name

IIIS G/V Lab

Lab Page

Research Theme

Sleep Research

Missing sleep for even a few hours is unpleasant and normal mental tasks, such as driv ing, become more and more difficult. Luckily, sleep, especially deep, slow wave sleep will restore the brain’s ability to function. During slow wave sleep neurons in the cortex alternate between silent OFF states and active ON states in a highly synchronous manner – giving rise to characteristic waves in the electro-encephalogram (EEG). The activity during the ON states resembles waking, but we are now finding important differences be tween wake activity and the activity patterns observed in sleep. We want to characterize the activity of neurons and of neural networks during slow wave sleep to understand the function of this specific activity pattern and its regulation