Research Laboratories

What molecular mechanisms support brain function? Is it possible to halt the decline of brain function due to aging and diseases such as Alzheimer's? We address these questions using biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology techniques.

Our laboratory is dedicated to identifying the molecular/genetic basis of the developmental program for chordate embryos and understanding how the developmental program is executed during the course of development from a single cell, fertilized egg to the adult form with functional tissues and organs.

How does the brain control animal behavior? In our laboratory, we use Drosophila melanogaster, which has a wealth of genetic tools, to study the brain control mechanisms of instinctive and learned behaviors. Keywords include learning and memory, sexual behavior, sleep, circadian rhythm, environmental factors, stress, trauma, brain imaging, and optogenetics.

Some microorganisms can survive in harsh environments that other organisms cannot inhabit. We study the mechanisms of how such microorganisms acclimate to extreme environments.

How do plant fertilization and early development proceed?
What are the barriers to interspecific hybridization, and how to overcome them?
We approach these questions and possibilities using the unique technique called "In-vitro fertilization system.”

Cell-cell interactions are crucial for tissue homeostasis. Intracellular proteolysis in mammalian cells is also important for viral immunity. Why don’t you try to discover new cellular machinery with us?

Our goal is to understand the mechanisms of evolution at the level of genes and genomes. To achieve this goal, we integrate various approaches including field collection, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Behavior is an important outcome of the biological activities of the brain. We study the connection between brain physiology and behavior. This may help us understand the mechanisms of behavioral disorders.

How do the photosynthetic microorganisms sense light information? We will answer this question by performing basic studies using photobiological methods, which will lead to develop optogenetic and bio-imaging tools.

Our planet is home to an enormous number of microorganisms. Most of them remain undiscovered and their functions are unknown. We are exploring novel microorganisms to clarify the microbial diversity and the roles in the natural environments.

We are interested in how natural systems work. We use various animal models and a wide range of methods, including population genetics and phylogenetics, computer and mathematical modelling, and field and lab based experimental studies to investigate various questions at the intersection of behavior, ecology, and evolution.

Our research aims to understand the various ecological phenomena involving plants at various temporal and spatial scales. In addition to field research (e.g. Northern Yatsugatake Mountains), we also focus on experimental research using greenhouses, fields and growth chambers, and theoretical studies.

The Earth is an extremely rich and diverse organism, and there is still plenty to discover. We study various terrestrial invertebrates such as bees, beetles, spiders, centipedes, and jassids. We are studying species diversity (including describing new species) and the evolutionary history of these organisms.

We study biodiversity of wild plants. We clarify what kind of species are growing on the earth, how they have been formed through evolution, how they grow and reproduce in nature. Our studies are also useful for their conservation.

Our research focuses mainly on the evolution of organisms using mathematical and computational approaches. The mathematical approach involves mathematical analyses of life phenomena using mathematical models, and computational approach involves large-scale data analysis utilizing rapidly advancing computers and bioinformatics.