| Laboratory | Members | Education, Research and Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology SITE |
Professor : Hirofumi Aiba Assistant Professor : Hokuto Ohtsuka Assistant Professor : Takafumi Shimasaki |
Microorganisms can either function as the source of new drugs (e.g., antibiotics) or as drug targets themselves (i.e., during an infection). Therefore, microbiology represents an important branch of pharmaceutical science. In our laboratory, we conduct basic research and education on prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms with an eye toward new drug development. Specifically, we explore new physiological functions of microorganisms at the molecular level. |
| Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry SITE |
Professor : Kiyotaka Hitomi Assistant Professor : Hideki Tatsukawa Assistant Professor : Tokuji Tsuji |
Physiologically active factors, such as proteins, are an essential component of basic pharmaceutical science research. Our laboratory conducts research and education on physiologically active proteins—including enzymes, antibodies, and differentiation and growth factors. These factors, primarily derived from animal cells, are analyzed with respect to their biological properties and mechanisms of their functional adjustment, using the methods of biochemistry, genetic engineering and cellular biology. Using the findings and technologies generated through this work, we also implement research and education on the mechanisms of action of new useful functional molecules, thereby contributing to pharmaceutical sciences. |
| Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Bioengineering SITE |
Associate Professor : Ryuji Kato Assistant Professor : Kenjiro Tanaka |
The drug development process incorporates a number of stages, including design, evaluation, and screening of new candidate substances. This process is facilitated by access to biological inputs and readouts along the way. Practical methods to integrate data sets and to improve analytical efficiencies are paramount. Multidimensional information obtained from cells and biological molecules should be used effectively. Our laboratory conducts research and education in cellular and molecular bioinformatics, with a focus on technology development to support pharmaceutical sciences. We analyze biological information collected from cellular, biomaterials, and medical engineering experiments using bioinformatics and biostatistical methods. |
| Laboratory of Cellular Pharmacology SITE |
Associate Professor : Fumitaka Osakada Assistant Professor : Ryosuke Takeuchi |
We aim to understand fundamental principles of neural circuits by primarily focusing on the structure and function of the visual system. We employ genetic, viral, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral approaches in mice and non-human primates. To understand and ultimately treat diseases of the nervous system, we are also working on neural regeneration and plasticity with a special focus on drugs and cells that restore circuit function. We are looking for highly motivated students and postdocs with interests in interdisciplinary research: neuroscience, anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, ophthalmology, genetics, molecular biology, stem cell biology, bioengineering, and computational science. |
| Laboratory | Members | Education, Research and Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory of Process Chemistry SITE |
Professor : Shinichiro Fuse Assitant Professor : Naoto Yamasaki |
Realization of rapid, less expensive, and less wasteful production of pharmaceuticals is one of the most important tasks in a drug development field. Our group focuses on resolving this task based on the development of synthetic engineering technologies such as a continuous-flow synthesis technology and an automated synthesis technology. These technologies allow us to obtain a deeper understanding of organic reactions. Our group educates students through development of truly efficient synthetic processes. |
| Laboratory of Natural Products Chemistry SITE |
Professor : Satoshi Yokoshima Assistant Professor : Nariyoshi Umekubo |
Molecules isolated from natural sources, or natural products, exhibit a variety of bioactivities. Natural products have been used as medicines, and even now are important seeds for development of novel medicines. Our main task is total synthesis of natural products. Accomplishment of robust synthesis leads to providing necessary amounts of invaluable molecules for human beings. The synthetic routes thus established will expand our opportunity for creating related molecules with higher activity or functional tools to identify physiological targets of the natural products. |
| Laboratory of Molecular Design SITE |
Professor : Yoshihiko Yamamoto Assistant Professor : Takeshi Yasui |
The molecular design of candidate organic compounds that are expected to function as pharmaceutical agents plays an extremely important role in pharmaceutical sciences. During the development process from a candidate compound to the final pharmaceutical agent, both rational molecular design—which envisions derivatives with enhanced desired properties and reduced adverse drug reactions—and efficient synthesis of the final product are indispensable. Our laboratory implements creative research and education in molecular design chemistry, based on synthetic organic chemistry. This field endeavors to design new physiologically active molecules as part of the drug development pipeline. In addition, we emphasize the development of rational synthetic routes to generate these target compounds. |
| Laboratory | Members | Education, Research and Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory of Structural Molecular Pharmacology SITE |
Professor : Hidekazu Hiroaki Associate Professor : Tetsuya Kodama Assistant Professor : Emi Hibino |
In order to understand the mechanism(s) of action of drugs and proteins, their three-dimensional structures and intermolecular interactions should be quantitatively evaluated. In turn, such studies can enable the rapid and rational design of novel drugs. This laboratory implements research and education in molecular pharmacology based on the three-dimensional structure of drugs, following the process from structural biology to drug development with special consideration for new generation drugs (e.g., antibodies and nucleic acids). With respect to methodologies, we primarily use nuclear magnetic resonance in combination with X-ray crystallography. |
| Laboratory of Structural Physiology SITE |
Professor : Atsunori Oshima |
Membrane proteins residing in the plasma membrane account for a large proportion of drug development targets. In our laboratory, we conduct research and education in the development of basic technologies, including electron crystallography that enables the structural analysis of membrane proteins within their natural environment of lipid membranes. We also investigate the structures of membrane proteins considered to be highly significant as drug development targets. |
