| 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. |
