Research Area

I. Division of Biomolecular Organization

This division conducts education and research on the cell structure and functions in levels of molecules, cells, tissues, and individuals.

(1) Molecular Physiology

We educate and research on the molecular mechanisms of stimulus reception in sensory cells, and of cell motility of unicellular organisms. The molecular mechanisms functioning in inter-cellular and inter-individual relationships are also studied. (M. Ozaki, T. Suzaki, M. Sakura)

(2) Cell Function

Plants do not have to move from where they live by conducting photosynthesis. Instead, they have abilities to change their cell function, organ growth, and developmental program in response to environmental changes. We educate and research on the mechanisms and their evolution of various plant physiological/morphological responses to environment based on the molecular and cell biology. (T. Mimura, H. Fukaki, K. Ishizaki, M. Ohnishi)

(3) Bioinformation

Aiming to explore information processing in biological systems, our education and research focus on signal transductions underlying "brain function" and "membrane traffic and cellular morphology in model organisms". (S. Maekawa, M. Miyamoto, M. Morita, A. Honjo)

II. Division of Biosignal Transduction

This division conducts education and research on the mechanisms of gene expression and the regulation of biological responses through the intracellular signal transduction.

(1) Gene Expression

We educate and research on the mechanisms of gene expression and the related developmental processes, including germ cell determination and differentiation in the nematode C. elegans and zebrafish, microRNA function, and regulation of RNA splicing in vertebrates, as well as function and evolution of genes involved in protein synthesis and biofilm formation in microbe. (H. Sakamoto, K. Inoue, M. Kitakawa, T. Takasaki)

(2) Signal Transduction

We educate and research on the mechanisms of the intracellular signal transduction by the post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of proteins as well as the protein-protein interactions via adaptor and anchoring proteins. (S. Kamada)

(3) Genetic information

We educate and research on the inter- and intracellular signaling system of neuronal network and also its dysfunction in various neuronal diseases by using various techniques including imaging technique and model animals. (K. Sugasawa, W. Sakai)

(4) Gene Function

We educate and research on the functions of genes involved in cellular transformation and development. Studies are focused on the mechanisms of malignant progression, apoptosis of cancer cells, fertilization and embryonic development. (Y. Fukami, Y. Kageyama, T. Iwasaki)

III. Division of Biodiversity

This division conducts research and educational program on ecology and systematic biology for elucidating origin and sustenance mechanism of biodiversity of various biota inhabiting both terrestrial and marine environments.

(1) Ecology and speciation

This course covers studies on ecological aspects of biodiversity and its conservation, as well as mechanisms of evolutionary change, speciation and diversity of aquatic plants. (Y. Kadono, K. Kosuge, T. Sato, K. Suetsugu)

(2) Evolution and phylogeny

We focus on the researches and education of the evolutionary aspects of biodiversity, systematics, metabolic physiology, cell structures and ecology of diverse algae, and apply the results for the conservation and improvement of the aquatic ecosystems. (H. Kawai, A. Murakami, T. Hanyuda)

IV. Division of Developmental Biology (Cooperative Division)

Our educational program provides fundamental concepts and basic knowledge in velopmental biology. We also conduct advanced research in developmental genetics, cell biology, and evolutional biology.

(1) Developmental Biology

Research and education in this division cover fundamental developmental processes, including epithelial morphogenesis in Drosophila, assembly of distinct functional areas in mouse cerebral cortex, and evolutional morphology in vertebrates and insects. (S. Hayashi, S. Kuratani, C. Hanashima, M. Morimoto; RIKEN CDB)

V. Division of Molecular Pharmacology (Cooperative Division)

This division reviews development of novel medicines and diagnostics which are conducted, sed on genetic, physiological and biochemical studies.

(1) Molecular Pharmacology

Research and education are conducted in the field of Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics based on the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of drug action. (T. Sakata, M. Nakajima; Shionogi & Co., Ltd.)