Institute of Integrated Research

Our laboratory is conducting interdisciplinary research between medicine/dentistry/engineering based on micro/nanotechnologies friendly to bio-derived materials and living bodies, and is building medical devices and systems for application in diagnostics and therapeutics. We are mainly developing drug delivery devices, cell delivery systems, and microphysiological systems. Recently, we achieved a world-first in creating human placental organoids that mimic the in-vivo placenta.

Our laboratory studies the mechanisms by which the immune system recognises pathogens such as viruses. The antiviral immune system distinguishes between 'non-self' pathogens and 'self' molecules, such as our own cells and organs. By gaining a detailed understanding of this 'self' versus 'non-self' recognition process, we aim to develop innovative antiviral drugs and therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases.

Batteries are essential for a wide range of devices we use in our daily lives, from smartphones and computers to bicycles and cars. Batteries with excellent performance enrich our lives.
Among these, all-solid-state batteries, that are made of only solid materials, are expected to be the batteries of the next generation. We are developing this new type of battery using the latest advances in materials synthesis and analysis technologies, computational chemistry, and data informatics.

AI has surpassed human abilities in tasks like image classification and games such as Go. However, mastering skilled techniques remains a challenge for AI. In my laboratory, we research how humans learn movements and skills using musculoskeletal models, a field known as computational neuroscience. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute not only to the development of prosthetic hand and skill acquisition but also to rehabilitation applications.

Phosphoinositides (PIPs), a class of phospholipids present in cell membranes, play a crucial role in intracellular signal transduction. In our laboratory, we utilize gene-targeted mice of PIPs-metabolizing enzymes, PIPs-binding probes, and advanced PIPs analysis techniques to investigate disease-associated PIPs variants and uncover their underlying molecular mechanisms. Discovering novel functions of PIPs is exciting and deeply rewarding.

Our research is focused on shape memory alloys, which can return to their original shape by heating or removing force, even if they are greatly deformed. This phenomenon is caused by structural phase transformation. These materials are used in various fields, especially in the medical field. We are conducting basic research using single crystals, improving the material creation process, and developing characterization methods to enhance the performance of shape memory alloys further.

Using elasticity measurement of biological tissue as a core technology, I am developing systems for medical diagnosis in hospitals and at home, and for smart agriculture. Through these research and development projects, I aim to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. In addition, by studying the acoustic characteristics of ancient musical instrument, I hope to elucidate the relationship between the instrument structure and sound, and contribute to the transmission of traditional culture and science education for future generations.

Oligonucleotide Therapeutics are pharmaceuticals that utilize nucleic acids, which carry the genetic information of life, and are synthesized through chemical processes. My research focuses on using this therapy to control RNA expression and splicing, aiming for fundamental treatments for diseases, including rare and intractable conditions. Based on our research achievements, I am dedicated to advancing the development of new therapeutic approaches.

The Collaborative Research Project (CRP) is the system for researchers in Japan to utilize research facilities and to collaborate research activities over activity areas of each university. CRP has contributed to the development of academic research in Japan.

Organization for Fundamental Research provides young researchers with opportunities to not only create innovative research seeds based on academic interests but also to recognize the importance of promoting research with society's expectation and responsibility.

At IIR, we hope to create new industrial technology to meet the needs of the times, and contribute to the realization of a prosperous future society through cooperative research with the industry. Several cooperative research projects are underway.

IIR consistes of several Research Laboratories, Research Centers, and Research Units locating at Yushima, Surugadai, Suzukakedai, and Ookayama Campuses. At IIR, advanced researches are underway covering wide research fields of life science, material, energy, electronics and information, mechanics, disaster prevention, and so on. Based on free imagination of researchers, IIR aims at contributing society with new creation of knowledge by collaboration between Laboratories, Centers, and Units.