RESEARCH
Our research is currently centered on three main projects.
PROJECT 1
Development of JigSAP Peptide Hydrogels that Release Bioactive Molecules at the Required Site and Amount
In addition to developing regenerative therapeutics based on the 11–amino acid peptide JigSAP developed through collaboration with Professor Takahiro Muraoka at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (Yaguchi et al., Nat Commun, 2021), we have also begun work on anticancer drug development. For the development of therapeutics for ischemic stroke, we are advancing both clinical translation and mechanistic studies of brain regeneration through collaborative research with Professor Sumita in the Department of Endovascular Surgery at Institute of Science Tokyo.
This research aims to establish a new drug modality—molecular assembly medicine—by leveraging the self-assembling capabilities of JigSAP for therapeutic design.
PROJECT 2
Behavioral Analysis Technology Development
In collaboration with Professor Shingo Maeda (School of Engineering, Institute of Science Tokyo), we are developing technologies to quantify abnormalities in gait and postural control in mouse models of ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. This work utilizes novel behavioral analysis algorithms (Yokokawa et al., Proc IEEE ICMA, 2024) as well as advanced functional analysis methods.
This project aims to evolve into an innovative technology that redefines the fundamental concept of behavioral testing, which is essential for drug discovery in the nervous system.
PROJECT 3
Optogenetics Technology Development
In collaboration with Professor Nobuhiro Yanai at the University of Tokyo, we are advancing the development of minimally invasive optogenetic technologies that leverage photon upconversion (Sasaki et al., Angew Chem, 2019; Uji et al., Adv Mater, 2024) to enable long-wavelength light stimulation. This project aims to establish a foundational technology for elucidating the causal relationship between neural circuit dysfunction and abnormalities in postural control.
FACILITIES
Find out about the selection of experimental instruments available in our laboratory.
Confocal Microscope System
A high-resolution microscope used to capture stained brain tissue and various cellular structures. This system also enables quantitative morphological analysis.
Cryostat
An instrument used to prepare thin frozen sections (approximately 10 μm) of brain and other biological tissues. We use this and the vibratome depending on the experimental needs.
Vibratome
A device used to prepare thicker tissue sections (50–100 μm) of brain and biological tissues. It is used in combination with the cryostat as appropriate.
Electroporator
A system used to introduce plasmids into mouse brain and other . Depending on the purpose, it is used in both in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Clean Bench (Culture Room)
A sterile workspace for handling pluripotent stem cells, primary neuronal cultures, and other cell types.
Used together with incubators located in the same room.
Stereoscopic microscope
Used under sterile conditions when performing dissections of embryonic mouse brain tissue or spinal cord tissue for cell culture.
CONTACTS
JOIN OUR LAB
We are currently accepting graduate students from the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo (Doctoral and Master Course. We welcome inquiries from those interested in joining our research activities.
INQUIRIES
For inquiries regarding the laboratory or our research activities, please contact us by email.