We are investigating the dynamics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Seto Inland Sea and other areas of western Japan. In addition, clarifying the mechanism of contamination of Lake Kojima, we are conducting water quality surveys of Lake Kojima and elution experiments of organic matter and nutrient salts from the bottom sediment. We are also investigating the effects of chemical substances on the properties of aquatic organisms.

My research focuses on elucidating the structure and function of biopolymers involved in the human life sciences. In particular, I focus on the field of human taste perception and study the mechanism of sweet taste perception. I also studies proteins that transform the human sense of taste. Certain proteins have the ability to alter human taste perception (e.g., changing sour taste to sweet). I believe that by elucidating this mechanism, we may be able to change “undesirable tastes” into “desirable tastes.

Skeletal muscle is an essential tissue for healthy living, and thus, age-related deterioration of motor function is a major problem. This is related to the fact that skeletal muscles become larger (muscle hypertrophy) or smaller (muscle atrophy) depending on the conditions of use. In addition, the dysfunction of muscle satellite cells causes serious symptoms. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration and muscle hypertrophy, this laboratory aims to contribute to the improvement of quality of life by overcoming the decline in muscle regenerative capacity associated with aging and muscle diseases.

Physarum polycephalum can servive in extreme desiccation conditions. Stabilization of biomolecules, including proteins, is essential action for survival in the desiccation condition. To understand the molecular mechanism of desiccation tolerance in Physarum polycephalum, I have researched the whole aspect of adaptation by omics analysis.

Development of efficient protocol to induce functional cells from pluripotent stem cells is important for cell therapies. We aim to create highly differentiated somatic cells and functional tissues by using genetic manipulation, 3D-culture, and co-culture methods. We also investigate the regulation mechanism of differentiation in cancer cells which could be useful information for both cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.