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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Associate professor
- Kan WAKAMATSU
- Research Field
Organic Chemistry, Photochemistry, Computational Chemistry
- Keyword(s)
Functional Material, Photoreaction, Electron Transfer, Quantum Chemical Calculation
- Research theme
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- Development of new photoreaction using photoinduced electron transfer and its application
- Quantum chemical investigation of physical properties and reactivities of functional organic molecules
Outline of research activitiesOur research theme is development of new photoreaction using photoinduced electron transfer and its application to syntheses of functional materials. In present, we are working on (1) investigation of photochemical syntheses of indole derivatives which are considered to the important alkaloids widely found in nature, and (2) development of efficient photochemical synthetic methods for quinone imine dyes and their application. Because these target compounds indicate characteristic redox behavior, we also consider applying them to functional materials such as an OLED material while adopting their expected physical properties evaluated by quantum chemical calculation.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of organic compound which functionality can be induced by photoreaction
- Quantum chemical derivation of physical properties and reactivities of functional organic molecules
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Associate professor
- Noboru OSAKA
- Research Field
Structure and dynamics of polymeric materials (solution, gel, elastomer, plastic)
- Keyword(s)
physical chemistry, hierarchical structure, various scattering methods
- Research theme
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- Mechanical improvement and functional expression of polymeric materials by structure control
- Investigation on microscopic interaction between polymers and solvents
Outline of research activitiesThe kinds of polymers are relatively a few, which are used as plastics, rubber, and gels for daily life, since they exhibit versatile properties by hierarchical structure control ranging from nano- to micro-meter scales. In our laboratory, we focus to develop new polymeric materials by the hierarchical structure control and reveal the relationship between the mechanism and structure by microscope, scattering, and spectroscopy methods.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of new polymeric materials by structure control
- Investigation on relationship between structure and physical properties of polymer
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Associate professor
- Tetsuo IWANAGA
- Research Field
Physical Organic Chemistry
- Keyword(s)
Organic Synthesis, Organic Fucntional Materials
- Research theme
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- Synthesis and Properties of Novel pi-Electron Systems
- Synthesis of Donor/Acceptor Arrays Based on Aromatic Bisimides
- Development of Organic Photovoltaic Cell Materials
Outline of research activitiesDeveloping efficient organic photovoltaic cell devices have been increasingly important in the growing needs for inexpensive renewable energy. The molecular designs for organic photovoltaic materials required delocalized pi-electron systems and utility elements. To develop novel pi-electron systems for organic photovoltaic materials, we synthesized some novel donor/acceptor arrays with aromatic bisimide units, and measured their properties and self-assembly abilities. Recently, we also synthesized some N-atom containing pi-electron systems and revealed their photophysical properties and structures.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of OPVC and OFET Materials.
- New Type of Organic Synthesis
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Associate professor
- Yasushi SATO
- Research Field
Solid-state chemistry, Materials science, Inorganic materials
- Keyword(s)
Phosphors, Oxides, High-pure synthesis, Water-soluble metal complexes
- Research theme
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- Exploration and functionalization of perovskite-type phosphors
- Development of new silicate phosphors excited by blue light
- High-pure synthesis of inorganic materials
- Development of water-soluble metal complexes
Outline of research activities(Summary of our study)
The central goal of our group is to develop the new synthesis method of inorganic materials using water-soluble complexes and to search a new functional inorganic materials such as phosphors and transparent conducting materials, superconducting materials and so on.(Main topics: Development of new phosphors)
Main topics of our study is development of new phosphors activated by blue and near-UV lights. Recently, we have reported new deep red-emitting oxide phosphors activated by blue light. We also investigate high functionalization of new host-excited phosphors based on functional oxides contained metal ions with s0 electron configuration.- Desired cooperation
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- Development of new photo-ceramics such as phosphors
- Improvement of photoluminescence propertites for phosphors
- Synthesis of high-pure ceramic materials
- Developments of water-soluble metal complex for the synthesis of ceramic materials
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Lecturer
- Daisuke KAWAMOTO
- Research Field
Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
- Keyword(s)
Spectroscopic Analysis, Solid-Liquid Interfacial Reaction,Electronic State Calculation
- Research theme
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- Migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere
- Elucidation of mechanism of solid-liquid interfacial reaction
- Elucidation of driving force for adsorption of dissolved species
Outline of research activitiesI’m working on migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere from a chemical view.
【Elucidation of mechanism of solid-liquid interfacial reaction】
One of the factors affecting migration behavior of elements in environment (especially in hydrosphere) is “adsorption of dissolved species on soil”. In recent years, it has been reported that various reactions to the adsorbed species occur. I’m trying to elucidate the mechanism of the reaction.【Elucidation of nature of dissolved species in hydrosphere】
The dissolved species in hydrosphere is complex because several dissolved species coexists. I’m trying to elucidate the nature of the complicated dissolved species with theoretical calculation.- Desired cooperation
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- Characterization of compounds using XA spectroscopy
- Migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere
- Solid-liquid interfacial reaction
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Assistant professor
- Hirona TAKAHASHI
- Research Field
Laser spectroscopy, Time-resolved spectroscopy
- Keyword(s)
Photochemistry, Transient absorption spectroscopy
- Research theme
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- Biomimetic microstructure formed by self-spreading behavior of phospholipid molecular assembly
Outline of research activitiesTransient absorption spectroscopy measures the changes in the absorbance of short-lived species generated by photo-irradiation, and gives us the information about dynamic processes in materials or chemical compounds. Rate constants are also determined by measuring time-profiles of the concentration of excited molecules.
By using this method, we can investigate molecular dynamics after photo-irradiation.- Desired cooperation
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- Molecular dynamics after photo-irradiation for samples
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Professor
- Kazuyuki MEKADA
- Research Field
Laboratory Animal Science, Experimental Zoology
- Keyword(s)
Animal breeding and genetics
- Research theme
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- Characterization of wild-derived animals
- Establishment and analysis of novel animal disease models
- Genetic background monitoring of laboratory mice
Outline of research activitiesWe investigate various biological characteristics such as genetics, morphology, physiological reproduction, and nutrition of wild animals, especially small mammals, through breeding and preservation of their breeding stock (e.g., suncus and voles). To elucidate the diverse biosystems in humans and other animals, we aim to create unique animal resources that enable us to obtain knowledge that is difficult to obtain with common laboratory animals (e.g., mice and rats) and to improve their added value.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of techniques for genetic monitoring of laboratory animals,
- Analysis of animal disease models, etc.
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Professor
- Shinya MIZUNO
- Research Field
Regenerative Medicine, Biochemistry, Physiology
- Keyword(s)
Growth Factor, Intracellular Signaling Pathway, Gene Expression, Environmental Adaptation
- Research theme
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- Molecular basis for HGF-mediated organogenesis
- Molecular basis for HGF-mediated organogenesis
- Basic study on HGF-based self repair therapy of intractable diseases
- Molecular analysis of vertebrate's adaptation to severe winter or drought stresses
Outline of research activitiesHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was originally identified as an hepatotrophic factor. During the past 30 years, we provided evidence to show that HGF plays an essential role for regeneration of several types of organs, including kidney, lung, hearts and neural tisses, using animal models of intractable disorders. HGF elicits unique biological activities, such as mitogen, motogen and morphgen via activating c-Met/HGF-receptor tyrosine kinase as shown below. Of note, a loss in HGF production is responsible for manifestation of acute and chronic organdiseases. This is the reason why HGF supplemental therapy produces benefit effects against the progression of acute and chronic organ diseases.
- Desired cooperation
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- Practice of HGF-based self repair therapy in Vet.
- Renal repair, Tendon repair, lung regeneration
- Tissue engineering technique for HGF slow release
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Professor
- Shuji KOBAYASHI
- Research Field
Mammalogy, Systematic zoology, Primatology, Museology
- Keyword(s)
Myocastor coypus, Natural history, Phylogeny, Morphology
- Research theme
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- Biology of Myocastor coypus
- Natural history of Myocastor coypus
- Behavioral characteristics of Cervs nippon
- General zoology in Okayama prefecture
Outline of research activitiesThe coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a large-sized rodent introduced from South America, and has been designated as a specific alian species since 2005 by Japanese government. However, the knowledge of its biological charateristics necessary for pest control is scanty. Thus, we are coducting related research on the coypu from various angles. We have revealed that the coypu has a high level of learning capability. It also has a high physical potential, such as climbing over a fence about 70 centimeters tall. In the historical aspect, we have also revealed that the background for the spread of the species in Japan has not been as has been told before. There was a nationwide campaign for promotion of the propagation of the coypu for meat production increase in the WWII postwar food shortage period.
- Desired cooperation
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- Pest control of the nutria
- Pest control of the Japanese sika deer
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Associate professor
- Atsushi NAKAMOTO
- Research Field
Animal Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Conservation Science
- Keyword(s)
Fieldwork, Wildlife, Ecosystem services, Biocultural diversity
- Research theme
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- Ecology of flying foxes
- Animal-plant interactions (seed dispersal and pollination)
- Ecology of urban wildlife
- Distribution and ecology of mammals in Okayama Prefecture
Outline of research activitiesWe focus on the ecology of wild animals, including endangerd species, and their function in the ecosystem using direct observation or research tools such as camera trap. We explore better conservation methods and way for a sustainable coexistence with people.
- Desired cooperation
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- Ecological survey and conservation activities of endangered animals
- Wildlife management
- Citizen science
- Research on biocultural diversity (collaboration with cultural anthropology and folklore)
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Associate professor
- Ken TAKUMI
- Research Field
Neuroendocrinology, Reproductive physiology
- Keyword(s)
Postnatal development, Hormone, Brain
- Research theme
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- Development of reproductive functions
- Effects of light-dark cycle on the onset of puberty
- Monitoring of reproductive status by steroid hormones in hair
Outline of research activitiesMammanlian reproductive status changes during postnatal development and aging. It can also be altered by environmental cues, stress or dysfunction of related organs. My research aims to clarify the factors and the mechanism which affect reproductive functions by using histological analysis on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and measuring reproductive hormones. I am also working to establish methods to monitor reproductive status of wild animals by measuring steroid hormones in hair.
- Desired cooperation
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- Histological analysis of peptides and mRNA localization
- Measurement of steroid hormones in hair
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Lecturer
- Mitsuo NUNOME
- Research Field
molecular phylogeography, population genetics
- Keyword(s)
wild animals, domestic Japanese quail, Japanese dormouse, genetic diversity
- Research theme
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- reproductive, behavioral characteristics of Japanese quail
- Population genetics and phylogenetic study on wild animals
- Conservaton for threatened animals
Outline of research activitiesJapanese quail are the second most reared animal in the world poultry industry (meat and egg production), after chickens. Although suitable environments to improve productivity of domestic quail have been studied, not much is known about their biological characteristics, such as whether they are monogamous or polygamous, how females and males are involved in child rearing, and how they select partners. A better understanding of these issues will contribute to further improvement of quail productivity, and we are conducting behavioral and genetic research by actually raising and observing quail.
We also conduct population genetic and phylogeographic studies to understand how wild animals adapt to and live in their habitats, with focuses on wild animals.- Desired cooperation
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- approaches to analyze defferences of color, color pattern, sounds presented by animals
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Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry
- Assistant professor
- Takanori YANO
- Research Field
Applied microbiology
- Keyword(s)
Screening of microbes, Enzyme, Fine chemicals production, Fermented foods
- Research theme
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- Characterization of microorganisms isolated from nature
- Analysis of microbial metabolic functions
- Development of novel fermented foods
Outline of research activitiesMy research interests focus on screening of useful microorganisms from environmental samples for future industrial applications. For example, I attempt to develop novel fermented foods using fermentation microorganisms.
- Desired cooperation
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- Screening of useful microorganisms from environmental samples
- Development of novel fermented foods using fermentation microorganisms
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Professor
- Hidetsugu TSUJIGIWA
- Research Field
Regenerative medicine, Tumor
- Keyword(s)
Hard tissue, Stem cell, Regeneration, Microenvironment
- Research theme
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- Regenerative medicine mainly focused on hard tissue such as bone and teeth.
- Elucidation of cell-to-cell interactions between in tumor parenchyma and in stromal and Development of new therapies.
Outline of research activitiesThere are many diseases associated with hard tissue, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and periodontal disease, and their patients have increased with the advent of an aging society. In this laboratory, for the treatment of these diseases, we are developing regenerative research on hard tissue (bone, cartilage, teeth) by setting three keyword; growth factors, extracellular microenvironment and stem cell.
- Desired cooperation
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- Search of useful substances such as osteoporosis preventive drug.
- Development of new biomaterials.
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Professor
- Ken KATAOKA
- Research Field
Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Cell Culture, 3D culture, Spheroids
- Research theme
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- 3D culture of tissue stem cells
- Artificial control of spheroid formation
- Assessment system of cell culture techniques
Outline of research activitiesEpithelial cells in spheroids formed through three-dimensional culture exhibit a quiescent state. Our research aims artificial interventions to control cell proliferation and differentiation during spheroid formation. Additionally, aiming for the standardization of cell culture techniques, we are advancing the development of a assessment system utilizing recorded videos.
- Desired cooperation
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- Assessment system of cell culture techniques
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Professor
- Seiichi KATAYAMA
- Research Field
Bacteriology, Bacterial Molecular Genetics
- Keyword(s)
Clostridium perfrigens, Regulation of Production of a-toxin, Fibronectin-binding Proteins, Pili
- Research theme
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- Effect of phased A-tracts sequence on a-toxin production.
- Identification and functional analysiss of Clostridium perfringens fibronectin-binding protein.
- A study of novel pili in Clostridium perfringens.
Outline of research activitiesClostridium perfringens is a bacterium that causes gas gangrene and food poisoning. a-toxin (phospholipase C) is a pathogenic factor in gas gangrene. We showed which amino acids in the C-terminal domain of the αsubunit (αCTD) of RNA polymerase interact with the phased A-tracts DNA upstream of the promoter of a-toxin gene. The autolytic enzyme autolysin of C. perfrignes was identified as one of the fibronectin-binding proteins. In addition, through joint research, we were able to determine the three-dimensional structure of CppA, a pili-constituting protein.
- Desired cooperation
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- Three-dimensional structure analyses of the phased A-tracts DNA and the fibronectin-binding proteins, and analysis of immuno-electron microscopic images of the pili,etc.
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Professor
- Takayoshi KIBA
- Research Field
Gastroenterology, Oncology
- Keyword(s)
Visceral organs, Regeneration, Proliferation, Carcinogenesis
- Research theme
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- Identification of new nerve-delivered growth factor regarding pancreatic B cells.
Outline of research activitiesWe found that vagal hyperactivity produced by ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions stimulated cell proliferation of rat pancreatic islet B through a cholinergic receptor mechanism. Previously, we developed a new technique regarding high-quality RNA extraction from rat pancreas for cDNA microarray analysis, and thereby, we found that VMH lesions may change the expression of cell proliferation-related genes and neuron-related genes in a rat pancreas, using DNA microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction. We believes that these new gene network analysis will lead to Diabetes MellitusTreatment or Pancreatic Cancer.
- Desired cooperation
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- R & D regarding regeneration and proliferation of pancreatic B cells
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Associate professor
- Naoya HASHIKAWA
- Research Field
Molecular biology, Neuroscience
- Keyword(s)
Brain function, Gene expression, Protein misfolding
- Research theme
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- Research on mechanisms of mental disorders
- Roles of molecular chaperones in various disease
- Role of molecular chaperones in memory and sensation
Outline of research activitiesProteins exert their functions by adopting specific three-dimensional structures. Molecular chaperones are known to be involved in the process of achieving proper protein folding, which is crucial for the formation of these three-dimensional structures. We are focusing on a specific molecular chaperone known as heat shock protein and investigating its role in the brain. Through our research, we have revealed a connection between heat shock protein and depressive-like symptoms. Currently, we are further expanding this research to explore the relationship between depression and protein misfolding abnormalities.
Additionally, we are studying the impact of heat shock protein expression on memory, sensation, as well as its effects on allergies such as rhinitis.- Desired cooperation
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- Evaluation of the physiological and molecular biological effects of novel substances
- Development of novel therapeutic approaches using disease model mice
- Gene expression analysis
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Associate professor
- Narumi HASHIKAWA-HOBARA
- Research Field
Pharmacology
- Keyword(s)
CGRP, Neuroscience, Behavioral neuropharmacology, Atherosclerosis
- Research theme
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- Effects of CGRP on fear memory in mice
- Effects of CGRP on atheroscrelosis in apoE-/- mice
Outline of research activities1. We investigate the role of calcitonin-gene relate peptide (CGRP) which is a potent peptide vasodilator and can function in the transmission of pain on mice behavior. Recently, we have demonstrated that intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP induced anti-depressant effect in 15-day restraint stressed mice. This anti-depressant effect is associated with a massive nerve growth factor production in hippocampus. We are now investigating whether the fear memory associated with the exogenous CGRP in mice.
2. We also exploring the effect of CGRP on atherosclerosis in apoE knockout mice which has on CGRP. ApoE knockout mice, which develop atherosclerosis lesion in short time.
- Desired cooperation
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- Several animal model, depression, arteriosclerosis and type II diabetes are available in our laboratory. We are appreciate to explore novel substances with these animal model.
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Faculty of Science, Department of Life Science
- Lecturer
- Nozomu MATSUNAGA
- Research Field
pathogenic microorganisms,
- Keyword(s)
Host-pathogen interaction, adhesion molecule, wound healing
- Research theme
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- The effects of <i>Clostridium perfringensi> Fibronectin-binding proteins (Fbps)
- The interaction of dermatopontin with Fbps
- Role of peptidoglycan hydrolase in Fbps
- The affects of Fbps on wound healing
Outline of research activitiesInfectious diseases caused by bacteria begin with the attachment (Binding) of bacteria to the host. We use <i>Clostridium perfringensi>, one of the pathogenic bacteria, as wound infection model. We are studying host-pathogen interaction from the following viewpoints.
1. Interaction between fibronectin and fibronectin binding protein (Fbps) of <i>C. perfringensi>
2. The effect of Fbps on dermatopontin (DPT)-induced fibronectin fibrosis.
3. Fbps functions as a peptidoglycan hydrolyzing enzyme
4. The effect of Fbps on wound healing- Desired cooperation
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- The development of novel antibiotics by applying <i>C. perfringensi> Fbps
- Application of <i>C. perfringensi> Fbps to dermatopontin-induced tissue injury