HOME > Research Projects

Research Projects


  1. Elucidation of the mechanism of membrane morphogenesis: Cells dynamically exhibit various morphologies, on which various cellular functions depend. These morphologies are basically determined by biomembranes and cytoskeletons, which consist of a large number of protein and lipid complexes. This COE program attempts to elucidate the full details of membrane morphogenesis by identifying the constituents of the molecular complexes of biomembranes and cytoskeletons, and analyzing interactions among individual proteins and among individual proteins and lipids.
  2. Elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of membrane morphogensis: Membrane morphogenesis is regulated by the intracellular signal transduction. This COE program attempts to elucidate the whole picture of the regulatory mechanisms of membrane morphogensis by identifying the molecular constituents involved in its signal transduction, and analyzing interactions among these molecules including proteins and lipids.
  3. Elucidation of higher-level membrane functions: Molecules that are involved in membrane morphogensis are also involved in the expression of higher-level membrane functions, such as cell adhesion, polarization, membrane deformation, and membrane transport. This COE program attempts to elucidate the mechanisms of these membrane functions by analyzing interactions among individual proteins and among individual proteins and lipids.
  4. Elucidation of dynamics of membrane morphogenesis and various membrane functions: Cell morphologies and functions are regulated in a highly dynamic manner by changes in extra- and intra-cellular environments. These changes are initially recognized by biomembranes, which also exhibit dynamic behaviors. To understand such aspects of biomembranes, this COE program attempts to analyze the dynamics of membrane morphogensis and functions using the latest techniques, such as live imaging and computer modeling.
  5. Application to biology, medicine, agriculture, and engineering: The results obtained in the research activities above are subject to development into various research fields: for example, developmental biology and agriculture for applications in generation of tissues, organs, and genetically engineered animals; neuroscience and medicine for applications in diagnostic and therapeutic methods for diseases caused by membrane abnormalities; and engineering for applications in the development of artificial membranes.