Strategic Objective
Functional dynamics in the cell
Research supervisor

Hiroyuki Noji (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
Overview
The multiple functions of cells are based on dynamic supra-assembly of biomolecular systems ranging from molecular complexes to organelles. This research area aims to investigate the properties of such dynamic supra-assembly of biomolecular systems based on molecular studies, and elucidate the universal mechanism of how cellular functions emerge from inter-hierarchical interactions among molecules, molecular complexes, and organelles.
Recently, the methodology for the observation and analysis of such cross-hierarchical phenomena been dramatically developed in the life science field. An example is biological droplet formation. Although it has been widely thought that the physical boundary between inside and outside of an organelle is comparted by lipid bilayer, recent studies has shown that some types of biomolecules self-assemble to form membraneless organelles, granules and bodies by liquid-liquid phase separation like phenomena. As for technology, the development of super-resolution microscopies and target specific molecular probes has made it possible to capture images with high spatiotemporal resolution and to analyze the detailed structures of dynamic supra-assembly of biomolecular structures. Such new science and technology are often developed from interdisciplinary collaborations of life scientists with physicists, chemists or researchers in different fields. Therefore, such interdisciplinary researches must always be encouraged.
This program pursues the promotion of cutting-edge researches for the elucidation of the fundamental mechanisms of who cellular functions emerge from cross-hierarchical interactions of supra-assemblies of biomolecules. We also promote researches that aim the creation of novel technologies that enable the measurement of dynamics of supra-assemblies with unprecedentedly high spatiotemporal resolution, as well as the researches with creative idea on mathematical and/or theoretical approaches.
Research Area Advisors
Shuichiro Ito |
Senior Director, Biological Research Department, Protein Production Research Group, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. |
Takayuki Uchihashi |
Professor, Graduate Schoolf of Science, Nagoya Uinversity |
Yasushi Okada |
Team Leader, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN |
Takayuki Kato |
Professor, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University |
Mako Kamiya |
Professor, Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology |
Kentaro Shiraki |
Professor, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba |
Yuji Sugita |
Chief Scientist, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN |
Eriko Nango |
Professor, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University |
Yusuke Maeda |
Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University |
Atsushi Mochizuki |
Professor, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University |
Shigehiko Hayashi |
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University |
Takeshi Murata |
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University |
Research Projects
- Year Started : 2020
- Year Started : 2021
- Year Started : 2022