Research

Biological functions rely on interactions between various cells and molecules. Even within a single cell, proteins, nucleic acids, and sugars constantly interact. To truly understand these biomolecules, it's essential to study them in their natural, living state.

Our lab develops functional molecules through rational design using organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, and protein engineering. These molecules help visualize and control biomolecular activity. For example, fluorescent probes to detect enzyme activity or signal transduction, and light-responsive compounds to manipulate proteins like enzymes and receptors.

By combining these tools with fluorescence microscopy, we explore fundamental biological functions and disease mechanisms. This chemistry-driven approach to studying life is known as chemical biology, where tailor-made compounds are key to discovery.


Our Research Topics

Visualization of biomolecular dynamics in cells

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By using visualization technologies with high spatial resolution such as super-resolution fluorescence microscopes, the micro- to nano-structures of intracellular organelles can be observed. However, it is still ambiguous how various biomolecules actually move and function in living organelles. We are developing molecular probes that can visualize and clarify the local biomolecular dynamics and functions in living cells, specifically in organelles.

Light manipulation of intracellular and in vivo molecular functions

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Recently, technologies that spatiotemporally controls biomolecular functions using light, such as optogenetics, have received much attention. As a chemical method, spatiotemporal activation of caged compounds, molecules that are physiologically active molecules temporarily inactivated with a photolabile protecting group, is well known. Although not so many studies about optical control methods using photochromic compounds have been reported, the advantage of photochromic compounds is the reversibility. Through the unique molecular design, we are developing novel technologies based on a caged compound or a photochromic compound that can control various biological functions with light.

Activatable bioorthogonal reactions

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Tetrazine cycloaddition is a bioorthogonal ‘click’ reaction known for its rapid kinetics. In our work, we developed an activatable tetrazine by linking its substituents with a cleavable linker. The cleavage of the linker can be triggered by stimuli such as light or enzymes. By tailoring the design, we can achieve precise spatiotemporal control of biological functions.