Research in our lab

We are interested in cellular/molecular mechanisms of signal transduction in the nano-level structure. Our lab is especially focusing on the real time measurement of the molecular dynamics, and has expertise in electrophysiology (patch clamp), fluorescent imaging (visualization of the fine process, Ca²⁺ imaging), biochemistry (real time measurement of enzyme activities), photolysis of caged substances within the submicron cellular compartments, computer coding/simulation, electrical hardware (mostly, analogue circuit).

One of the model systems that exhibit the nano-level structure is the olfactory cilium that has a cylindrical shape with 100 nm diameter (10 μm length). We have quantified enzymatic activities (adenylyl cyclase) in such a fine tubing, and kinetics of ion channels (CNG, and Ca²⁺-activated Cl channels), dynamics of second messenger factors (cAMP and Ca²⁺). Quantified parameters obtained from such advanced techniques are directly linked to our sense of smell. For instance, the enzyme activity mediating olfactory signal transduction lasts quite long period of time, which is obviously related to the amplification of the weak odorant information.

Limited spread of cAMP and Ca²⁺ is interpreted to be involved in extension of response time course and Ca²⁺-dependent adaptation. Incidentally, in addition, we have shown the mechanism of olfactory masking, and the mechanism of cork taint in wines. Through the experiments treating such a tiny structure, we have developed techniques, and logics, soft/hard wares, and are planning to expand the newly-developed materials to broader ranges of research area employing tiny biological systems, to which such systematical analyses have not yet been applied.