チョコレートやマーガリンなどの食用固体脂やマヨネーズ・牛乳などのエマルション中の油脂の結晶化・油脂の結晶構造の解明。これらの結晶化・結晶構造と食用固体脂などのおいしさとの関連性についても調べている。

Clarification of crystallization and crystal structure for edible solid fats such as chocolate and margarine, and emulsion system such as mayonnaise. We are also studying the relationship between crystallization and/or crystal structure and deliciousness of edible solid fats.

keywords：crystallization, triacylglycerol, ultrasound stimulation, fats, polymorphic crystallization, W/O）", winter adaptation, triacylglycero

1. Synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray analysis of microstructures and the polymorphic transformation of spherulite crystals of trilaurin/ Cryst. Growth Design/2008
2. In-situ studies of ultrasound-stimulated fat crystallisation using synchrotron radiation/J. Phys. Chem. B/2003
3. Fat Bloom Caused by Partial De-Oiling on Chocolate Surfaces after High-Temperature Exposure/J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc./2021

食品や生物材料の物理的性状変化（結晶化、融解、ガラス-ラバー転移、複合体形成など）を熱分析やレオロジー測定などを通じて解明し、食品の加工性、保存性、美味しさ（特に食感）、消化性などの設計に役立てる。

To improve and control food processing, preservation, and texture, thermal and rheological property
changes（crystallization, melting, glass to rubber transition, and complex formation）of foods and biomaterials are investigated. For example, frozen foods, freeze-dried foods, starch and starchy foods, powders, and lactic acid bacteria are employed as samples.

keywords：food processing, preservation, texture, thermal property, rheological property

1. Effect of sugar composition on the water sorption and softening properties of cookie. Food Chem, 145, 772-776: 2014.
2. Effect of stepwise baking without starch melting on the macroscopic structure, browning, texture, and in vitro starch digestibility of cookie. Food Sci Technol, 66: 384-389, 2016.
3. Effect of glass transition on the hardness of a thermally compressed soup solid. J Food Eng, 247: 38-44, 2019.

哺乳類の雌雄の生殖機構、特に精巣と卵巣機能の解明を分子生物学的、分子内分泌学的に行っている。そして、得られた基礎研究成果を不妊治療への応用と家畜繁殖技術開発へと展開するトランスレーショナル研究を実施している。

My special field is the reproductive biology to clarify the testis and ovarian function from the viewpoints of molecular biology and molecular endocrinology. I’m doing the translational study from the basic research to be contributed for the infertility care and animal reproductive technology.

keywords：reproductive aging, senescent cell, epigenetic regulation, fibrosis, metabolomic activity

1. ERK1/2 in ovarian granulosa cells are critical for female fertility. Science, 324; 938-941.（2009）
2. Activation of Toll-like receptor 7/8 encoded by the X chromosome alters sperm motility and provides a novel simple technology for sexing sperm. PLoS Biol 17:e3000398.（2019）
3. A simple sperm-sexing method that activates TLR7/8 on X sperm for the efficient production of sexed mouse or cattle embryos. Nat Protoc 15:2645-2667.（2020）

食品衛生の観点から、ビブリオ属細菌など食中毒細菌の病原性関連遺伝子の解析、可動性遺伝因子を介した薬剤耐性遺伝子の細菌間伝播のメカニズム解析およびノロウイルス失活法と消毒剤の開発などの研究を行っている。

From the viewpoint of food safety, we are conducting research on the analysis of virulence-related genes of foodborne pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio spp. and the mechanism of inter-bacterial transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes via mobile genetic elements, as well as the development of norovirus inactivation methods and anti-noroviral disinfectants.

keywords：foodborne pathogenic bacteria, virulence-related genes, antimicrobial resistance genes, mobile genetic elements, norovirus

1. Comparative molecular profiling of antimicrobial resistance and phylogenetic characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from meat sources in 2009 and 2021 in Japan. Int J Food Microbiol 391-393: 110146（2023）
2. Sequence polymorphisms in Vibrio cholerae HapR affect biofilm formation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 88: e01044-22（2022）
3. Antiviral effects of persimmon extract on human norovirus and its surrogate, bacteriophage MS2. J Food Sci 79: M941-M946（2014）

腸管機能の破綻が様々な慢性疾患に関わることがわかってきており、疾病予防のターゲットとして注目されている。腸管機能を調節する食品成分とその作用機序を探索し、人の健康増進に寄与する研究を行っている。

Defects in the intestinal barrier increase the penetration of luminal inflammatory molecules into the intestinal mucosa and are closely associated with both intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. Our research group investigates the roles of food factors and nutrients in regulation of intestinal barrier and inflammation and explores their therapeutic potentials.

keywords：dietary fibers, polyphenols, intestinal barrier, microbiota, tight junction

1. Bioactive factors secreted by Bifidobacterium breve B-3 enhance barrier function in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Benef Microbes 10: 89 （2019）
2. Exopolysaccharides from Leuconostoc mesenteroides attenuate chronic kidney disease in mice by protecting the intestinal barrier. J Functional Foods 52: 276（2019）
3. Dietary Fermentable Fibers Attenuate Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice by Protecting the Intestinal Barrier. J Nutr 148: 552（2018）

国内外の現場に軸足を置いた調査を通して、農業生産から食料消費に至る食と農との連携、持続可能・循環型社会、環境保全や地域貢献など新たな価値創造を図る農村・地域社会の姿、を思考する研究に従事している。

My research theme is about problems and issues emanating from agricultural production to food consumption in agricultural and rural communities, mainly through fieldwork in Japan and overseas（China, Europe…etc.）. My major specialty are agricultural management and agricultural economics. The main subjects of the survey are dairy farming and beef cattle farming.

keywords：dairy management, beef cattle management, innovation, fieldwork, questionnaire survey

1. 酪農経営の変化と食料・環境政策―中国内モンゴル自治区を対象として/養賢堂/2017
2. 稲作法人経営における多角化戦略と経営革新/農林業問題研究/2018
3. 牛肉の購買行動における消費者意識構造の把握―共分散構造分析を用いた解析―/農林業問題研究/2016

アレルギー疾患などの慢性炎症疾患に関わる遺伝子の探索、その遺伝子改編マウスの作成、および利用により、その遺伝子が疾患の発症にどのように関わるのか、個体・細胞・分子レベルでの解明に取り組んでいます。

Based on the search results for genes involved in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases such as allergy and autoimmunity, our purpose is to elucidate how those genes are involved in the development of such diseases using the mouse models.

keywords：immunology, allergy, autoimmunity, mouse disease model, cytokine

1. IL-25 exacerbates autoimmune aortitis in IL-1 receptor antagonist-deficient mice. Sci Rep. 9:17067（2019）
2. IL-25 enhances TH17 cell-mediated contact dermatitis by promoting IL-1β production by dermal dendritic cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 142:1500-1509（2018）
3. An Interleukin-33-Mast Cell-Interleukin-2 Axis Suppresses Papain-Induced Allergic Inflammation by Promoting Regulatory T Cell Numbers. Immunity. 43:175-186（2015）

病原菌、指標菌、腸内細菌を研究対象に、全ゲノム解析や細胞・マウス感染実験を通して、薬剤耐性獲得機構や耐性菌の腸内拡散及び感染機構の解明を目指すとともに、プロバイオティックス菌やゲノム編集ツールを応用した耐性菌制御研究も進めている。

We are researching food poisoning bacteria, indicator bacteria, and their antibiotic resistance. In particular, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance acquisition, intestinal spread, and retention of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by using whole genome analysis and cell and mouse infection experiments, as well as applying probiotic bacteria and genome editing tools to control resistant bacteria.

keywords：food poisoning bacteria, indicator bacteria, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance gene, whole genome analysis

1. Prevalence of streptomycin and tetracycline resistance and increased transmissible third-generation cephalosporin resistance in Salmonella enterica isolates derived from food handlers in Japan from 2006 to 2021. J Appl Microbiol 135: lxae236（2024）
2. Edible river fish-derived extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales harboring transferable plasmids encoding blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-27, and blaCTX-M-55. One Health 18: 100685（2024）
3. Detection of chromosome-mediated blaNDM-1-carrying Aeromonas spp. in the intestinal contents of fresh water river fish in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mar Pollut Bullet 198: 115812（2024）

ゲノムDNA情報を基に世界の家畜（ラクダ、ブタ、ニワトリ等）の起源や伝播の歴史を解き明かし、それら動物の遺伝的多様性を明らかにするとともに、メタゲノムや環境DNA解析で動物生態を遺伝学的に解き明かす。
Our goals are to clarify the history of origin and transmission of livestock（camels, pigs, chickens, etc.）in the world based on genomic DNA information, to clarify genetic diversity of those animals, and genetically elucidate animal ecology through metagenomics and environmental DNA analysis.

keywords：genomic DNA, genetic diversity, metagenomics, environmental DNA

1. Unveiling new perspective of phylogeography, genetic diversity, and population dynamics of Southeast Asian and Pacific chickens. Scientific Reports, 12:14609.（2022）
2. Origin and demographic history of Philippine pigs inferred from mitochondrial DNA. Frontiers in Genetics,12:823364.（2022）
3. Unraveling the history of the genus Gallus through whole genome sequencing. Mol Phylogenet Evol, 158:107044（2021）

海洋生物や微生物からユニークな生物活性を示す化合物を探索し、活性発現メカニズムを分子レベルで解明します。独自の化合物を用いたアプローチにより生命を理解し、持続可能な世界に貢献したいと考えています。

Which, how, and why metabolites control organisms? We focus on microbial metabolites with antibiotic and symbiotic activities. By unveiling molecular mechanisms underlying such activities, we would like to understand life and contribute to a better life of humanity.

keywords：natural product, chemical biology, antibiotics, symbiotics

1. FK506-binding protein, FKBP12, promotes serine utilization and negatively regulates threonine deaminase in fission yeast. iScience, 25:105659（2022）
2. Ferrichrome, a fungal-type siderophore, confers high ammonium tolerance to fission yeast. Sci. Rep. 12:17411（2022）
3. Differential biosynthesis and roles of two ferrichrome-type siderophores, ASP2397/AS2488053 and ferricrocin, in Acremonium persicinum. ACS Chem. Biol. 17:207-216（2022）

電気物性を利用した食品の製造工程の計測、食品の材料力学物性およびテクスチャーの評価、低温材料力学物性を利用した食品の機械加工（凍結粉砕による組織分離、凍結切断）に関する基礎研究と技術開発を行っている。

Both basic and applied research in Food Engineering is conducted. Particularly, we focus on the following main topics: Measurement of the food manufacturing process using electrical properties, measurement and evaluation of mechanical properties of foods, including texture, and mechanical processing of food using low-temperature mechanical properties（e.g., cryo-cutting, cryo-shattering）.

keywords：food manufacturing process, electrical properties, mechanical properties, texture, mechanical processing of food, low-temperature

1. Nondestructive determination of the rheological properties of liquid food in sealed retort pouches. J. Food Process Preserv, 42: e13651. （2018）
2. Estimation of Hardness of Cooked Rice during Retort Sterilization by Electric Impedance Measurement. Journal of The Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology,66:469（2019）
3. Influence of physical properties on the taste and flavor of strawberry jam. J Texture Stud, e12582.（2021）

脂質と脂質修飾タンパク質の細胞内局在を決定する輸送機序と細胞機能における役割を遺伝子レベルで解明するために研究を行っている。また、宿主として酵母を用いた脂質の大量生産を目指した応用研究も展開している。

We are investigating the transport mechanisms that determine the subcellular localization of lipids and lipid-modified proteins, and their roles in cellular functions at the molecular-genetic level. We are also developing applied researches for mass production of lipids using yeast as a host.

keywords：lipid, lipid-modified protein, transport, cellular function, genetics, yeast, metabolic engineering

1. Membrane contact sites regulate vacuolar fission via sphingolipid metabolism. Elife, 12: RP89938（2024）
2. Quality-controlled ceramide-based GPI-anchored protein sorting into selective ER exit sites. Cell Rep. 39: 110768（2022）
3. Vesicular and nonvesicular transport of ceramide from ER to the Golgi apparatus in yeast. J. Cell Biol., 155:949（2001）

持続的な食料資源の確保とフード・チェーンの構造について、社会経済農学の視点から研究している。フード・チェーンの構造とメカニズム、構成する各主体におけるマーケティング戦略を検討してきた。

I study food value chain and develop methods of securing sustainable food and resource, from the viewpoint of socio-economic agricultural science. I have studied the structure and mechanism of food value chain, and developed strategies of food marketing and rural promotion.

keywords：food value chain, food marketing, agricultural structure and mechanism, rural promotion

1. Competitive Advantage Factors in Vertically Diversified Brand Chicken Business: A Partial Value Chain Analysis of a Japanese Poultry Wholesaler, Japan Agricultural Research Quarterly, 54: 327-333.（2020）
2. Constructing the Value Chain for Promotion of Lemon Production in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, Agricultural Marketing Journal of Japan, 27: 46-53.（2018）
3. 広島県の協同農業普及事業における経営発展段階別支援. 農林業問題研究 59（3）：137-144.（2023）

ニワトリ幹細胞の基礎研究を行い、ここにゲノム編集技術を融合させて様々な研究を展開しています。例えば性決定機構、生殖細胞運命決定機構、鳥インフルエンザの宿主応答、鶏卵のアレルゲンノックアウト・バイオリアクター化など。またニワトリ抗体を認知症や慢性疾患の検知技術に活用する研究も行っています。

Basic research area: avian stem cell biology, avian immunobiology, avian embryogenesis. Applied research area: Production of genetic-modified and genome editing domestic poultry. Study on elucidation of sex determination in chickens, highly pathogenic avian influenza（HPAIV）, and development of useful chicken and/or mouse monoclonal antibodies（mAbs）.

keywords：genome editing, sex determination, HPAIV, mAbs

1. Prion protein signaling induces M2 macrophage polarization and protects from lethal influenza infection in mice. PLOS Pathog. 1008823（2020）
2. An improved protocol for stable and efficient culturing of chicken primordial germ cells using small-molecule inhibitors. Cytotechnology 72:397-405（2020）
3. Comparison of sex determination mechanism of germ cells between birds and fish: Cloning and expression analyses of chicken forkhead box L3-like gene. Dev. Dyn. 248:826-836（2019）

食の欧米化に伴い肥満や糖尿病などの生活習慣病が大きな社会問題となっています。これら疾病を予防する栄養素や食品成分に着目し、新たな生理機能の発見、および作用メカニズムの解明を目指しています。

The number of people who have obesity, diabetes, and cancers has been increasing with the westernization of diets, and it has become a big social problem. We are trying to elucidate nutrients and food factors preventing these illnesses at the molecular and genetic levels by using new gene knockout mice.

keywords：food, nutrients, obesity, diabetes

1. The serum amyloid A3 promoter-driven luciferase reporter mice is a valuable tool to image early renal fibrosis development and shows the therapeutic effect of glucosyl-hesperidin treatment. Sci. Rep. 9:14101.（2019）
2. Serum amyloid A3 gene expression in adipocytes is an indicator of the interaction with macrophages. Sci. Rep. 6:38697.（2016）
3. New members of the mammalian glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase family: GDE4 and GDE7 produce lysophosphatidic acid by lysophospholipase D activity. J. Biol. Chem. 290:4260-4271.（2015）

アレルギー疾患などの発症の初期段階に関与する細胞の研究を通じて発症メカニズムの解明に取り組んでいる。ILC2や好酸球などの免疫細胞、IL-5やIL-33などのサイトカインを中心に研究している。

Our team conducts research on immune cells, which are involved in allergic diseases including asthma
and atopic dermatitis. To explore the causes of these immune-related diseases, we study the dynamics of particular immune cells, such as ILC2 and eosinophil, as well as cytokines that regulate these cells.

keywords：allergy, ILC2, eosinophil, cytokine

1. Elimination of eosinophils using anti-IL-5 receptor alpha antibodies effectively suppresses IL-33-mediated pulmonary arterial hypertrophy, Immunobiology, 223, 486-492（2018）
2. Prolonged activation of IL-5-producing ILC2 causes pulmonary arterial hypertrophy, JCI Insight, 2, e90721（2017）
3. Identification of Innate IL-5-Producing Cells and Their Role in Lung Eosinophil Regulation and Antitumor Immunity, J Immunol, 188, 703-713（2012）

鱗翅目昆虫チョウを材料に化学生態学を研究している。産卵や交尾など特定の行動を制御する情報化学物質（フェロモンやアレロケミカル）の構造や機能を調べるとともに、その生態学的・進化学的意義を考察する。

Chemical ecology is the interdisciplinary research field to understand the origin, function, and significance of natural products that mediate biological interactions in the ecosystem. Using butterflies, I aim to discover bioactive compounds involved in their mating, oviposition, and defense against predation, and to apply these chemicals to crop protection.

keywords：semiochemical, pheromone, allelochemical, butterfly, plant, bioassay, organic chemistry, behavior, chemical sense, evolution, speciation, chemotaxonomy

1. Role of trisaccharides in larval secretion of Lycaeides argyrognomon butterfly on ant attendance. J. Insect Physiol. 150: 104558.（2023）
2. Polyhydroxy acids as fabaceous plant components induce oviposition of the common grass yellow butterfly, Eurema mandarina. J. Chem. Ecol. 49: 67-76.（2023）
3. Sex pheromones from male forewings of the common grass yellow Eurema mandarina. J. Chem. Ecol. 48: 518-530.（2022）

魚介類の増養殖において魚病による経済的損失は世界的に大きな問題である。魚病を抜本的にコントロールする方法を開発するため、その土台となる魚類病原体の宿主への感染機構の解明を分子生物学的に進めている。

Fish diseases have caused significant economic losses to the global aquaculture industry. In order to develop a method to control fish diseases drastically, we are investigating host-pathogen interactions in molecular biological aspects.

keywords：fish diseases, host-pathogen interactions

1. Identification of RNA regions that determine temperature sensitivity in betanodaviruses. Arch. Virol. 155: 1597-1606.（2010）
2. Comparisons among the complete genomes of four betanodavirus genotypes. Dis. Aquat. Org. 80: 113-121.（2008）
3. Betanodavirus infection in the freshwater model fish medaka（Oryzias latipes）. J. Gen. Virol. 87: 2333-2339.（2006）

クラゲの生活環における無性世代（ポリプ）から有性世代（クラゲ）への変態に興味を持ち、その分子メカニズムを解明するために、分子生物学と生物有機化学の２つの手法を用いて研究を進めている。

I am interested in the metamorphosis from asexual stage（polyps）to sexual stage（jellyfish）in the life cycle of jellyfish, and I am studying the molecular mechanisms of metamorphosis in the moon jellyfish using techniques from organic chemistry and molecular biology.

keywords：jellyfish, metamorphosis, bioactive substances

1. Role of cell proliferation in strobilation of moon jellyfish Aurelia coerulea. Fish. Sci. 90: 179-190（2024）
2. Molecular characterization of aspartylglucosaminidase, a lysosomal hydrolase upregulated during strobilation in the moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita. Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 81: 938-950（2017）
3. Indomethacin induction of metamorphosis from the asexual stage to sexual stage in the moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita. Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 76: 1397-1400（2012）

電場印加や水和構造制御を行うことで、生体機能の解明、及び、創薬において重要なタンパク質結晶の結晶成長制御技術を確立してきた。今後は、医薬品を含めた食品に関わる物質においても本技術を展開していきたい。

Research on the improvement in the quality of protein crystals, which is important for elucidating biological functions and drug discovery, has been performed by applying an electric field and controlling the hydration structure. In the future, this technique will also be applied to materials related to food, including pharmaceuticals.

keywords：electric field, hydration structure, crystal growth, crystal quality

1. Effect of Accumulated Strain on Fat Bloom in CBS-Based Compound Chocolates. CrystEngComm 25: 4562-4567（2023）
2. Control of Phase Separation for CBS-Based Compound Chocolates Focusing on Growth Kinetics. Cryst Growth Des 22: 6879–6885（2022）
3. Theoretical and Practical Studies on Effects of External Electrostatic Electric Field on Nucleation and Growth Kinetics of Protein Crystals. Prog Cryst Growth Charact Mater 68: 100568（2022）

植物の花や葉、枝分かれなどの形づくりのしくみを、遺伝子の働きから解明することを目標に研究を行っています。さらには、解明したしくみを活用して、イネをはじめとする農作物の品種改良も目指しています。
I am interested in how plants elaborate their structures such as flowers and branches. My research objective is to elucidate the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the control of plant development.

keywords：branch formation, flower development, meristem, plant stem cells, rice

1. Flower meristem maintenance by TILLERS ABSENT 1 is essential for ovule development in rice. Development 148: dev199932（2021）
2. Antagonistic action of TILLERS ABSENT1 and FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER2 regulates stem cell maintenance during axillary meristem development in rice. New Phytol. 225: 974-984（2020）
3. Axillary meristem formation in rice requires the WUSCHEL ortholog TILLERS ABSENT1. Plant Cell 27: 1173-1184（2015）

My research focuses on food factors affecting skeletal muscle function and appetite. I study nutrients’ roles in muscle regeneration, satellite cell activity, fiber-type transformation, and sarcopenia. I also investigate peripheral GABA and amino acids interacting with GABA transaminase to explore dietary strategies for managing obesity and epilepsy.

keywords：skeletal muscle, muscle stem cells（satellite cells）, muscle regeneration, functional foods, bioactive compounds, homocarnosine, obesity, epilepsy, GABA, vitamin B6

1. Synergistic effects of peripheral GABA and GABA-transaminase inhibitory drugs on food intake control and weight loss in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Front Pharmacol 15:1487585（2024）
2. Effects of oral γ-aminobutyric acid intake on muscle regeneration in diabetic mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 328: C967–C985（2025）
3. Fructooligosaccharides and Aspergillus enzymes increase brain GABA and homocarnosine by modulating microbiota in adolescent mice. npj Science of Food 9:48（2025）

藻類由来の糖結合性タンパク質「レクチン」が有するユニークな糖鎖認識の分子基盤を解明し、医薬品（抗がん、抗ウイルスなど）、生化学試薬（糖鎖・細胞識別、腫瘍マーカー検出）、健康食品素材として開発するための研究。

Research to elucidate the molecular basis of the unique glycan recognition of sugar-binding proteins "lectins" from algae and to develop them as pharmaceuticals（anticancer, antiviral, etc.）, biochemical reagents （glycan/cell identification, tumor marker detection）, and health food materials.

keywords：lectin, alga, glycan, anticancer, antiviral, tumor marker, health food

1. A novel high-mannose specific lectin from the green alga Halimeda renschii exhibits a potent anti-influenza virus activity through high-affinity binding to the viral hemagglutinin. Mar Drugs 15: 255.（2017）
2. High-mannose specific lectin and its recombinants from a carrageenophyta Kappaphycus alvarezii represent a potent anti-HIV activity through high-affinity binding to the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120. Mar Biotechnol 18: 144-160.（2016）
3. High mannose-binding lectin with preference for the cluster of α1–2-mannose from the green alga Boodlea coacta Is a potent entry inhibitor of HIV-1 and Influenza viruses. J Biol Chem 286: 19446-19458.（2011）

農作物は環境ストレスによって生産ポテンシャルを十分に発揮できていない。そこで植物のストレスに関わる酵素・蛋白質の発現と機能に関する生化学的研究を行っている。

Plants have to compromise their yield potential for their tolerance towards environmental stress. To develop stress-tolerant/resistant plants with the level of their yield potential maintained or improved, we are conducting biochemical research on the expression and function of enzymes and proteins involved in plant stress.

keywords：biochemical research, environmental stress, enzymes, plant

1. Split luciferase complementation assay to detect regulated protein-protein interactions in rice protoplasts in a large-scale format./Rice/2014
2. Luminescence dvetection of SNARE–SNARE interaction in Arabidopsis protoplasts/Plant Mol. Biol./2010
3. Split luciferase complementation assay to study protein-protein interactions in Arabidopsis protoplasts/Plant J./2007

セラミドは細胞の生命活動をコントロールする重要な脂質です。細胞内のさまざまなオルガネラ間を介したセラミドホメオスタシスの仕組み（合成・輸送・代謝）について、分子レベルで解明することを目指しています。

Ceramide is the essential lipid that controls cellular functions. My research interests are the molecular mechanisms of ceramide homeostasis（synthesis, transport, and metabolism）via the various intracellular organelles.

keywords：ceramide, lipid transport, membrane contact site, yeast

1. Tricalbins Are Required for Non-vesicular Ceramide Transport at ER-Golgi Contacts and Modulate Lipid Droplet Biogenesis. iScience, 23:101603（2020）
2. Membrane Contact Sites in Yeast: Control Hubs of Sphingolipid Homeostasis. Membranes, 11:971（2021）
3. Osh proteins regulate COPII-mediated vesicular transport of ceramide from the endoplasmic reticulum in budding yeast. J Cell Sci., 127:376-87（2014）

身近な瀬戸内海から南極までをフィールドに、沿岸域性魚類が、いつ、どこで、どのように産卵しているか、どのような繁殖戦略を持つのかについて研究している。

My research seascape ranges from the Seto Inland Sea in Japan to the ice-covered waters of Antarctica,
focusing on when, where, and how coastal marine fishes spawn and enhance the individual, population, or species success through their characteristic reproductive strategies.

keywords：biotelemetry, environmental DNA, gonadal observation, molecular phylogenetics, otolith, pelagic eggs

1. Oyster farms are the main spawning grounds of the black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegelii in Hiroshima Bay, Japan / PeerJ / e11475 （2021）
2. Spawning time of black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegelii, related to underwater photoperiodism in oyster farms. J Fish Biol 101: 1142-1149（2022）
3. Estimating the spawning season of black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegelii in Hiroshima Bay, Japan, from temporal variation in egg density / Fish. Sci. / 645-653（2020）

分子から群落のスケールで光合成を理解して、作物生産の向上を目指します。作物の種類は問わず、植物工場からフィールドまで様々な栽培環境を対象とします。興味のある方は気軽にお話しましょう！

If you are interested in smart crop production, this is the right place! My lab focuses on photosynthesis for improved crop management and productivity, though I am very interested in the biology of photosynthesis. I also try to address questions involving climate change, stress physiology, and sustainable agriculture.

keywords：photosynthesis, gas exchange, phenomics, physiological ecology of land plants/crops

1. Overexpression of BUNDLE SHEATH DEFECTIVE 2 improves the efficiency of photosynthesis and growth in Arabidopsis. Plant J 102: 129-137.（2020）
2. Direct measurement of intercellular CO2 concentration in a gas-exchange system resolves overestimation using the standard method. J Exp Bot 69: 1981-1991.（2018）
3. Cuticle affects calculations of internal CO2 in leaves closing their stomata. Plant Cell Physiol 56: 1900-1908.（2015）

一酸化窒素（NO）は生体内でシグナル分子として機能する良い面がある一方、細胞毒性を有する悪い面もある。当研究室では、微生物がNOを巧みに扱う仕組みに関する研究をしている。

Nitric oxide（NO）has a positive side that functions as a signaling molecule in vivo, but it also has a negative side that is cytotoxic. In our laboratory, we are studying how microorganisms cope with and handle NO.

keywords：microorganism, nitrogen cycle, heme protein

1. Structural and functional insights into thermally stable cytochrome c' from a thermophile. Protein Sci 26:737-748.（2017）

鳥類におけるゲノム編集を利用した遺伝子改変技術の開発、および医薬品・食品産業への応用を目指す。また、鳥類の生殖システムの分子メカニズムを明らかにし、これを基盤とした家禽の繁殖技術開発を行う。

Our goal is to develop genetic modification technology using genome editing in birds, and to apply it to the pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of avian reproductive systems and the development of reproductive technologies based on these mechanisms in poultry.

keywords：genome-editing, avian reproduction

1. Sperm replacement in sperm-storage tubules causes last-male sperm precedence in chickens, British Poultry Science, 65（1）: 97-104（2024）
2. Longer and faster sperm exhibit better fertilization success in Japanese quail/Poult. Sci.（2021）
3. Effect of sperm surface oligosaccharides in sperm passage into sperm storage tubules in Japanese quail（Coturnix japonica）, Anim. Rep. Sci.（2021）

食品や微生物による免疫調節作用を探索し、その機能性を活かして感染症や炎症性疾患、アレルギーを予防・軽減する機能性食品の開発を目指しています。

The purpose of our research is to explore the immunomodulatory effects of foods and microorganisms,
and then to utilize their function to develp functional foods that prevent and reduce some diseases such as infectious, inflammatory and allergic diseases.

keywords：food immunology, microorganism, functional food, mice, cell culture, oral administration

1. Class A CpG Oligonucleotide Priming Rescues Mice from Septic Sock via Activation of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase. Front Immunol.（2017）
2. Oral Administration o Flavonifractor plautii Strongly Suppresses Th2 Immune Responses in Mice. Front Immunol.（2020）
3. Inhibitory/Suppressive Oligodeoxynucleotide Nanocapsules as Simple Oral Delivery Devices for Preventing Atopic Dermatitis in Mice. Mol Ther.（2015）

My research focuses on (1) understanding the ArcAB two-component system in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in Vibrio cholerae, and (2) developing plant-derived antibiofilm and antivirulence strategies to control foodborne pathogens, contributing to improved food safety and public health.

keywords：Vibrio cholerae, foodborne pathogens, ArcAB system, biofilm formation, virulence production, antibacterial, antibiofilm, antivirulence, plant extracts

1. ArcAB system promotes biofilm formation through direct repression of hapR transcription in Vibrio cholerae. Microbiol Res, 297:128155 （2025）
2. Genetic Characterization of a Novel Retron Element Isolated from Vibrio mimicus. Microbiol Immunol. 69（1）:1-9（2025）
3. Development of a simple allele-specific PCR for the detection of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 in seafood. J Agri Food Res, 18:101458（2024）

Modern consumers are looking for more than just nutrition from their food - they are increasingly turning to functional foods to support overall health and prevent disease. My research focuses on investigating the role of dietary components in promoting human health, with a current emphasis on the gut-heart axis. By exploring the interactions between dietary components and the gut microbiota, I aim to elucidate how these components influence gut integrity and cardiovascular health, and to uncover their potential in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases.

keywords：functional foods, dietary fiber, prebiotics, peptide, microbiota, gut health, cardiovascular health, intestine

1. The role of dietary fibre in intestinal heat shock protein regulation, International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59（11）, 8114-8123, 2024
2. Xylobiose treatment strengthens intestinal barrier function by regulating Claudin 2 and Heat Shock Protein 27 expression in human Caco-2 cells., Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 104（4）, 2518-2525, 2023
3. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum upregulates heat shock protein 27 in intestinal Caco-2 cells and mouse intestine via mTOR and ERK signaling, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 103, 5165-5170, 2023

My research focuses on the empirical evaluation of policies for sustainable development of agriculture
and rural areas. I regularly conduct household surveys and randomized controlled trials to collect primary research data. Methodologically, I have a strong interest in causal inference and applied econometrics. Exploring the application of these methods to analyze diverse data types has been a rewarding journey, and I am eager to share it with students.

keywords：sustainable rural development, sustainable agriculture, field experiments, causal inference

1. Agricultural land consolidation, labor allocation and land productivity: A case study of plot exchange policy in Vietnam. Economic Analysis and Policy, Vol. 73, 455-473（2021）.
2. Does experience sharing affect farmers’ pro-environmental behavior? A randomized controlled trial in Vietnam. World Development, Vol.136, 1-13（2020）.
3. Impacts of sustainability certification on farm income: Evidence from small-scale specialty green tea farmers in Vietnam. Food Policy, Vol.83, 70-82（2019）.

My research mainly focuses on the molecular metabolism in skeletal muscle. Recently I focus on the role of membrane phospholipid in muscle physiology. I am also interested in the effect of food factors on diseases.

keywords：membrane phospholipids, choline metabolism, skeletal muscle metabolism, nutrition, functional foods

1. GDE5/Gpcpd1 activity determines phosphatidylcholine composition in skeletal muscle and regulates contractile force in mice, Commun Biol, 7, 604, 2024
2. Comparative study on muscle function in two different streptozotocin-induced diabetic models, Acta Diabetol, 61, 1443-1453, 2024
3. β-hydroxybutyrate attenuates diabetic renal and muscular pathologies in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic model, Nutrition, 112792, 2025

My research centers on the molecular epidemiology and analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and
virulence-associated factors in foodborne bacteria. I employ genomics and One Health approach to create a comprehensive map of AMR pathogens and to elucidate the mechanism of AMR gene transmission through genetic elements, such as plasmids.

keywords：antimicrobial resistance, foodborne bacteria, one health, food hygiene phytogenic extracts, virulence-associated factors

1. Antimicrobial resistance and genotypic attributes of virulence among Vibrio spp. isolated from Japanese retail seafood. J Agri Food Res 18:101449（2024）
2. First report of mcr-10 in a seafood-borne ESBL-producing Enterobacter xiangfangensis strain. Curr Microbiol 82:194（2025）
3. Mechanism by which phytogenic extracts enhance livestock reproductive health: Current insights and future directions. Front Vet Sci 12:1568577（2025）