There are various control functions to make genes function properly in cells. We study the control mechanism after copying the genetic information to mRNA using fermentum or cultured animal cell.

By controlling the fates of cells ? their life, death, multiplication, and specialization ? in the developmental processes and postnatal lives of multicellular organisms such as human beings, it is possible to form and maintain specimens with complex structures and high functionalities.
We research how cell fates are determined in the cells of humans, mice, etc., on the level of the individual molecule, the cell, or the entire organism.
This research seeks to understand not only the origins of life, but also to produce knowledge that can be used to treat illnesses.

Plant cells have chloroplast which is organelle which performs photosynthesis. We study the division and propagation mechanism of chloroplast in cells using molecular biological, reverse genetics and the morphological method. We also research plant morphogenetic mechanisms.

Porphyra yezoensis is a kind of seaweed used for seaweed cultivation. Seaweed decomposes into phycobilisome known as photosynthesis antenna device, otherwise known as "color fading" when seaweed has adverse environment such as nutrient salts depression or rising sea temperature due to global warming. We study the plant environmental stress response mechanisms such as "color fading".

To produce separately male and female sex is a vital system for the continuation of life. We try to clarify this basic molecular mechanism using Japanese flounder whose sexual differentiation can be controlled with water temperature control and killifish on which we conduct genetic analysis. We are also developing the technique to produce sperm and ovum in the test tube by increasing and differentiating germ cell in the test tube. If this new developmental engineering system is established, we expect it to be useful in regenerating endangered species like killifish.

Cell groups which make up multicellular living objects like humans can be divided into "somatics cell" and "germ cells". Somatic cells will grow old and die. But germ cells can start generating as new substances if they fuse with other substances' germ cells (fertilization). We study the reason why only germ cells can form new substances with fertilization by utilizing the advantage the amphibian has of being able to develop a big fertilized ovum outside its body. We search for genes related to germ cell differentiation and analysis of its translational products function.

There are approximately 20,000 known varieties of fern plants worldwide. Even in Japan, where research on ferns has been conducted for some time, many fern varieties remain unstudied, and some are even dying out without ever receiving their own species names. In order to create clear classification structures and systematics for these plants, we analyze ferns using many different approaches, including cytological study of their chromosomes, genetic study of their protein and chloroplast DNA polymorphisms, morphology of their outward appearances and microstructures, their ecology, and so on.

DNA replica is the fundamental event for cell growth and it is controlled properly. If this control mechanism breaks, it will be a cause of disease such as cell neoplastic transformation. Also, DNA replica is important as one of action targets of anticancer agent. Our laboratory analysis DNA replica controls mechanism of eukaryotic cell biochemically and genetically using Xenopus or fermentum. We also conduct basic research of inhibitory agent to replicative enzyme.

We research breeding biology and behavior biology of crustacea or shellfish found along the sea coast (tidal land, rock reef, shore). It is very challenging subject to know how life cycles and the behavior of living objects adjust to their natural environment and how they evolve. It is treated as basic research, but the research results are applied to conservation of diversity along sea coast areas and contribute to local community.

The Japanese Archipelago possesses a wide and diverse selection of unique flora. Indeed, it is known as one of the world’s great hotspots for flora diversity. In order to understand the historical circumstances that led to the current variety seen in Japanese flora, we are conducting research on plants of the genus Pedicularis, which primarily grow in alpine areas, and the beech tree variants that dominate Japan's cool-temperate forests. In addition, we are conducting classification research on the green plants of the Aso grasslands, as well as grassland regeneration research to understand the flora diversity of the Aso region in Kumamoto.