Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory

We make innovative research tools from fluorescent proteins

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Innovative Research Tools from Fluorescent Proteins

We use protein engineering to invent new tools for imaging dynamic biochemical events in live cells and tissues. We distribute these tools to cell biologists and neuroscientists who apply them to address questions ranging from fundamental mechanisms in cell biology, to the underlying causes of mental illness, to the development of novel therapeutics.


The molecules that make our work possible are colourful naturally occurring fluorescent proteins from jellyfish, coral, and other marine organisms. Starting from the gene for a fluorescent protein, we use the techniques of molecular biology, protein engineering, and artificial molecular evolution to create useful research tools. Since these tools are protein based, the instructions to make them can be easily introduced into cells, tissues, or even transgenic model organisms, in the form of DNA.

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  • Shosei received the poster award

    Shosei received the poster award at the 18th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Chemical Biology. Congratulations!!! 今井くんが、第18回⽇本ケミカルバイオロジー学会でポスター賞を受賞されました。おめでとうございます!!!

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  • A paper on NIR-GECO3 is now published!

    We are thrilled to announce that our latest research paper titled “Development of an miRFP680-Based Fluorescent Calcium Ion Biosensor Using End-Optimized Transposons” is now published in ACS Sensors! Congratulations to Chai and all co-authors! The paper can be accessed here. Chaiさんらによる近赤外Ca2+センサー (NIR-GECO3 series)に関する論文 (Development of an miRFP680-Based Fluorescent Calcium Ion Biosensor Using End-Optimized Transposons) が ACS Sensors 誌に発表されました。おめでとうございます！論文はこちらから。

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