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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  • A paper on HaloGFP based sodium sensor is now published

    Our new research paper, “A chemigenetic indicator based on a synthetic chelator and a green fluorescent protein for imaging of intracellular sodium ions”, is now published in RSC Chemical Biology! Congratulations to Shiori and all co-authors! The paper can be accessed here. 竹内さんらによるナトリウムイオンに対する蛍光センサーに関する論文 が RSC Chemical Biology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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  • A paper on a high-performance chemigenetic potassium fluorescent sensor is now published!

    Our new research paper, “High-Performance Chemigenetic Potassium Ion Indicator”, is now published in JACS! Congratulations to Dazhou and all co-authors! The paper can be accessed here. Dazhouさんらによるカリウムイオンに対する高性能な蛍光センサーに関する論文 が JACS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。 プレスリリースはこちら。English press release is here.

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