Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory

We design and evolve research tools based on 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 PinkyCaMP, mScarlet-based calcium sensor is now published!

    The new research paper, “PinkyCaMP: an mScarlet-based calcium sensor with enhanced brightness, photostability and multiplexing capabilities”, is now published in Nature Methods. Congratulations, Shosei and co-authors! The paper can be accessed here. 今井さんらによるPinkyCaMP(mScarletベースのカルシウムセンサー)に関する論文がNature Methods に掲載されました。おめでとうございます！論文はこちらからご覧いただけます。

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  • Congratulations to our spring 2026 graduates!

    Congratulations, Haruka, Kenryo, and Youngjae, on their Master’s degrees. Also congratulations to Sato and Hikaru for their Bachelor’s degree! Congratulations, Saaya, on earning her Ph.D. and on winning the Graduate School of Science Research Encouragement Award. 三宅さん、迫井さん、Youngjaeさんが修士号を取得されました。鶴岡さんと柿沼さんが学士号を取得されました。そして針尾さんが博士号と理学系研究科研究奨励賞を受賞されました。おめでとうございます！

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