Research Field

Biophysics, Cell biology, PHysiology

Research Subject

Analysis of single molecular dynamics with angstrom precision Three dimensional analysis of physical state of motor proteins in cell Single molecule imaging in vivo mouse

Current Research

1. Proteins in cells make up a smaller subunits of a system on a nanometer scale called a "nano-system" The nano-system consists of many proteins, performing cooperatively to complete various functions. The cooperation of many of these nano-systems results in the efficient functioning of cells. We have determined a mechanism of motility and regulation in cells. Using newly developed technologies, the function and regulation of the following three groups have been revealed; (1) a single nano-system, consisting of a motor protein and the associated regulatory proteins, (2) a high-order nano-system which is an assembly of several single nano-systems working cooperatively, and (3) nano-systems in cells.<br>
<br>2. Cancer is one of detested diseases because of the highest death rate in Japan. We should push forward with the works for the improvement and development of curative means to cancer. We aim to develop new methods for finding and curing cancers in our research work. To do this, we should find cancer cells clearly in a human body, and then excise or inactivate medically them but not the other tissues. Detail work is as following.

Keywords

Motor proteins, muscle, cell, nerve, cancer, Microscope, nanometer, fluorescence, quantum dots Three dimension, simulation

Links

• http://nanobio.phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/higuchipro/
• Research Video