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Kawamura Lab
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The lab explores the evolution of sensory perception in humans, primates, and fish through the genes for color vision, olfaction, and taste.
AboutAbout the lab
The evolution of seeing, smelling, and tasting
The Kawamura Lab studies the evolution of genes involved in the senses in humans, wild primates, and fish.
The lab investigates how the genes for sensor proteins (receptors) for color vision, olfaction, and the senses of bitter, sweet, and umami tastes have diversified among species.
The lab's research crosses disciplinary boundaries, ranging from molecular biology and population genetics to behavioral ecology, which examines the behavior of wild monkeys.
For many years, the lab has been conducting field research on wild monkeys in a national park in Costa Rica.
Key terms
- Receptor
- A protein on the cell surface that acts as a sensor, receiving light or odor and taste molecules and signaling the cell
- Opsin
- A light sensor in the cells of the eye. Each type detects a different wavelength (color) of light
- Trichromatic color vision
- Color vision in which colors are perceived through a combination of three types of light sensors. Found in humans, apes, and others
NewsLab news
Published a paper showing that the sense of sweetness has weakened in lorises, a group of primates that did not eat fruit
Published a paper revealing differences in bitter taste receptors between omnivorous monkeys and monkeys specialized in eating leaves
ResearchResearch themes
The lab focuses on genes involved in senses such as vision, olfaction, and taste, and studies the evolution and diversity of the senses in humans, wild primates, and fish. It takes an interdisciplinary approach spanning molecular biology, biochemistry, population genetics, molecular evolution, and behavioral ecology.
*Illustrative imageEvolution of Vision, Olfaction, and Taste in Primates
The genes for color vision, olfactory, and taste receptors in primates are thought to have diversified in line with each species' diet and habitat. In addition to comparing genes and analyzing their function in cultured cells, the lab measures the color and scent of the fruits that wild monkeys eat to investigate how the senses evolved.
*Illustrative imageOrigins of Diversity in Human Color Vision
All of the monkeys and apes closely related to humans have trichromatic color vision, yet only humans show variation in color vision at a high frequency. By examining genome data from human populations and gene sequences, the lab explores the origin of this diversity and the reasons it evolved.
*Illustrative imageExploring the Evolution of Color Vision in Fish
Adapting to the varied light environments underwater, fish have evolved visual systems that are especially diverse even among vertebrates. In sticklebacks, medaka, zebrafish, and other species, the lab examines the types and expression patterns of opsin genes and the wavelengths of light the fish perceive.
MembersFaculty
The Kawamura Lab consists of faculty members, project researchers, and doctoral students.As of 2025
- ProfessorShoji KawamuraPublications ↗
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Colombian white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus)” Hobbyfotowiki / CC0 (cropped)
- Evolution of Vision, Olfaction, and Taste in Primates: “Panamanian white-faced capuchin (81582)” Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Origins of Diversity in Human Color Vision: “ConeMosaics” Mark Fairchild / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Exploring the Evolution of Color Vision in Fish: “Danio rerio port” Soulkeeper / Public domain (cropped)
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