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Photobiology Lab
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The lab traces how proteins that function in response to light work.
AboutAbout the lab
Uncovering how light-driven proteins work.
The lab studies the mechanisms of proteins that function when they receive light.
The main research subject is microbial rhodopsin, a photoreceptor protein found in microorganisms.
Using spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements, the lab follows how the shape of the protein changes step by step after light is applied.
Based on the mechanisms uncovered, the lab also aims to give proteins new functions.
Key terms
- Photoreceptor protein
- A protein that holds a pigment absorbing visible light inside and changes shape to function when triggered by light
- Microbial rhodopsin
- Photoreceptor proteins found in various microbes. Some transport ions, and some act as light sensors
- Flash photolysis
- A measurement method in which a flash of light activates proteins all at once and the subsequent changes are observed over time
NewsLab news
In collaboration with Nagoya Institute of Technology, the lab analyzed how the gate of an anion channelrhodopsin closes
Published a paper analyzing the temperature adaptation of proton-pump rhodopsins
An undergraduate student won an Excellent Presentation Award at the bachelor's and master's thesis presentations
Published a paper showing for the first time a rhodopsin that transports organic ions using light
Published a paper identifying the amino acids that support the chloride ion pathway
ResearchResearch themes
Using proteins that function in response to light as a starting point, the lab seeks to uncover how proteins can work as "molecular machines." The stepwise structural changes that occur after illumination are followed with spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements.
*Illustrative imageProteins as molecular machines
Proteins in cells exert their functions while changing shape in steps. The lab aims to uncover how they can move as regularly as machines.
*Illustrative imageMicrobial rhodopsins as research material
Rhodopsins found in microbes produce diverse functions from the same structure, such as transporting ions or acting as light sensors. Drawn to this property, the lab has made them its main research subject.
*Illustrative imageFollowing photoreactions with flashes of light
The lab specializes in a measurement method called flash photolysis. A flash of light activates proteins all at once, and the subsequent changes in color and electrical properties are observed over time. Combined with amino acid mutagenesis, this approach is used to get at the mechanism.
*Illustrative imageEnvironmental adaptation of rhodopsin-bearing microbes
The lab also studies the rhodopsin-bearing microbes themselves, working to clarify the roles that rhodopsins play within organisms and the strategies by which these microbes have adapted to diverse environments.
MembersFaculty
The lab's members consist of faculty and doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students.As of 2026
- Associate ProfessorTakashi Kikukawa
- Assistant ProfessorTakashi Tsukamoto
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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: “Halobacterium salinarum bacteriorhodopsin PDB 6RQP” Deposition authors: Weinert, T., Skopintsev, P., James, D., Kekilli, D., Furrer, A., Bruenle, S., Mous, S., Nogly, P., Standfuss, J.; Visualization author: Synpath / CC0 (cropped)
- Proteins as molecular machines: “Bacteriorhodopsin” Self-made / Public domain (cropped)
- Microbial rhodopsins as research material: “Lake Hillier Shoreline Pink Hue Salt Deposite” PruneCron / CC0 (cropped)
- Following photoreactions with flashes of light: “Optical Table with doubled Nd-YAG Laser - (1)” Giorgio Brida from Torino, Italy / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Environmental adaptation of rhodopsin-bearing microbes: “Pink snow (Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado, USA)” James St. John / CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Cell and Molecular Functional Science Lab): “Microtubule binding domain fused with GFP-tag reveals microtubule network of HeLa cell line” DrBib / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Reproductive and Developmental Biology Group (Mizushima)): “1 week old Japanese quail chicks 04” BrokenSphere / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Morphology and Function III Lab): “Arabidopsis thal background” Reo On / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Chiba Lab): “A thaliana” Safflle / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
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