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Molecular Expression and Regulation Lab
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A lab that discovers unknown RNAs and proteins and uncovers their functions.
AboutAbout the lab
Discovering unknown RNAs and proteins, and uncovering their functions.
The Molecular Expression and Regulation Lab studies previously unknown types of RNAs and proteins, discovering them and clarifying their functions.
In the flow from DNA to mRNA to protein, the basic principle of which RNAs get translated is still unknown.
The work centers on omics analyses using next-generation sequencers and mass spectrometers, and on analyses of genetically modified mice.
The lab hopes the results will lead to elucidating the causes of diseases and to treatments in the future.
Key terms
- Noncoding RNA
- RNA that has been considered not to be translated into protein.
- Omics analysis
- Analysis that comprehensively examines RNAs and proteins using next-generation sequencers and mass spectrometers.
- Ribosome
- A machine inside the cell that builds proteins based on the information in mRNA.
- Start codon
- The sequence on mRNA at the position where translation begins.
NewsLab news
A doctoral student's paper was accepted by Nucleic Acids Research
A postdoctoral researcher received the Young Researcher Encouragement Award (Excellence Prize) at the 26th Annual Meeting of the Protein Science Society of Japan
A postdoctoral researcher received the 42nd Inoue Research Award for Young Scientists
A paper by an Assistant Professor and a postdoctoral researcher was accepted by Nucleic Acids Research
A postdoctoral researcher's review article was accepted by Biochimica et Biophysica Acta
ResearchResearch themes
In the central dogma, mRNA is transcribed from DNA, and proteins are translated from mRNA. This lab identifies new types of RNAs and proteins, seeks to understand how they are produced, and then aims to clarify their functions and physiological roles.
*Illustrative imageProteins derived from noncoding RNAs
From a genomic locus that had been regarded as a noncoding RNA gene, the lab discovered two proteins that are specifically expressed in sperm (Castor and Pollux). It showed that these proteins are important for sperm function.
*Illustrative imageTranslation starting from non-AUG codons
Protein translation has been thought to begin at the AUG start codon of mRNA, but translation starting from start codons other than AUG has also been reported. The lab developed TISCA, a method for examining translation initiation sites, and comprehensively identified such start codons.
*Illustrative imageMuscle-specific ribosomes
Among ribosomes, those that contain RPL3L, which is specifically expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle, in place of RPL3 were named Myo-ribosomes. The lab found that loss of these ribosomes reduces the contractile force of the heart.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Molecular Expression and Regulation Lab consist of faculty, JSPS Research Fellows, doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students, and technical staff.As of 2025
- ProfessorAkinobu Matsumoto
- Associate ProfessorAkihiro Narita
- Assistant ProfessorKazuya Ichihara
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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: “Tabletop centrifuge” Magnus Manske / CC BY 1.0 (cropped)
- Proteins derived from noncoding RNAs: “Gene Expression” SadiesBurrow / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Translation starting from non-AUG codons: “Multiple Ribosomes Translation Protein Synthesis” Christinelmiller / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Muscle-specific ribosomes: “Ribosome Translation” CNX OpenStax / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Cell Regulation Lab): “Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory - LUMC” mararie from Leiden, The Netherlands / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Cell-to-Cell Signaling Lab): “Plant micropropagation in laboratory” Viktor Husak / CC0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Molecular Modification and Regulation Lab): “VOYAGER adjustable tip spacing pipette” Labrat879 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (Integrative Evolutionary Ecology Lab): “Lucanus cervus male Saarland 22” Orchi / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
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