Our research group was founded in 2018 at RIKEN under the Hakubi Research Program, with a core team of engineers specializing in fluid dynamics in micro- and nano-confined spaces. We have pioneered microfluidic systems for profiling the dynamic states of single cells in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), leveraging electrokinetic phenomena such as electrophoresis and electroosmotic flow.
scRNA-seq is a powerful tool for quantifying RNA abundance with high accuracy and throughput. However, it provides only static "snapshots" of single-cell states, posing a challenge for studying dynamic biological processes such as cell differentiation and embryogenesis. To address this, we integrate microfluidics, optical microscopy, and high-throughput sequencing to explore transport phenomena, structural changes, and hierarchical interactions between biomacromolecules, ultimately illustrating the dynamics of single cells.
In April 2023, our group evolved into the Nano Bioengineering Lab, part of the Institute of Life and Medical Sciences (LiMe) at Kyoto University. This transition expanded our research focus to include the complex organization of multicellular systems, bringing together experts from diverse fields such as basic biology, cancer biology, biophysics, and mechanical engineering. Our interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge scales—from individual cells to complex organisms—and uncover the mechanisms behind diseases caused by organizational disruptions.
We are also at the forefront of developing innovative omics methodologies, combining advancements in micro/nanofluidics and electrokinetics to address fundamental biological questions. At the core of our work is the collaborative environment at LiMe, which fosters interdisciplinary exchange and drives our efforts to push the boundaries of knowledge, contributing to breakthroughs in biomedical science and engineering.
