About our lab

本實驗室專注於跨領域研究，旨在利用先進的光譜磁共振及螢光顯微鏡技術，深入探討電子與原子核間的交互作用。我們的目標是在分子層面精確描繪生物大分子和分子聚合體的動力學反應與行為。此外，我們的工作也涵蓋生物醫學分析與應用。實驗室的研究範疇包括實驗與理論工作，目前的研究主題包括：

1) Quantum statistical mechanics for ESR spectroscopy,

2) Biological molecules in nano-scale space of nanomaterials,

3) Dynamic structures of water clusters and confined water,

4) Biophysics of BCL-2-mediated apoptosis,

5) Biological chemistry of diiron protein family,

6) Membrane protein channels or transporters,

7) Single-channel recording of ligand-gated ion channels,

8) Enzyme design and optimization using machine-learning approaches.

我們的研究著重於利用電子自旋共振（ESR）探討物理化學和生物物理學問題。通過研究自旋標記的ESR光譜，我們可以探索自旋探針所處環境的動態。自旋標記ESR技術近年來已證明是生物物理學中一項強大而有價值的工具。我們的研究目標是改進ESR技術和理論，提高其解釋光譜線型、捕捉生物複雜系統中動態過程的能力。

現今Cryo EM, XRD和NMR技術能確定許多重要蛋白質的靜態結構。在“後蛋白質體時代”，我們對蛋白質如何聚集形成具有生物功能的複雜領域，以及這些功能性領域的動態結構感興趣。Spin-label ESR正是為探索這些前瞻性課題而發展的化學工具！未來的應用包括藥物化學、藥物設計、化學生物學、微奈米生物機械系統的研發等。在基礎科學與生物工程應用方面，這將成為重要的研究工具。

本實驗室的重要研究工具包括各類光譜儀、Mac計算工作站、一系列化學生物實驗器材等。

對化學感興趣的同學將有機會學習程式撰寫、光譜分析、進行各類光譜實驗，並可進行理論研究，為未來從事前瞻科學研究打下基礎。許多本實驗室博士生畢業後獲得美國、日本頂尖大學的博士後職位，得以繼續深造。

對生化感興趣的同學將接受生化、分子生物學、蛋白質工程、細胞生物學、化學生物學、生醫分析等全面訓練。畢業後，除了可選擇化學系常見的半導體或化學工業領域工作外，因接受化學與生物訓練的本實驗室學生也易於在生技界找到工作，貢獻於生醫生技產業。或可選擇出國從事前瞻科學研究。

歡迎對物理化學及化學生物實驗工作有興趣的同學加入我們的團隊！

Welcome to our interdisciplinary research laboratory, a hub where cutting-edge spectroscopic magnetic resonance and fluorescence microscopy technologies converge to unravel the intricate interactions between molecules. Our lab's research spans both experimental and theoretical work. The current focus areas include:

• Quantum Statistical Mechanics for ESR Spectroscopy: We delve into the quantum realm to understand and apply principles of statistical mechanics in electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, enhancing our ability to interpret complex molecular behaviors.
• Biological Molecules in Nano-scale Spaces of Nanomaterials: This area explores how biological molecules behave and interact within the confined spaces of nanomaterials, shedding light on the nano-bio interface.
• Dynamic Structures of Water Clusters and Confined Water: We investigate the unique properties and dynamics of water clusters and water in confined environments, crucial for understanding numerous biological and chemical processes.
• Biophysics of BCL-2-mediated Apoptosis: Our research in this area aims to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, particularly focusing on the role of the BCL-2 protein family.
• Biological Chemistry of Diiron Protein Family: We study the diiron protein family's role and mechanisms in biological systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of their function in various physiological processes.
• Membrane Protein Channels or Transporters: This research area focuses on understanding the structure and function of membrane protein channels and transporters, which are vital in cellular communication and transport.
• Single-Channel Recording of Ligand-gated Ion Channels: We employ advanced techniques to record and analyze the activities of ligand-gated ion channels at the single-channel level, offering insights into their roles in cellular signaling.
• Enzyme design and optimization using machine-learning approaches: We employ advanced machine-learning approaches to design new or optimize enzymes for chemical transformations not found in nature.

Our lab is deeply invested in studying problems in physical chemistry and biophysics using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). By analyzing the ESR spectra of spin labels, we delve into the dynamics of local environments where spin probes reside. Spin label ESR techniques have recently emerged as powerful tools in biophysics, offering unique insights into molecular dynamics and interactions.

Our ambition extends to refining ESR techniques and theories for lineshape interpretations, enhancing their capability to capture dynamic processes in ensemble systems, especially in biologically complex matrices. This endeavor is vital in advancing our understanding of biological systems at the molecular level.

In an era where Cryo EM, XRD and NMR have elucidated many static structures of crucial proteins, our lab is fascinated by questions of the post-proteomic era: How do these proteins perform conformational changes to form biologically functional complex domains? What are the dynamic structures of these functional domains during the processes? Spin-label ESR is a forward-thinking chemical tool developed to explore these pioneering questions. Its applications extend to drug chemistry, drug design, chemical biology, and the development of micro-nano biomachinery systems. Our contributions in both fundamental science and bioengineering are expected to play a significant role in these fields.

Our lab is equipped with various spectroscopic instruments, Mac computing workstations, and a suite of chemical biology laboratory equipment. Students interested in chemistry will have opportunities to learn programming, spectroscopic analysis, perform various spectroscopy experiments, and engage in theoretical research, laying the groundwork for a career in advanced scientific research. Many of our Ph.D. graduates have secured postdoctoral positions in top universities in the USA and Japan, continuing their studies abroad.

We welcome students interested in physical chemistry or experimental work in chemical biology to join our dynamic and innovative research team!