Sakaguchi Laboratory

The Sakaguchi Laboratory was established at the Keio University School of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine
to advance cutting-edge research and education in the fields of medicine and the life sciences.
Under the "Shinkanrin Maru" project, which aims to foster the development of outstanding young researchers,
five laboratories led by independent associate professors have been established since April 2025.

Current Laboratories

Department of Signal Exploration

Associate Professor：Wataru Shihoya

This laboratory focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of signal transduction across cell membranes, with a particular emphasis on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which serve as critical drug targets. Our goal is to clarify their three-dimensional structures and functions. By leveraging cryo-electron microscopy, a technique for rapidly determining protein structures, we visualize the interactions between signaling molecules or drugs and receptors. Furthermore, through next-generation sequencing, we aim to uncover previously unidentified interactions between substances and receptors, exploring these relationships from both structural and functional perspectives through innovative research.

Department of Biomedical Informatics and Molecular Biology

Associate Professor：Dai Kusumoto

Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease are on the rise in aging societies. Our research aims to elucidate disease mechanisms and develop novel therapies to extend healthy life expectancy by applying innovative analytical approaches. In addition to conventional biomedical research methods, we integrate interdisciplinary approaches, including bioinformatics to visualize complex biological systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven image analysis. By visualizing pathological states at the cellular and tissue levels through AI image analysis and spatio-temporal single-cell analysis, we strive to develop innovative therapeutic strategies.

Department of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology

Associate Professor：Tsunetoshi Nakatani

The fertilized egg, a unique cell with totipotency--the ability to differentiate into all tissues and organs--remains largely unexplored in terms of its internal mechanisms. Our laboratory seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of totipotency from an epigenetic perspective, advancing fundamental medical research to understand the essence of life. Additionally, we investigate epigenetic mechanisms specific to mammals, exploring how genomic imprinting was acquired during evolution.

Department of Ion Signaling and Response

Associate Professor：Airi Jo-Watanabe

Our laboratory focuses on the biological and pathophysiological characterization of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that senses bicarbonate ions, a new frontier spotlighted by our recent discovery. Our research spans from in vitro compound screening to animal disease model studies. Going forward beyond that, we explore GPCR signal transduction from the perspective of acid-base balance to uncover its roles in cellular responses, physiological functions, and disease progression.

Department of Multidimensional Analysis of Gastrointestinal Biology

Associate Professor：Tomohisa Sujino

We aim to elucidate the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases and develop novel therapeutic strategies through spatial, dynamic, and transcriptomic analyses at the single immune cell level. Using patient-derived samples and murine disease models, we comprehensively investigate immune cell behavior under pathological conditions by modulating factors such as the gut microbiota, dietary components, pharmacological interventions, and signaling molecules. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and in vivo imaging systems, we seek to achieve an integrated understanding of the spatial and temporal regulation of immune cells, with the ultimate goal of translating these insights into therapeutic applications.

Past Laboratories

Laboratory	Professor	Perriod	Overview
Department of Organoid Medicine	Toshiro Sato	2018.11 to 2023.3	Research on disease pathogenesis and applications to regenerative medicine using organoid technology.
Department of Systems Medicine	Minoru Ko	2012.2 to 2022.3	Development and medical application of experimental and computational approaches based on systems thinking.
Department of Vascular Biology	Yoshiaki Kubota	2015.5 to 2017.7	Elucidation of novel biological phenomena using advanced mouse developmental engineering and morphological techniques.
Department of Developmental Biology	Toshio Suda	2002.4 to 2015.3	Research on the mechanisms of individual development, cell differentiation, and tissue formation.
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics	Keiich Fukuda	2005.4 to 2010.3	Research on myocardial cell regeneration using stem cell biology and tissue engineering approaches, as well as drug development for heart failure through cell transplantation.