Chief Scientist Laboratories Molecular Physiology Laboratory
Chief Scientist: Rikiya Watanabe (Ph.D.)
Research Summary
Our study aims to understand cellular functions using a bottom-up approach from the single molecule level. To achieve this, we are attempting to elucidate the mechanism by which individual biomolecules or their networks function in a precise manner, by developing novel single-molecule techniques using multidisciplinary approaches, including biophysics, bioMEMS, and chemical biology. In addition, we are developing a methodology to investigate correlations between genetic mutations, dysfunctions, and diseases with single molecule sensitivity, which would provide new insights for biological as well as pharmaceutical studies.
Main Research Fields
- Biology
Related Research Fields
- Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering
- Biophysics
- Nano/Microsystems
Keywords
- Membrane protein
- Artificial Biomembrane
- Artificial cell
- bioMEMS
- Digital Biology
Selected Publications
Papers with an asterisk(*) are based on research conducted outside of RIKEN.
- 1.*Watanabe, R., Sakuragi, T., Noji, H., & Nagata, S.:
“Single molecule analysis of phospholipid scrambling by TMEM16F”
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 115, 3066-3071 (2018) - 2.*Baba, K., Yoshida, W., Toriyama, M., Shimada, T., Manning, C., Saito, M., Kohno, K., Trimmer, J., Watanabe, R., & Inagaki, N.:
“Gradient-reading and mechano-effector machinery for netrin-1–induced axon guidance”
eLife 7, e34593. (2018) - 3.*Abe, K., Katsuno, H., Toriyama, M., Baba, K., Mori, T., Hakoshima, T., Kanemura, Y., Watanabe, R., & Inagaki, N.:
“Grip and slip of L1-CAM on adhesive substrates direct growth cone haptotaxis”
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 115, 2764-2769 (2018) - 4.*Watanabe, R., Soga, N., Hara, M., & Noji, H.:
“Arrayed water-in-oil droplet bilayers for membrane transport analysis”
Lab Chip 16, 3043-3048 (2016) - 5.*Li, C. B., Ueno, H., Watanabe, R., Noji, H., & Komatsuzaki, T.
“ATP hydrolysis assists Phosphate release and promotes reaction ordering in F1-ATPase”
Nat. Commun. 6, 10223 (2015) - 6.*Watanabe, R., Soga, N., Fujita, D., Tabata, K. V., Yamauchi, L., Kim, SH., Asanuma, D., Kamiya, M., Urano, Y., Suga, H., & Noji, H.:
“Arrayed lipid bilayer chambers allow single-molecule analysis of membrane transporter activity”
Nat. Commun. 5, 4519 (2014) - 7.*Watanabe, R., & Noji, H.:
“Timing of inorganic phosphate release modulates the catalytic activity of ATP-driven rotary motor protein”
Nat. Commun. 5, 3486 (2014) - 8.*Watanabe, R., Tabata, KV., Iino, R., Ueno, H., Iwamoto, M., Oiki, S., & Noji, H.:
“Biased Brownian stepping rotation of FoF1-ATP synthase driven by proton motive force”
Nat. Commun. 4, 1631 (2013) - 9.*Watanabe, R., Okuno, D. Sakakihara, S. Shimabukuro, K. Iino, R. Yoshida, M. & Noji, H.:
“Mechanical modulation of catalytic power on F1-ATPase”
Nat. Chem. Biol. 1, 86-92 (2012) - 10.*Watanabe, R., Iino, R. & Noji, H.:
“Phosphate release in F1-ATPase catalytic cycle follows ADP release.”
Nat. Chem. Biol. 6, 814-20 (2010)
Annual research report
Related Links
Lab Members
Principal investigator
- Rikiya Watanabe
- Chief Scientist
Contact Information
Bioscience Building S252
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako,
Saitama 351-0198, Japan
Email: rikiya.watanabe [at] riken.jp