京都大学 エネルギー理工学研究所 エネルギー構造生命科学研究分野 片平研究室

Structural Energy Bioscience Research Section

Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University

Katahira Lab. K-12

Bioenergy Research Section,

Department of Fundamental Energy Science,

Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University

Unraveling the Mechanisms of Life

for a Sustainable Society

Our laboratory aims to elucidate the functional mechanisms of disease-related proteins and functional DNA/RNA by analyzing their three-dimensional structures, with the goal of developing novel drugs and functional molecules.

In parallel, we study the structure and properties of lignocellulosic biomass to establish methods for converting it into bioenergy and valuable materials, striving to achieve carbon neutrality and even carbon negativity.

  • #DNA

  • #Biorefinery

  • #White Rot Fungi

  • #Enzyme

  • #Lignin

  • #Paradigm Shift

  • #Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

  • #Functional Nucleic Acids

  • #Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

  • #Mushroom

  • #Yeast

  • #Herbaceous Biomass

  • #Protein Engineering

  • #Neurodegenerative Diseases

  • #Prion Diseases

  • #Structural Life Sciences

  • #Woody Biomass

  • #Hemicellulose

  • #Guanine Quadruplex

  • #RNA

  • #Drug Discovery

  • #Lignin-Carbohydrate Complex

  • #Cellulose

  • #Protein

  • #Genetic Engineering

  • #Three-Dimensional Structural Analysis

  • #AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

Introduction to Our Laboratory

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Research

We aim to elucidate the functional mechanisms of disease-related proteins and functional RNAs based on their three-dimensional structures, with the goal of designing useful molecules and providing insights for drug discovery. Additionally, we are developing new methods to extract valuable compounds from lignocellulosic biomass, envisioning an environmentally friendly biorefinery. Utilizing genetic engineering, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular biological techniques, we also conduct validation studies using cultured cells.

Achievements

At our laboratory, we are committed to contributing to both academia and industry, both domestically and internationally, through our research activities. As a result, we have accumulated a diverse range of achievements, including original research papers, review articles, invited lectures at international conferences, and book publications. This page provides an overview of these accomplishments.

Members

We are pleased to introduce the members of our laboratory. Our team, consisting of faculty, researchers, and students, collaborates closely, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise in our research. The unique backgrounds and individuality of each member enrich our activities, fostering new discoveries and challenges.

Join us

We provide detailed information on admissions, learning and activities in our laboratory, and career paths after graduation. Additionally, we answer frequently asked questions about choosing a laboratory and daily life. We look forward to meeting passionate researchers. Please use this as a reference.

Contact

For inquiries regarding research topics and activities, laboratory visits, collaborative research, conference presentations, or lecture requests, please fill out the required information in the form below and submit it. Our staff will get back to you as soon as we review your inquiry. Feel free to contact us.

Prospective applicants are kindly requested to contact Professor Masato Katahira in advance.

Access

Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Nara Line "Obaku" Station

Approximately an 8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line "Obaku" Station