Research Summary
Dr. Inoue and his lab have developed a series of chemical-molecular tools that allow for inducible, quick-onset and specific perturbation of various signaling molecules. Using this novel technique in conjunction with fluorescence imaging, microfabricated devices, quantitative analysis and computational modeling, the Inoue Lab is dissecting intricate signaling networks. They investigate positive-feedback mechanisms underlying the initiation of neutrophil chemotaxis (known as a symmetry breaking process), as well as spatio-temporally compartmentalized Ras signaling. In parallel, the lab also tries to understand how cell morphology affects biochemical functions in cells. Ultimately, the team’s research seeks to generate completely orthogonal nano-machinery in cells that can achieve existing, as well as novel, cellular functions.
Lab
Synthetic cell biology: total synthesis of cellular functions such as neutrophil chemotaxis and ciliary mechano-sensation
Our research focuses on "synthetic cell biology" to dissect and reconstitute intricate signaling networks. In particular, we investigate positive-feedback mechanisms underlying the initiation of neutrophil chemotaxis (known as a symmetry breaking process), as well as spatio-temporally dynamic information processing at various compartments in living cells. In parallel, our lab also tries to understand how cell morphology affects biochemical functions. Ultimately, we will generate completely orthogonal nano-machinery in artificial cells that can achieve existing, and even novel, cellular functions.
Our research is conducted in an open lab style building that embodies a multidisciplinary research approach. Students who are enthusiastic about learning diverse disciplines, developing innovative techniques and challenging fundamental biological problems would enjoy the environment. Students are always welcomed to our lab for discussions about potential research projects.
Lab Website: Inoue Lab
Selected Publications
View all on Pubmed
Kobayashi T., Kim S., Lin Y.C., Inoue T., and Dynlacht B.D. "CP110-interacting proteins, Talpid3 and Cep290, play overlapping and distinct roles in cilia assembly." Journal of Cell Biology 204, 215. 2014.
Su S., Phua S.C., DeRose R., Chiba S., Narita K., Kalugin P.N., Katada T., Kontani K., Takeda S. and Inoue T. "Genetically encoded calcium indicator illuminates calcium dynamics in cilia." Nature Methods 10, 1105. 2013.
Thevathasan, J.V., Tan E., Hui Z., Lin Y.C., Li Y., Inoue T. and Fivaz M. "The small GTPase HRas shapes local PI3K signals through positive feedback and regulates persistent membrane extension in migrating fibroblasts." Molecular Biology of the Cell 24, 2228. 2013.
Lin Y.C., Niewiadomski P., Lin B., Nakamura H., Phua S.C., Jiao J., Levchenko A., Inoue T., Rohatgi T., and Inoue T. "Chemically-inducible diffusion trap reveals molecular sieve-like barrier at primary cilia" Nature Chemical Biology 9, 437. 2013.
Lin YC, Liu T-Y, Razavi S. and Inoue T. "Rapidly Reversible Manipulation of Molecular Activities Using Dual Chemical Dimerizers" Angewandte Chemie 52, 6450. 2013.