This website was formerly the official site of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University (tohobiochemi.jp).
In 2025, the site transitioned to BioChemi Lab, a career support media for life science and medical researchers in Japan.
About the Former Laboratory
The Department of Biochemistry at Toho University was established in 1926. From 2014 to March 2025, Professor Hiroyasu Nakano led the laboratory, conducting world-leading research on cell death and oxidative stress.
As of April 2025, Professor Nakano retired from the department and now serves as a Project Professor at Toho University and Vice Director of the Research Administration Organization. He continues his research at the Host Defense Research Laboratory.
Professor Hiroyasu Nakano
Professor Hiroyasu Nakano is a world-renowned expert in cell death research, particularly in necroptosis.
Positions & Achievements
- President, Japanese Association for Cell Death Research (2019–2023)
- Councilor, The Japanese Society for Immunology
- Representative, The Japanese Biochemical Society
- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2007–2012)
- Project Leader, MEXT Private University Research Branding Project (2016)
Research Profiles
- researchmap
- J-GLOBAL
- Springer Nature Research Communities
- KAKEN (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research)
Key Research Achievements
World’s First Visualization of Necroptosis (2018)
Professor Nakano and Dr. Shin Murai developed the world’s first imaging technology for necroptosis, a form of regulated cell death. The sensor protein “SMART” enabled real-time observation of necroptosis at the single-cell level.
Published in Nature Communications (October 2018).
IL-11 and Colorectal Cancer Recurrence (2021)
Dr. Takashi Nishina and Professor Nakano discovered that IL-11-positive cells are involved in colorectal cancer recurrence. This finding suggests IL-11-positive cells as a potential therapeutic target.
Supported by AMED (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development).
In Vivo Visualization of Necroptosis (2022)
The research team established SMART transgenic mice and achieved the world’s first observation of necroptosis at the whole-body level. This technology enables analysis of necroptosis in ischemic diseases and cancer.
Published in Communications Biology (December 2022).
Laboratory Alumni
Many researchers have graduated from the Department of Biochemistry and are now active in academia and industry.
Alumni in Academia
- Kenta Moriwaki, Ph.D. – Professor, Department of Medical Chemistry, Hiroshima University
- Yuichi Tsuchiya, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University
- Takashi Nishina, Ph.D. – Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Toho University (BIO-PROTOCOL profile)
Alumni in Industry
Several alumni have transitioned to pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and research-related positions in the private sector.
About BioChemi Lab
BioChemi Lab is now a career support media for life science and medical researchers in Japan.
We provide information on:
- Career paths for postdocs and assistant professors
- Transitioning from academia to industry
- Salary and working conditions for researchers
- Job hunting strategies for Ph.D. holders
The editorial team consists of former postdocs and assistant professors who have experienced the challenges of academic careers firsthand.
“Having only done research” is not a weakness. Logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and English proficiency—researchers’ skills are valuable assets in industry.
Related Links
Current Laboratory & Professor Information
- Host Defense Research Laboratory, Toho University (Prof. Hiroyasu Nakano)
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University (Official)
Press Releases
- World’s First In Vivo Visualization of Necroptosis (2022, Toho University)
- IL-11-Positive Cells and Colorectal Cancer Recurrence (2021, AMED)
- World’s First Visualization of Necroptosis (2018, Toho University)
Research Projects
- Japanese Association for Cell Death Research
- Dying Code Project (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas)
Site Navigation
- BioChemi Lab Top Page (Japanese)
- History of the Department of Biochemistry (Japanese)
- About the Editorial Team (Japanese)
- Contact
This page serves as an archive of the former Department of Biochemistry, Toho University. For the latest information about the current laboratory, please visit the official Toho University website.