Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Department of Biological Sciences
Graduate School of Science
The University of Tokyo

Labs Furusawa Chikara Lab

JP

Affiliated Division, Joint faculties / Faculties in other departments of University of Tokyo Furusawa Chikara Lab

Laboratory Website

Professor Chikara Furusawa

Subject of research

  1. 1. Experimental evolution of bacterial cells
  2. 2. Analysis of evolutionary and developmental dynamics using abstract cell models
  3. 3. Analysis of fluctuating dynamics in biological systems

Uncovering Universal Properties of Biological Systems through Theory and Experiment

Biological systems possess robustness—the ability to maintain function under various environmental changes and fluctuations—while also exhibiting plasticity, the capacity to flexibly alter their internal states. The coexistence of robustness and plasticity is a fundamental property of living systems, yet the underlying mechanisms that enable this balance remain poorly understood. Recent advances, however, are making it possible to analyze state transitions and robustness in biological systems based on large-scale experimental data. Our team aims to elucidate the mechanisms of cellular robustness and plasticity by integrating theoretical and experimental approaches, focusing on examples such as adaptive evolution in microorganisms and developmental processes in multicellular organisms.
  • An automated culture system for microbial experimental evolution