Researcher Interviews Vol.52024.12.13
Elucidating the mechanism of cone visual pigment to facilitate drug development!
—Cutting-edge technologies to visualize the functionality of cone visual pigment in the human eye—
KATAYAMA Kota
Associate Professor
Life Science and Applied Chemistry Group
maintain rigorous standards for myself and others as a scientist
- Fields of Research:
- Field of Life and Materials Chemistry / Life sciences / Biophysics /
- Research Keywords:
- Cone visual pigment, neurotransmitters, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy
QWhat kind of research are you doing?
"Why are we able to perceive colors?" To answer this fundamental question, I am conducting research aimed at elucidating the relationship between the structure and function of cone visual pigments using structural analysis techniques. One of the greatest challenges in studying cone visual pigments is the necessity to perform all experiments in complete darkness. This is because exposure to light causes these proteins to lose their functionality.
To overcome this challenge, we utilize measurement and microscopy techniques that employ wavelengths of light invisible to the human eye, such as infrared and electron beams. By leveraging these methods, we strive to unravel the detailed mechanisms of how cone visual pigments operate and to gain deeper insights into the processes underlying color perception.
QWhat inspired you to pursue a career in research?
During my student years, I learned that the mechanisms underlying human color perception had not yet been fully elucidated. I was quite surprised that such a fundamental phenomenon had not yet been fully understood. I then made up my mind to pursue research into cone visual pigments. Subsequently, I achieved the world's first successful structural analysis of the cone visual pigments responsible for distinguishing red and green, shedding light on part of their underlying mechanism. This achievement motivated me to pursue the complete elucidation of the mechanisms of color perception and led me to choose a career in research. Grateful that I have found a subject that is worth dedicating my life to, I pursue research with my students, exploring seemingly obvious yet mysterious phenomena that lurk around us.
QTell us about your new laboratory, which began its operation in April 2024.
Our laboratory finally has its own official website. We have created it with special attention to its color scheme so that it would be stylish yet simple, effective in visually communicating our research activities, and easy to use for a long time.
Our laboratory comprises the following three groups:
(1) Cone Visual Pigments Group
(2) G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Group
(3) Animal Visual Piment Evolution Group
The emphasis placed on the colors displayed on the website reflects my long-standing research, dating back to my student years, on the functionality of cone visual pigments that enable humans to perceive and distinguish colors.
(2) The GPCR Research Group focuses on drug discovery by investigating the interactions between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ligands. When a GPCR binds to an endogenous ligand or a drug molecule, internal hydrogen bonding within the receptor triggers structural rearrangements, enabling the transmission of information to the cell interior. The Group's research explores the structural changes in GPCRs induced by the binding of drugs with varying chemical structures, interpreting these changes as alterations in molecular vibrations.
(3) We also conduct research on molecular evolution to elucidate the mechanisms underlying animal visual pigments. This work aims to uncover the evolutionary mysteries of the eye. Rhodopsin, the first molecule responsible for enabling vision in animals, serves as a focal point for these studies. By investigating the origins and diversity of rhodopsin, the Group seeks to trace its molecular evolution and provide deeper insights into the evolutionary processes of the eye.
A few additional details about our website: The logo has been carefully designed to symbolize "vision" and "eye," reflecting the focus of our research. The first seven letters of "KATAYAMa Lab" are capitalized, while the final letter is in lowercase. This design represents a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which consists of seven transmembrane α-helices and one short α-helix. Please visit our website!
QWhat do you find interesting about your research, what difficulties have you faced, and what is your focus as a researcher?
What inspires me most in research is the opportunity to observe phenomena or events for the first time—discoveries that no one else has made—and to acquire new knowledge. As a student, I became the first in the world to analyze the structure of a cone visual pigment responsible for distinguishing between red and green. During this work, I discovered the presence of water molecules within the protein and demonstrated their critical role in color perception. While such moments of discovery are rare, I approach my research with diligence and perseverance, driven by the hope of experiencing such breakthroughs again. This is the true joy of research. However, research is never easy. Cone visual pigments, while stable within the eye, become highly unstable and rapidly deactivated once isolated. Furthermore, these proteins are extremely sensitive to light, requiring all experiments to be conducted in complete darkness. Consequently, we handle them with meticulous care, almost as if calming a living organism with delicate feelings.
As a scientist, I strive to maintain rigorous standards for myself and others. Many researchers—not only in my laboratory but across the scientific community—are working tirelessly to achieve discoveries that may redefine textbook knowledge or bring significant societal impact. In this shared pursuit, we must always take full responsibility for the integrity of the data and results we present to the world, ensuring that they stand as a source of pride and accountability.
QTell me about your future goals (both research and life-related).
We are conducting research on the relationship between the structure and functionality of membrane proteins, with the aim of elucidating the mechanisms underlying color visual perception and drug interactions. We believe our findings can contribute to society by offering insights that improve safety, enhance quality of life, and promote comfort.
Infrared and ultraviolet light, being invisible and undetectable by conventional cone visual pigments, are beyond the recognition capability of the human eye. However, if the ability to sense these wavelengths could be achieved, it would enable the detection of living organisms and environmental changes, even in complete darkness. Inspired by this potential, we are developing novel color vision proteins capable of absorbing infrared and ultraviolet light, aspiring to realize "superhuman abilities" akin to those depicted in science fiction.
In addition, we aim to translate our understanding of the structure of cone visual pigments into therapeutic applications, particularly in addressing color blindness. Developing drugs to treat this condition could significantly improve the safety and quality of life for affected individuals, who often face risks such as difficulty in distinguishing traffic lights and tail lamps.
Through this work, we hope to contribute to building a society where visual impairments do not present barriers to safety or inclusivity.
Career summary
Education
September 2013 Ph.D. in Engineering, Department of Frontier Materials, NITech (six months ahead of schedule)
Professional Carrier
April 2023-present Associate Professor, Life Science and Applied Chemistry Group, NITech
April 2022- March 2023 Assistant Professor, Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, NITech
January 2017- March 2022 Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, NITech
Professional Memberships
Biophysics Society of Japan (board member)
Society of Molecular Science
Chemical Society of Japan
Protein Science Society of Japan
Japanese Pharmacological Society
Awards
2024
The FY2024 Young Scientist Award, Science and Technology Category, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Hobbies and interests
Running, cycling