大学共同利用機関法人
自然科学研究機構
基礎生物学研究所

Inter-University	Research	Institute	CorporationNational	Institutes	of	Natural	Scienceswww.nibb.ac.jp/en“Welcome to the worldof basic biology”

Director General of
the National Institute for Basic Biology

Masayuki Yamamoto

1

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘Basic Biology’? Maybe the phrase
brings to mind words like DNA, genes, genome, and images of the complicatedresearch they entail? Or perhaps the phrase makes you think of the wings of aglittering butterfly, of strange creatures dwelling in the deep darkness of the ocean, of
orchids blooming in lush rainforests, and of the simple joy we can find just inobserving nature in all its beauty. Some people may even imagine the long history oflife that can be seen from the record left behind by ancient fossil remains.
Humans, as living creatures ourselves, have long pondered the questions: “What islife?” and “Why are we here?” Every living creature shares certain traits: they take inmaterials from their surroundings, build their bodies, prepare for the birthing of thenext generation, leave behind offspring, and pass on. But why have we come to be
so? For both plants and animals, closely related organisms share many traits, and yet
also possess distinct characteristics that define and set them apart. Across the earth
in places of extreme heat, extreme cold, having high levels of salt, where the light ofthe sun cannot reach, and in even more alien and inhospitable places we can find life
flourishing, adapted to its environment. How could such a great variety of life forms
have sprung up? It seems as though you could ponder the mysteries of life on earth
for an eternity, and just have scratched the surface.
There was a time when we believed that living things were governed by different
physical laws than non-living things. However, as research has advanced, we havecome to see that the mechanisms of life ultimately can be understood through thesame laws as those governing physics or chemistry. However living things, evenmicro-organisms too small for the eye to see, have extremely intricate structures, withthe chemical reactions occurring within them of a complexity to match. Meanwhile,from bacteria to insects, to mammals and plants, every living thing carries genes
made up of DNA, with the sum of those genes, that is to say their genome, acting toprovide each creature with the qualities that define it. Through research of genomes it
has become clear that life as we know it is much more closely related than ouroutward differences might suggest. Indeed, looking back along the paths of genes,
we have come to understand that all life shares one ancestor far in the ancient past.
At NIBB, we use cutting edge technology and analysis techniques in order toanswer why life takes the form it takes, with the various traits and behaviors it
displays. Deepening the understanding of life and the organisms it includes is our
mission. Though research that leads to specific ends, such as a new way to cure a
disease, or creating a new form of crop useful in agriculture is important, we at NIBB
are not performing research with the objective of some direct application. Within thehistory of natural science there have been many cases where, by solving andclarifying a fundamental process that as yet had remained unclear, the doors wereopened and a road map was laid out for subsequent research into techniques andproducts that had previously not even been thought of as possible. We call this a“breakthrough.” A researcher must put his whole energy towards searching for new
understanding and the solving of mysteries before he can hope to come to therevolutionary conclusions a breakthrough entails. Furthermore, though not directly
applicable to new products or technology, I believe that research into deepening ourbasic understanding of life helps to enrich us intellectually, and add flavor andwonder into our lives; I wonder if you too, have begun to feel the same.
Taking the advancement of research as its greatest mission, and as a member of
the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), NIBB is endeavoring to
educate and raise up graduate students who will become the next generation ofresearchers. In addition, as an Inter-university Research Institute, we are working
hard to advance the collaborative research of universities throughout Japan, by
providing our specialist knowledge and facilities with DNA analysis and microscope
technology to our partner organizations.
As a research institute on the front lines of human understanding, we feel that
informing people about the sort of questions we are researching and why, and what
we have gained from this research, in a simple and easy to understand manner, is
one of our most important duties. This pamphlet was created as a part of that goal.
Because the understanding and encouragement of NIBB's research by people suchas yourself is one of our most important assets, we hope for your cooperation andsupport continuing forward.

History

Myodaiji area

The National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) wasestablished in the Myodaiji area of the city of Okazaki in
1977 along with the National Institute for Physiological
Sciences (NIPS). Since 1981, NIBB and NIPS haveconstituted the Okazaki National Research Institutes withthe previously established Institute for Molecular
Science. As a leading research institute for basic biology
in Japan, NIBB, since its establishment, has accepted
many joint researchers from Japan and abroad, and its
achievements, as products of "OKAZAKI," are highly
praised in treatises and at international conferences.
Research also commenced in the Yamate area in 2002.
Since 2004, the National Astronomical Observatory ofJapan, the National Institute for Fusion Science, and thethree institutes in Okazaki have been conducting
research under a new framework called the National
Institutes of Natural Sciences.

Yamate area

Research Units

National Institutes of
Natural Sciences
National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan

Cell Biology

National Institute for
Fusion Science

The Three Institutes
in Okazaki

Advisory
Committee for
Programmingand Management

National Institutefor Basic Biology

Research
Enhancement
Strategy
OfficeDirector General
Vice Director

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Developmental
Biology

Neurobiology
Evolutionary Biology
and Biodiversity
Environmental Biology

Institute for Molecular Science

Theoretical Biology
Okazaki Research Facilities
Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience
Research Center for Computational Science
Center for Experimental Animals
Center for Radioisotope Facilities

Imaging Science
Research Support
NIBB Core Research Facilities
NIBB BioResource Center

Research Facilities run jointly with NIPS
Waste Management Facility

Instrument Design Room

Electron Microscope Center

Okazaki Administration Office

IBBP Center
NIBB Center for Model Organism Development

Technical Division122

Goals of NIBB
Contribution to the community of biologists

International
cooperation
P.4

Promotion of collaborative
research projects
P.3

Developmentof new fields
P.5

Promotion ofacademic research
P.7

Cultivation of
future researchers
P.6

A center of excellence for biological research
Collaborative research projects
Inter-University Research Institutes

Collaborative research projects by year
year

2010

2011

2012

4

6

5

2

2

3

Individual collaborative research projects

67

82

89

NIBB workshops

3

6

6

8

9

14

7

8

5

11

45

47

An inter-university research institute is a "research institute operated by the
research community", a type of world-class organization unique to Japan.

Priority collaborative research projects

The inter-university institutes were organized as a core base to provide a

Collaborative research projects forplace for joint research and extramural use by researchers across Japan.

model organisms/technology development

The inter-university research institutes not only promote pioneering studies
on important research issues, but also provide opportunities for
cutting-edge researchers throughout Japan to gather and engage inactivities aimed at exploring future academic fields and creating newprinciples.
While maintaining its uniqueness and diversity, each institution makes agreat contribution in the development of academic research in Japan as aCenter of Excellence (COE) in each research field. Together, they also serve

Collaborative experiments using
the Large Spectrograph
Collaborative experiments using the DSLM
Collaborative experiments using next
generation DNA sequencers

as an international core base to promote cooperation and exchange with

Training Courses

1

0

2

research institutes and researchers abroad.

Emergency collaborative research projects forresearchers disrupted
by the Great East Japan Earthquake

−

6

−

total

103

164

171

Collaborative research projects
Research

projects

envisionedascollaborations

with

NIBB’sdivisions/laboratories as well as research activities to be conducted using
facilities in NIBB are solicited from external researchers at other universities
and institutes. In addition to our standard “individual collaborative research

NIBB Core Research Facilities

The NIBB Core Research Facilities was founded in 2010 with the goal of

projects”, “collaborative experiments using the Large Spectrograph”, andsupporting and developing new technologies for comprehensive gene

“NIBB workshops”, we also carry out one to three year “Priority collaborative

expression analysis and the effective use of optics as an analytical tool. In

research projects” as group research by internal and external researchers

addition to the researchers of NIBB we also support national andwith the purpose of developing pioneering research fields in biology. We

international researchers with equipment such as the Okazaki Largealso conduct “model organism development collaborative research projects”

Spectrograph (OLS) and next-generation sequencers.

to further the establishment and development of new model organisms.
Furthermore we have begun taking applications for collaborative
experiments

using

DSLM

microscopes

andnext-generation

DNA

sequencers. In the belief that the methods of conducting collaborative

NIBB BioResource Center

The NIBB BioResource Center was established in 2010 to facilitate progressresearch projects must be constantly modified according to the demands ofand development of new technologies in model organism research. The

the age and the biology community, NIBB has always encouraged

center consists of the Model Animal Research Facility (Mammalian Biology

discussion on such projects.

Unit, Animal Research Unit, Small Fish Biology Unit, Medaka BioResource
Unit), Cell Biology Research Facility, Model Plant Research Facility,
Marmoset Research Facility, and the Morning glory BioResource Unit.

3

A portal connecting
international researchers
International cooperation

NIBB Conference

symposium, "Japanese-German Symposium on Evolution and Development" inresearchers with the participation of guest lecturers from abroad. Since theon a regular basis in order to deepen the academic exchange.

,
The NIBB Conference is an international conference organized by NIBB s

August of 2009 in Cologne Germany, we have continued to hold joint symposia

first conference in 1977 (the year NIBB was founded), the NIBB Conference
has provided researchers in basic biology with valuable opportunities forinternational exchange.

Recent NIBB Conferences
59th

Neocortical Organization

Mar. 2012

58th/60th Germline -Specification, Sex, and Stem Cells-

Aug. 2012

61st

J u l . 2013

Cellular Community in Mammalian Embryogenesis

International academic exchange with
the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory
In August of 2010, NIBB signed an academic exchange agreement with
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, (TLL) of Singapore. In addition to holding
joint symposia on a regular basis, we are promoting cooperative activities suchas holding the joint training course for researchers "Genetics, Genomics andImaging in Medaka & Zebrafish" in 2012.

International Practical Course
With the cooperation of researchers from Japan and abroad, the NIBB
international practical course is given at a dedicated laboratory specifically
The 61st NIBB conference

International academic exchange with EMBL
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory

prepared for the course in NIBB. Previous themes, such as: "Developmental
Genetics of Zebrafish and Medaka," and "Laboratory Course and Workshops on
Physcomitrella patens" have given graduate students from various nations andareas (including America, Germany, Finland, and Asia) valuable training instate-of-the-art research techniques.

(EMBL) is a research institute funded by 18
European states and was established in 1974. It
conducts

comprehensive,high-levelbasic

research programs, leading the world in the fieldof molecular biology. NIBB takes the leading role in collaborative research
programs between EMBL and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences(NINS), which were launched in 2005, and promotes personal andtechnological exchange through symposia, exchanges between researchersand graduate students, and the introduction of experimental equipment.

Recent NIBB-EMBL Joint Symposia

8th Evolution: Genomes, Cell Types and Shapes
Nov. 2008 Heidelberg (Germany)
9th Functional Imaging from Atoms to Organisms
Apr. 2009 Okazaki (Japan)
10th Quantitative Bioimaging
Mar. 2013 Okazaki (Japan)

Practical training at the dedicated laboratory

Micro-manipulation of embryos

Bioresources
The National BioResource Project (NBRP) is a national project for the systematic
accumulation, storage, and supply of nationally recognized bioresources(experimental animals and plants, cells, DNA, and other genetic resources),
which are widely used as materials in life science research. To promote thisnational project, NIBB has been appointed as a
research center for research on "Medaka(Oryzias latipes)" whose usefulness as avertebrate model was first demonstrated inJapan. The usability of Medaka as a researchParticipants of the 1st symposium

Academic exchange at EMBL

material in biology has drawn increasing
attention since its full genome sequence

International academic
exchange with the Max Planck Institutefor Plant Breeding Researchrecently became available. NIBB also works as

In April of 2009 NIBB joined hands with the Max Planck Institute for Plant

Daphnia, Xenopus laevis, plant cell organelles,

Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in an academic exchange agreement aimed atbacterial genomes, and gene expression in thestimulating research in the field of plant sciences. After holding our first joint

brain.

a sub-center for this national project for
research on Japanese morning glory. In
addition, NIBB provides databases containing
research data on Physcomitrella patens (moss),

Top: Inbred Hd-rR strain ofMedaka with the full genome
sequence determined, Middle:
Transgenic Medaka with red
fluorescence emerging from thewhole body, Bottom: Quintet
strainofMedakawithtransparent body.

4

A center for developing new fields of biology
Development of new fields
Bioimaging
Recently, the capability of optical microscopes has greatly improved, andOkazaki Biology Conferences
NIBB holds Okazaki Biology Conferences (OBC) that, under thebiophotonic probes have also been developed. The combination of theseendorsement of the Union of Japanese Societies for Biological Science,technologies allows us to use living samples and observe biologicalsupport the formation of international communities in future biologicalphenomena in real time, which, in the past, could only be estimated based

research fields with the goal of identifying new research issues in biology.

on fragmentary information from fixed samples. NIBB aims to maximize the

Dozens of top-level researchers from Japan and abroad spend about one

application of these techniques for visualizing biological phenomena

week together in exhaustive discussions seeking strategies for addressing(bioimaging) in biological research and to develop new imaging techniques.

future critical issues in biology. The past conferences have promoted theformation of international researcher communities.

Past OBCs

1) Imaging Science Laboratories

NIBB aims to be a center for developing microscopes andbiophotonic probes.

OBC1

OBC2
OBC3

2) Bioimaging Forum

OBC4This Forum provides an opportunity for researchers in NIBB, andcompany engineers to frankly discuss practical difficulties and needs
regarding imaging.

OBC5

The Biology of Extinction

Jan. 2004

The Biology of Extinction 2

Mar. 2006

Terra Microbiology

Terra Microbiology 2

Mar. 2007

The Evolution of Symbiotic Systems

Jan. 2010

Marine Biology

OBC8

Speciation and Adaptation II

OBC9

Sep. 2006

Speciation and Adaptation

OBC6
OBC7

Sep. 2004- Environment and Epigenetics -Marine Biology II

Dec. 2007

Mar. 2012
Oct. 2012

3) Introduction of DSLM (Digital Scanned laser Lightsheet Microscope)
As part of our collaborative work with EMBL,NIBB introduced

DSLM, which is effective for the three-dimensional observation ofliving samples, first in Japan.

Participants of OBC94) Bioimaging SymposiumThis Symposium provides an opportunity for academic exchanges
with overseas cutting-edge researchers in the imaging field, mainly
from EMBL.

Poster session (OBC2)

Oral session (OBC4)

Participants of symposium and a poster
General Discussion (OBC5)5Facilities tour (OBC6)

The cultivation of future researchers in biology
Admission of graduate students: SOKENDAI and other universities

As a center of biological research in Japan, NIBB has cutting-edge facilities

for university graduates. For both courses, students are admitted in April andand equipment. It also retains excellent faculty members who have

October every year.

continuously produced outstanding creative research results; the number ofcitations of their published papers is at the very highest level in Japan andworldwide. NIBB offers advanced graduate education in this excellent
research environment with the goal of cultivating future leaders in biology.

A “Life Science Retreat” is held every year for students and faculty members in the School ofLife Science to gather and present research results.
Education of graduate students in NIBB

Admission of graduate students

Graduate education with a high ratio of staff to students
In most universities, the number of faculty
members is small in relation to that of

One way to enter NIBB is to enroll in the Department of Basic Biology in thegraduate students (approximately 0.16 per

School of Life Science of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies

graduate student for national universities). In(SOKENDAI), which is affiliated with NIBB. Another way for graduate

contrast, SOKENDAI has a significantly higher

students already enrolled in the graduate schools of other universities is toratio of faculty members to graduate students

become a “special research student” under collaborative research projects.

(approximately 1.8 per graduate student);

To become a special research student, graduate students must apply forthere is no concern about lack of student

enrollment in NIBB and undergo an assessment each year. In both cases

mentoring. Currently, the Department of Basic

above, graduate students can live an academic life and receive financial

Biology has 42 SOKENDAI students and 69

support from NIBB based on the research assistant (RA) system.

faculty members, meaning that we are able to

In “Life Science Progress Report”
sessions, students report the progress of
research activities and, in turn, receive
advice from many faculty members.

provide the ideal “one-to-one” education.

Special research students

High-quality seminars

6

NIBB holds many seminars with external
distinguished guests as lecturers. It also

42 Department of Basic Biology

hosts conferences, most of which students
in NIBB can attend. These seminars andconferences offer good opportunities for
future researchers to widen their vision.

Graduate students in NIBB

About SOKENDAISOKENDAI was established in 1988 as a university without undergraduate

Exchange seminar with graduate
students as part of collaborative workwith EMBL.

High rate of students becoming researchers

courses that provides graduate education with a view to the comprehensive

The Department of Basic Biology is engaged in the cultivation of advanced

development of basic academic fields. It has headquarters in Hayama,

researchers. In the last five years, over 90% of those who finished the courses

Kanagawa Prefecture, offering graduate education with students separately

becameassigned to 18 Inter-University Research Institutes (national institutes). Its

researchers.

researchers,

includingassistantprofessors

andpostdoctoral

School of Life Science consists of three departments: Department of Basic
Biology, Department of Physiological Sciences (National Institute forPhysiological Sciences), and Department of Genetics (National Institute of
Genetics in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture). The Department of Basic Biology

How to enroll in SOKENDAI
Detailed information is available in the “PhD Program” section of NIBB’s homepage.

provides advanced research training courses in which fundamental and

In addition, several admission information sessions are held in Tokyo and Okazaki

higher-order biological phenomena related to plants and animals are studied

every year. The NIBB Internship Program is also available, which allows students toat the molecular level. There are two courses available: a three-year doctoral

experience actual academic life in NIBB while taking part in important researchcourse for graduate students with master’s degrees and a five-year course(support for transportation and accommodation costs is available).

6

The promotion of cutting-edge biological research
Academic Research

Cell Biology
Laboratory of Cell Responses

Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology

Laboratory of Cell Sociology

Director General

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Division of Developmental Genetics

Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology

Professor

Masayuki Yamamoto

Specially Appointed Associate Professor

Akira Yamashita

Nobuyuki Shiina

Yoshio Hamada

Developmental Biology
Division of Morphogenesis

Professor

Associate Professor

Professor

Division of Embryology

Division of Germ Cell Biology

Laboratory of Molecular Genetics for Reproduction

Professor

Professor

Associate Professor

Naoto Ueno

Toshihiko Fujimori

Noriyuki Kinoshita

Shosei Yoshida

Satoru Kobayashi

Minoru Tanaka

Environmental Biology
Division of Molecular Environmental Endocrinology

Division of Environmental Photobiology

Division of Seasonal Biology

Professor

Professor

Visiting Professor

Taisen Iguchi
7

Jun Minagawa

Takashi Yoshimura

Shinji Takada

Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity
Division of Evolutionary Biology

Division of Symbiotic Systems

Theoretical
Biology
Laboratory of Genome Informatics

Professor

Mitsuyasu Hasebe

Associate Professor

Takashi Murata

Laboratory of Morphodiversity

Laboratory of BioResources

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Ryuji Kodama

Professor

Masayoshi Kawaguchi

Assistant Professor

Laboratory of Biological Diversity

Ikuo Uchiyama

Division of Brain Circuits

Imaging
Science

Kiyoshi Naruse

Neurobiology
Division of Molecular Neurobiology

Laboratory for Spatiotemporal Regulations

Professor

Masaharu Noda

Associate Professor

Takafumi Shintani

Division of Brain Biology

Professor

Tetsuo Yamamori

Professor

Masanori Matsuzaki
Laboratory of Neurophysiology

Associate Professor

Akiya WatakabeSpectrography and Bioimaging Facility

Specially Appointed Associate Professor

Specially Appointed Associate Professor

Shuji Shigenobu

Shigenori Nonaka

Associate Professor

Eiji Watanabe

NIBB Core Research Facilities
Functional Genomics Facility

Associate Professor

Interuniversity
Bio-Backup
Project for
Basic Biology

Data Integration and Analysis Facility

Yasuhiro Kamei

8Living unit: the cell
All organisms are made up of a basic unit called the cell. Within each cell there are various small organs known asorganelles. Organelles change their form and function dynamically and the life of a cell depends on the integrative
function of the organelles. We are attempting to elucidate the mechanism behind the dynamic changes of cells.

How cells switch activities

Laboratory of Cell Responses（Director General Masayuki Yamamoto）

Cells sense the environment around them, for example the amount of nutrients andhormones, as well as the temperature and pressure, and decide what kind activities toundertake using that information. In particular, the germ cells that produce sperm and eggs
begin halving their number of chromosomes during a special kind of cell division calledmeiosis, in response to ambient conditions. In our laboratory we use yeast, the simplest
organism that performs meiosis, to examine the mechanism by which cells, according to theambient conditions, switch from continuing to increase using the kind of cell division that
divides cells equally to create two identical cells (called mitosis) to begin the process ofmeiosis, which is essential for bringing forth future genetically diverse generations.
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The tie between mother and child

Laboratory of Cell Sociology (Assistant Professor Yoshio Hamada)All animals except mammals start eating food immediately after they hatch. Mammals havelittle nourishment within the egg and, as soon as they are hatched in the early stages of theformation of the body, mammalian embryos become parasitic to the maternal body in order tointake the nourishment necessary for continued growth. The placenta is an organ throughwhich the embryo receives nourishment and oxygen from the mother and returns wastes andcarbon dioxide back to the maternal body. As a necessary consequence of their parasitic
growth process, mammalian children continue to receive nourishment from their mothers in theform of breast milk. The placenta is an organ made up of the cells of the embryo, but its
organogenesis is considered to be heavily dependent on interaction with the mother-derived
cells. Our laboratory studies the cellular interaction between mother and child.

Mouse embryo (left) and placenta (right, dark pink). The light pinkmembrane surrounding the placenta (the decidua) is the tissue
derived from the mother and surrounds the entire embryo and theplacenta when intact.

Manipulating cell behavior using infrared laser mediated gene expression

Spectrography and bioimaging facility (Specially appointed Associate Professor Yasuhiro Kamei)

We have developed a novel microscopic method for controlling gene
expression at the single-cell level using an irradiating infrared laser;
infrared laser-evoked gene operator (IR-LEGO). Also, NIBB is
designated as the core center for medaka of the National BioResource
Project, and various information and resources are accumulated here.
We are now establishing a system which finely controls spatiotemporalgene expression in medaka for revealing the function of each gene invivo. We are also contributing to research communities from basic
biology to medical science by supplying platforms consisting of various
resource and new technology.

9

Production version of IR-LEGO microscope system for in vivo single-cell/local gene induction (left)and examples for induced gene (GFP) expression in medaka pineal gland and skeletal muscle(right). The IR-LEGO microscope is also used for the NIBB cooperative research program.

Methods for adapting to a changing environment
Organisms have the ability to sense changes in their surroundings and take appropriate actions in response to the
new environment. But how do they sense these changes? Also, what changes occur within organisms as they
undergo adaptations? We are researching the sensing mechanisms and methods of environmental adaptation
possessed by living things.

Sex hormones and endocrine disruptors

Division of Molecular Environmental Endocrinology (Professor Taisen Iguchi)

Various man-made chemicals are being released into the environment. Some of these chemicals,
known as endocrine disruptors, have the ability to behave similarly to natural sex hormones andalternately some have the ability to hinder the normal functioning of naturally occurring hormones. Our
research group uses various model organisms to study the effects of naturally occurring sex hormones,
theendocrine

disruptors

that

inundatetheenvironment, and temperature, etc., from the time
an organism emerges from the egg until adulthood.

This image depicts the process by which Daphnia magna, an
exemplary example of parthenogenesis, by which females
gives birth to all female young un-fertilized by a male, will
suddenly convert to sexual reproduction and produce maleyoung when introduced with a juvenile hormone analogue.
Through conducting research of this kind, we hope tounderstand the relationships between life-forms and theirenvironment and develop proposals for the better preservationof our own environment.

Investigating Photosynthesis Using Microalga
Division of Environmental Photobiology (Professor Jun Minagawa)

Photosynthesis allows plants to take energy from the sunlight that continually pours
down upon the earth and convert it into energy that they can use. We use single celled
microalga (such as Chlamydomonas) as model organisms, along with molecular
genetics, biochemistry, and spectroscopic techniques, to research the fundamentals
and efficiency of light harvesting “antenna” molecules for photosynthesis. In addition,
based on the fundamental knowledge obtained we aim to gain a better understandingof the eco-physiology of environmentally important photosynthetic organisms from
North Pacific diatoms, and the symbiotic zooxanthellae in coral, to Antarctic green
alga.
Chlamydomonas during conjugation (10µm diameter)

Exploring how animals sense the seasons

Division of Seasonal Biology（Visiting Professor Takashi Yoshimura）

Animals living outside the tropics adapt various

the underlying mechanisms of seasonal

physiology and behavior to seasonal changes in

adaptation using Medaka fish.

the environment. As animals use changes in day
length and temperature as seasonal cues, these
phenomena are referred to as photoperiodism
andthermoperiodism,

respectively.

Medakaprovides an excellent model to study thesemechanisms because of their robust seasonal
responses. In addition, genomic sequences andLeft: Breeding medaka male (left) and femaletransgenic approaches are available in this(right). Right: Collection of wild medaka (Tsugaru

species. In this division, we are trying to uncover

City, Aomori Prefecture).

10Formation of the shape of living organisms
Living organisms, both animals and plants, have various shapes that differ from species to species. How are living
things formed? We are endeavoring to discover the mechanisms of morphogenesis by searching for the genes
controlling shape formation and studying their function, as well as by analyzing morphogenetic processes using
mathematical models.

From a round egg to an adult body

Division of Morphogenesis (Professor Naoto Ueno)

Most animal eggs begin as a spherical-shaped cell. During the developmental process the embryochanges dramatically as it elongates lengthwise. As the embryo changes shape, the various organs,such as the heart and brain etc., begin to form. How are the characteristic shapes of organisms, andthe shapes of their organs, formed? Is there some kind of blueprint? To answer these questions we arelooking at the morphogenesis of organs and embryos through analysis of gene function and cell behavior. The results of these studies are expected to contribute to the understanding of human congenital
disorders.
Cross-section of the Xenopus
embryo. The fan-like structure at the
top center is the neural tube that will
become the brain and spinal cord.
(Red areas are the cell membranes,
green areas are nuclei)

Repetition in the bodies of animals

Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology (Professor Shinji Takada)

Probably, many people do not realize, but there are repeating structures in the embryos of animals,
including humans. These structures, known as somites, are the source of the cells that become partsof our bodies such as vertebrae. As one can see, the repetitive patterns seen in our spine originate as
somites. In spite of the precise formation of this fantastic repeating structure being an indispensable
aspect of the formation of our bodies it is not well understood. By elucidating the function of genes
related to the creation of somites we hope to better understand the system by which they are formed.
We use small fish, such as zebrafish, and mice as model organisms to analyze the functions of thesegenes.

A zebrafish embryo 16 hours after fertilization.

11Formation of the shape of living organisms
How does the formation of a mammal's body begin?
Division of Embryology (Professor Toshihiko Fujimori)

The first stages of mammalian embryonic development occur within the oviducts and uterus of theirmothers, which makes studying them during these stages difficult. Within the same species of nematodeand similar organisms at any particular point in the embryo the progression of the developmental systemsof ontology that control cell division, arrangement, and specialization, are quite consistent. On the other
hand during mammalian development at any particular area an abundant variety of ontological patternsof cell division and arrangement can be seen. However even if it seems at first glance that these
individual cells are each behaving freely, each mammalian embryo develops into a body with almost theexact same shape irrespective of the particular areas. Using mice, we are analyzing behaviors of theindividual cells and genes of embryos, focusing specifically on the first stages of development and how
the embryonic axis is formed and what influence this has on the future development of the anteroposterior

Cell contours in a mouse blastocyst (phalloidin staining,red), and NANOG protein expression (green). At this point
cell specification can already be seen.

axis. Answering these questions is the main theme of our continuing research.

How the right and the left sides of the body are determined

Laboratory for Spatiotemporal Regulations (Associate Professor Shigenori Nonaka)

The heart is on the left-hand side and the liver and the gall bladder are on the right-hand side of the
body. Why is this so? Why doesn't the body have a mirrored or a symmetrical plan? We are studying themechanisms behind the body’s left-right asymmetry. Experiments using mouse embryos have achieved
interesting results. In the course of body formation from a fertilized egg, tiny hairs of approximately one
two hundredth of a millimeter in length grow on a specific area of the body surface. The movements ofthese hairs rotate the surrounding fluid, causing a flow from the right to the left-hand side of the body.
When the flow is artificially reversed, there arises an embryo with a mirrored body plan. We are now
studying what this flow actually does.

Hairs on the body surface which determines the left-rightasymmetry (colored in yellow).

12

The mechanisms of the formation and function of the brain
The brain and the nervous system act as the control tower of an animal, enabling functions such as the regulationof its internal environment, control of feeding behaviors, sensation of its external environment, memory and learning,and behaviors for escaping from enemies and communicating with friends. It is indispensable to investigate theformation and the function of the brain in order to elucidate the living mechanisms of animals.

How the brain is formed and how it works

Division of Molecular Neurobiology (Professor Masaharu Noda)

The brain receives various types of information about the external world through sensory
organs such as the eyes and ears and directs an appropriate response through theprocessing and recognition of that information. The brain is also continuously monitoring
internal conditions such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thereby controlling feedingand excretion behaviors. These brain functions are possible only through the correctfunctioning of the neural circuits formed during the embryonic development process. We are
studying the mechanism that controls formation of the visual system as an example of how thebrain is formed, and the mechanisms that control the homeostasis of the body fluid as well as
the regulation mechanism of emotion and memory as examples of how the brain works.
Dehydration of the body causes a rise in the sodium ion concentration of the body fluid. The animal becomesthirsty and drinks water, avoiding salt water. We have clarified the sodium-level sensing mechanisms in the brainthat control such drinking behaviors.

Learning brain, evolving brain

Division of Brain Biology (Professor Tetsuo Yamamori)

There remain various mysteries within our brain. What is happening in the brain when we
become skilled in a new sport or when we learn something new? How similar and how different
are the brains of various animals, such as monkeys and mice? In order to answer thesequestions, we focused on the gene and are studying how individual cells building the brain are
combined and how they work using the methods of molecular biology and histology. "Tovisualize the brain and to analyze its function using the gene" is what we are attempting to do,
and we expect to glimpse new aspects of the brain and its functions that have heretofore
eluded scientists.

The genes each expressed in the association area (left) and the visualcortex (right) of the monkey brain.

Neuronal mechanisms of information processing
Division of Brain circuits (Professor Masanori Matsuzaki)

Animals are surrounded by various environmental changes. To adapt to these changes,
animals have to recognize them, make decisions about what to do about them, and executethe appropriate action. These functions are processed in brains that consist of a tremendous
number of neurons that contact each other via synapses. How are the external world andaction commands represented in the cortical circuits of the brain? How are past experienceand knowledge stored in the many synapses in the brain? The goal of our research is toanswer such questions at the levels of single neurons and single synapses. At present, we are
studying neuronal mechanisms underlying motor control and motor learning by using modern
techniques such as two-photon imaging, optogenetics, chemical biology, molecular biology,
and electrophysiology.
Two-photon image of hippocampal neurons

13

The mechanisms of the formation and function of the brain
The way animals see

Laboratory of Neurophysiology (Associate Professor Eiji Watanabe)

What does it actually mean to “see” things? Our brains take in light signals fromthe outside world, and then they use algorithms unique to the brain to process thatdata and produce the phenomenon known as “seeing”. This visual information
processing is carried out by the countless neurons of our brains, but the wholestory of how this mechanism works is so complicated that as of yet it is still not
clearly understood. In order to better understand the processes by which animals
see, our laboratory is focusing our research on the visual systems of individual
animals. Using the techniques of psychophysics to quantitatively analyze thebehavior of both animals and people we hope to elucidate the visual processing
algorithms that lay at the root of an animal’s ability to see. We believe that throughLeft: The eye of a medaka; one of the model animals used to study the development ofvisual systems.
Right: The flash-lag effect; moving animals perceive stationary objects as slightly aheadof their actual position.

this research we will be able to understand a new aspect of what it means to “see”.

The local gene-expression system of neurons

Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology (Associate Professor Nobuyuki Shiina)

Gene expression, the process by which information from DNA is converted into mRNA andused in the synthesis of a functional gene product such as a protein, is the foundation of alllife. Within neurons there is one essential aspect of the gene expression system that takes
place in a decentralized manner. Neurons consist of the soma which contains a nucleus
and the neurites that stretch out from it. In addition to the centralized gene expression
system of the soma there also exists a decentralized gene expression system that provides
local protein synthesis from mRNA in neurites at just the right time and place. It is believedthat this system controls the location at which neurites will connect to each other, thereby
forming neural networks. Our laboratory is researching the types of mRNA and themechanisms of this local protein synthesis in order to better understand its relation to the

Cultured mouse neurons; neurites can be seen connecting to each otherand forming neural networks (Left). The right hand image shows
diminished neural network formation after suppression of a protein
important to local protein synthesis (RNG105). Bar = 100µm.

formation of neural networks, memory, learning, and behavior.

14

The evolution of living organisms
Organisms always evolve. Evolution can not be interrupted, and it results in the emergence of flowers and fish ofvarious shapes and colors, mosses with an unremarkable appearance, human beings, and countless other kinds oforganisms. Why, how and when do organisms evolve? We study the mechanisms of evolution with the hope of
discovering clues to our own past and future.

Evolution of complex traits

Division of Evolutionary Biology (Professor Mitsuyasu Hasebe)

The theory of natural selection and the neutral theory of molecular evolution are powerful concepts inevolutionary biology. However, even with such theories, there still remain unexplained phenomena, oneof which is the evolution of complexity. It is difficult to explain the mechanisms needed to evolve complex
adaptive traits, which comprise many components and become adaptive only when all components aregathered together. However, based on evolutionary theory, each component should evolve one by one
according to the accumulation of mutations. Understanding the evolution of complex adaptive traits will
be advanced by analyzing the genes regulating such traits. We aim to get insights on new and generalevolutionary theory through studies on intracellular complex structure formation via microtubules,
pray-capture leaves, and digestive enzymes of carnivorous plants, pseudanthium of Houttynia cordata,

Microtubules in a cell (upper left), Carnivorous plants Cephalotus
follicularis (upper middle left) and Drosera spatulata (upper middle right),
pseudanthium of Houttuynia cordata (upper right), mimicry of flowering
mantis (lower left), Acrocercops transecta for a study of host race change(lower middle left), the moss Physcomitrella patens (lower middle right)
and its dissected leaf with reprogrammed stem cells from differentiatedleaf cells (lower right).

host race change of moths, mimicry of flowering mantis, and stem cell formation with advanced
techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and genome biology.

Symbiosis of microbes and plants

Division of Symbiotic Systems (Professor Masayoshi Kawaguchi)

The symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi came about
concurrently with the evolution of terrestrial plants, and now mycorrhizal symbiosis ispresent in over 80% of plant species. This symbiotic relationship allows bothorganisms to enhance growth and proliferation due to the mutual exchange ofphotosynthetic products and inorganic nutrients, such as water and phosphate fromthe soil. The mycorrhizal fungi are allowed to stretch fungal hyphae into the roots of
its host plant and form symbiotic structures known as arbuscules inside the root
cells. It is thought that these arbuscules are the compartment where the symbiotic
exchange of nutrients takes place. We are trying to elucidate the molecularmechanisms of plant-microbe symbiosis and symbiotic organ development.
Root of the legume Lotus japonicus with the mycorrhizal fungi stained green.

Symbiosis Genomics

Functional Genomics Facility (Specially appointed Associate Professor Shuji Shigenobu)

Symbiosis has contributed to the ecological and evolutionary success of many taxa
provisioning novel traits, thereby facilitating exploitation of otherwise inaccessible
niches. We are studying the symbiosis of the pea aphid with the bacterial symbiont
Buchnera to understand the network of biological interactions at the molecular andgenetic level. To this end, we take advantage of state-of-the-art genomics such as
next-generation sequencing technologies.

Aphids harbor bacterial symbionts called Buchnera. Aphid/Buchnera
association is obligate and mutualistic with neither partner being able toreproduce in the absence of the other. (Left) Pea aphids. (Right) Buchnera
cells vertically transmitting into a developing aphid egg.

15

b

y

The evolution of living organisms
Medaka Biology and Bioresources

Laboratory of Bioresources (Associate Professor Kiyoshi Naruse)

Medaka was first developed as a model organism in Japan, and many strains possessing various traits
have been developed. In addition over 20 closely related species are distributed throughout South East
Asia. In our laboratory we use these bioresources to understand a wide range of biological phenomena,from development to evolution, such as the genetic variety that gives rise to morphological differences of theindividual, the molecular mechanisms involved in germ cell migration, and the evolution of sex
chromosomes in closely related species. In addition, as the core institution of the Medaka BioResource
Project, our laboratory oversees the collection and maintenance of many medaka strains and genome
resources, and supplies them extensively to researchers at home and abroad.

Various medaka strains suppliedby our laboratory

Mechanisms creating the diversity of the shape of butterfly wings

Laboratory of Morphodiversity (Associate Professor Ryuji Kodama)

The myriad of patterns and shapes that make up the wings of butterflies and moths
are unique to each species. The wings just after puparization, however, have asmooth outline common to most species. A contour line appears with the shape of
the adult wing just after this stage and the deaths of cells outside of this line bringabout the shape of the adult wings. A similar kind of "programmed cell death" is also
seen in the process of finger formation in human embryos. We are studying themechanisms that determine the position and the shape of the contour line as an
example of the mechanisms which enable the diversity seen in butterflies.

A cross section of the pupal wing. The round shaped parton the left is where the cell deaths are occurring.

The diversity of microbes explored using the genome

Laboratory of Genome Informatics (Assistant Professor Ikuo Uchiyama)

Thanks to the genomes of various living organisms being decoded, scientists
have been able to better understand the evolutional processes of different
species by comparing these decoded genomes. Genome analysis is meanwhile
disclosing the true diversity of microbes, which exist in near limitless numbers inevery part of the earth, including in our bodies and our surroundings. Ourlaboratory is using informatics to develop a method to systematically compare thevast amount of diversified genome information of microbial genomes and explore
the diversity of the genome and the motive force which brought about thisdiversity.
A chart showing the result of an extensive analysis of how corresponding genes areincluded in the genome of various microbial species.

16The Inheritance of life and genes – the mechanisms of sex differentiation
Living organisms inherit life from one generation to the next by passing on genetic information. The formation of twosexes, male and female, and thus the formation of the sperm and the egg, is indispensable to this process. We are
studying the mechanisms determining sex, the mechanisms producing sperms and eggs, and the environmental
factors capable of disturbing such mechanisms.

A mechanism for selecting reproductive cells

Division of Developmental Genetics (Professor Satoru Kobayashi)

Reproductive cells provide one of the essential abilities of a living organism: the ability to giverise to the next generation of life. In the process of embryonic development, the fertilized egg
continually divides and many cells appear. A tiny number of them are selected as reproductive
cells, while the rest of the cells become somatic cells, forming the body. Using fruit flies(Drosophila), we are studying the mechanisms responsible for selecting these important
reproductive cells. We have clarified that a gene called nanos and mitochondria are both
important in this process.

Fly eggs. Cells colored green (left figures) and brown (right figures) later become
reproductive cells.

The secret to the continuous production of sperm

Division of Germ Cell Biology (Professor Shosei Yoshida)

The testes of mammals continually produce sperm over years or many tens of years.
This continuous sperm production is essential for the reliable preservation of a
species’ offspring yet is carried out by a very small number of “spermatogenic stem
cells”. These are the fundamental cells which both create sperm cells (differentiation)and preserve themselves (self-renewal). Within the testicles of mice, cells that create
sperm are orderly packed together (Left Image), but the location, disposition, andbehavior of stem cells is not well understood. Our laboratory’s research is concernedwith finding and clarifying the nature of spermatogenic stem cells (Right Image).

Left: Cross section of a mouse testicle. A large number of well ordered cells create sperm.
Right: The tiny populations of red dyed cells are thought to be stem cells within the large number of testicular cells (nuclei stained in blue).

Understanding the principles of sex differentiation and plasticity

Laboratory of Molecular Genetics for Reproduction (Associate Professor Minoru Tanaka)

There are many types of sex determination and differentiation systems. Some organisms’ sex is determined by sex
chromosomes, some change in the middle of their life. Regardless of this variety, the final and common destinationof sexual development is to accomplish formation of the ovaries and testes, producing the eggs and sperm
necessary for reproduction. We found that the presence of germ cells is critical for feminization, independent ofsex chromosomes in medaka. In other words, in the absence of germ cells, the gonads are masculinized even if
the medaka does not have the Y chromosome. We are analyzing the cellular mechanisms of sex differentiation andsexual plasticity using medaka as a model organism and by visualizing specific gene products and cells. During
these analyses we have demonstrated, for the first time in vertebrates, the presence of germline stem cells present
in ovaries. Our recent analysis shows that regulation of the stem cells is critically involved in proper sex
differentiation.

17(Upper) A medaka showing sex transformation, hotei. Though the fish is genetically male (XY), ovaries fill the expanded body. (Lower) Stem cells' presence
demonstrated in the ovary (red areas to the left) and the cells surrounding them germ (green). White areas are cell nuclei. Egg is being formed from left to right.

“Protecting life science research from natural disasters”
Interuniversity Bio-Backup Project

The Interuniversity Bio-Backup Project for Basic
Biology, (IBBP) is a system that backs up biologicaland genetic resources in order to realize life sciences
research resilient to natural disasters in Japan. The
project is administered by the National Institutes for
Basic Biology in collaboration with 7 National
Universities (Hokkaido University, Tohoku University,
University of Tokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto
University, Osaka University, and Kyushu University).
Liquid nitrogen tanks of IBBP’s genetic resources cryogenic storage system.

The IBBP Center was established as the project's core facility at NIBB. Insidebuildings capable of withstanding even very large scale quakes are 10
cryopreservation tanks (8 vapor-phase, 2 liquid-phase), 5 deep freezers, as well
as automated maintenance systems, security systems, and emergency backup
power generators. The IBBP Center works together with the university satelliteofﬁces in each region (Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, University ofTokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Kyushu
University), and takes charge of requested backup and storage of biologicalresources that have been established by individual researchers. In the event of adisaster or accident leading to the loss of a researcher's bioresources,
preserved samples will be promptly supplied back to the researcher so they canquickly resume their work.

IBBP Center
University Satellite Hub

As a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11,

Preservation Request

Backup Application
and Data Input

2011, genetic resources of many universities in the Tohoku region andbeyond were damaged or lost. As well as direct equipment damage causedby the earthquake valuable biological resources produced by research
activities taking many years, that were currently being used in experiments,
such as mutant and transgenic organisms, were lost due to long term power
failures, and as a result, many researchers were forced to suspend or

Researchers

Japan’s first
Bioresource
backup center

Managing Project
Committee of IBBP
Backup Operations
Proposal,Acknowledgement,
Reviewchange the direction of their research programs.
Biological and genetic resources are essential not only in life sciences
research, but in a variety of scientiﬁc ﬁelds. Loss of biological genetic

Bioresources
to be Preserved

resources by unforeseen circumstances is a clear possibility, and as such itis essential for development of stable life science research in Japan thatmeasures are taken to prevent such loss.

Acceptance
Decision Notice
IBPP Center

Paths of backed up biological and genetic resources

In light of these circumstances, the Interuniversity Bio-Backup ProjectIn addition the project aims to conduct joint research for development of new

began activities in 2012.

storage technology, and to establish new long-term storage methods for various
biological resources.

18

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Research support facilities
To efficiently conduct research activities, NIBB has its own facilities and shares research facilities with the National
Institute for Physiological Sciences and the Institute for Molecular Science in Okazaki. There are facilities for thecontrolled cultivation, growth, and breeding of living samples for experiments and research activities, mid/large scaleequipment for measurement and data analysis, radioisotope (RI) facilities and advanced analysis systems.

NIBB Core Research Facilities
The NIBB Core Research Facilities were launched in 2010 to support basic biology research in NIBB. They consist of three facilities that are developing andproviding state-of-the-art technologies to understand biological functions through functional genomics, bioimaging and bioinformatics. The NIBB Core
Research Facilities also act as an intellectual hub to promote collaborations among the researchers of NIBB and other academic institutions.

Functional Genomics Facility

Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility

Data Integration and Analysis Facility

The Functional Genomics Facility maintains a

The Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility

The Data Integration and Analysis Facility

wide array of NIBB’s core research equipment,

assists both collaborative and core research bysupports research activities using high-speed

from standard machinery like ultracentrifuges tomanaging and maintaining research tools thatlarge- capacity computers. By building gene andcutting edge tools such as next generation DNA

use “Light”. The facility also provides technicalproteinsequencers, which amount to 60 different kinds

support through management of technical staff

research mainly in terms of sequence analysis,of instruments. The facility is dedicated toassisting in the advancement of collaborative andexpression data analysis, and imaging analysis.

fostering collaborations with researchers both ofcore research projects, as well as academic

It has also developed analysis programs and

NIBB and other academic institutions worldwide

support to researchers. Among its tools areprograms for database publication via the Web toby providing these tools as well as expertise. Ourconfocal microscopes and the Okazaki Large

distribute the results of gene analysis for model

current focus is supporting functional genomics

Spectrograph. The Okazaki Large Spectrographorganisms

works that utilize mass spectrometers and DNA

is the world’s largest wide spectrum exposure

computer-based analysis, the Data Integration

sequencers. We also act as a bridge between

mechanism, capable of producing a range ofandexperimental biology and bioinformatics.

wavelengths from 250nm (ultraviolet) to 1,000nm

information-sharing(infrared) along its 10 meter focal curve; allowing

maintenance of an ultra high-speed network

exposure to strong monochromatic light. The

system, computer/network-related consultation,

facility’s microscopes, which are cutting edge

and introduction of new services.

sequence

databases,

worldwide.

Analysis

In

Facility

itsupports

additiontosupports

NIBB’sinfrastructure,thedevices such as confocal and two-photon
excitation microscopes, are used by both internaland external researchers as vital equipment forcore and collaborative research projects.

Equipment maintained by the Functional Genomics Facility

The Large Spectrograph

IR-LEGONIBB BioResource Center

NIBB Biological Information Analysis System

Center for Radioisotope Facilities

To understand the mechanisms of living organisms,

Biological studies for the analysis of genetic

studies focusing on each gene in the design of life

functions and protein characteristics often(genome) are required. The use of model animals andrequire locating substances in living organisms.

plants, such as mice, Medaka (Oryzias latipes),

The Center for Radioisotope Facilities use

zebrafish,

Arabidopsis,

Lotus

japonicus,

andradiation emitting materials, or radioisotopes, toPhyscomitrella patens, makes it possible to produce

investigate the behavior and location of genetic

genetically controlled organisms with markers placed

materials. The Center strictly controls the use of

by genetic and cell engineering technology. Such

its radioisotopes to ensure safe handling.

marking allows detailed studies of genes and cellfunctions. The model organisms mature in a shortperiod of time; therefore, changes in cells, organs,and individuals can be totally and efficiently observed.
The NIBB BioResource Center has equipment,
facilities, and staff to maintain such organisms safely,
efficiently, and appropriately.

21

Model organisms used in biological researchRadioisotope
experimentOutline of NIBB
Location of NIBB
Higashi Okazaki Station

The Oto River

National Institute for Basic Biology

Mishima Area

Institute for
Molecular Science

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Okazaki Conference Center(OCC)

Myodaiji Area

MishimaElementary School

OkazakiHigh School

Okazaki
InstituteforIntegrative
Bioscience

Research Laboratories

Ryukai JuniorHigh Schools

Yamate Area
200m

Laboratories of NIBB are located both in Myodaiji and Yamate areas.

Members of NIBB (As of 1st Feb. 2014)
Director-General 1 Professors (incl. Visiting Prof.) 15
Associate Professors(incl. sp. appointed) 12
Technical
Assistants
Assistant Professors
and(incl. sp. appointed)
Secretaries

Financial configuration of NIBB (Apr. 2012 - Mar. 2013)
Grants forCommissioned 127
Research

Other Grants 100

42

112

External
Competitive
Fund

Grants-in-Aid
for Scientific
Research

1095

847

75
Technical
Staff

27

Undergraduate Students 3

Post doctoral fellows

49
Graduate Students

Total 336

Donations 21

numbers are in million yen

Management
Expenses Grant
for NIBB

1945

Indirectfunding 154

Self income 3
Management Expenses
Grant for SOKENDAI 56

NIBB
acquiresnumerous
competitive funds in an effort
made by individual researchers,
including Grants-in-Aid for
Scientific Research and Grants
for Commissioned Research, in
addition to national subsidies(Management Expenses Grants
and Expenses Grants for
SOKENDAI).

Open house and public relations
NIBB Open house

Annual Report

Each year, one of the three Institutes in Okazaki opens to the public in

The Annual Report introduces all thethe fall. They welcome theresearch being done at NIBB. The reportpublic with a variety of events,

is available to download from our

such

as

introductionsofresearch contents, exhibitionsofresearchmaterials

homepage at:
http://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/pressroom/publication.html

andequipment, lectures, etc. NIBB
will hold its next open house in
2016.

22

Access

From Tokyo

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen and get off at Toyohashi, change to
the Meitetsu Line and get off at Higashi Okazaki Station(approximately 20 minutes from Toyohashi).

From Osaka

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen and get off at Nagoya, change to
the Meitetsu Line and get off at Higashi Okazaki Station(approximately 30 minutes from Nagoya).

From Central Japan International Airport

Get on the Meitetsu bus bound for JR Okazaki Station andget off at Higashi Okazaki Station(approximately one hour from the airport). Alternatively,
take the Meitetsu Line for Nagoya and change at Jingu-mae Station toa Toyohashi-bound train and get off at Higashi Okazaki Station(approximately 70 minutes from the airport).

大学共同利用機関法人
自然科学研究機構
基礎生物学研究所

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

National Institutefor Basic Biology

38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585 Japan

From Higashi Okazaki Station to Each Area
Turn left (south) at the ticket barrier and exit the station.
The Institute is a 7-minute walk up the hill
(Myodaiji-area) or 20-minute walk (Yamate-area).

By carTake the Tomei Expressway to the Okazaki Exit.
(approximately 10 minutes from the Exit).

tel: +81 564-55-7000 fax: +81 564-53-7400
http://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/
Issued in 2014
Edited by the Office of Public Relations, NIBB