Ritsumeikan University – Organization of Science and Technology
Techno-Complex, High-Tech Research Center 2F, Room 243 (BKC)
This page is primarily for researchers and industry partners (English).
Japanese website is here.
Overview
Room #243 is the working base of Daiji Kiyozumi, Ph.D. at Ritsumeikan University (BKC).
We study the molecular control of sperm maturation with a particular emphasis on
lumicrine signaling—a trans-luminal secreted signaling mechanism regulating male fertility.
Mission: to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of reproductive biology and translate them into foundations for
non-hormonal male contraception.
Focus Areas
Lumicrine signaling: molecular entities and organ-level responses in the epididymis.
Sperm maturation pathways: acquisition of fertilizing capacity at the molecular and systems levels.
Secreted proteins: identification, biochemical characterization, and functional assays in vivo.
Application basis: target discovery for reversible, non-hormonal male contraception.
Collaborating students and visitors are welcome depending on project fit and capacity.
Facilities & Environment
Ritsumeikan University BKC, Techno-Complex – High-Tech Research Center.
Access to core facilities and instrumentation via university platforms and collaborators.
Imaging, molecular biology, and small-animal experimental environment available per institutional guidelines.
Selected Publications
Kiyozumi D, et al.,
"NELL2-mediated lumicrine signaling through OVCH2 is required for male fertility." Science, 2020; 368(6495):1132-1135.
DOI
Kiyozumi D, et al.,
"A small secreted protein NICOL regulates lumicrine-mediated sperm maturation and male fertility." Nature Communications, 2023; 14(1):2681.
DOI
