Research2013-present“Functional analysis of Plasmalogen” Plasmalogens (Pls) is a physiologically important class of vinyl ether-linked phospholipid. Though Pls are known to have many important roles, their physiological action mechanism is poorly understood mainly due to lack of a suitable analytical method. So we develop the selective and accurate quantification method of plasmalogen by using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The herein developed method appears to be a powerful tool for analyzing Pls and may provide a better understanding of their physiological roles in vivo.2010-2013 “Functional analysis of Estrogen Receptor in bivalves” In vertebrates, estrogen receptors (ERs) are known as estrogen-activated transcription factors and function as major regulators of reproduction. Presence of ERs has been reported in Molluscan cephalopods and gastropods. However, its functions are unknown . So my master research aimed that find ER in scallop and characterize its function in their reproduction. By using the PCR, we we successfully identified ER and estrogen related receptor (ERR) in the Japanese scallop, designated as PyER and PyERR, have nuclear receptor specific domain structures. In situ hybridization and reporter gene assay revealed PyER was an authentic E2 receptor in the Japanese scallop and plays a role in spermatogonial proliferation, while the role of PyERR in scallop reproduction is by an unknown mechanism.