Physical studies for abnormal temperature increase detected by single-cell thermometry

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H06019
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Biological physics/Chemical physics/Soft matter physics
• Research Institution: National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (2018); Jikei University School of Medicine (2016-2017)
• Principal Investigator: OYAMA Kotaro 国立研究開発法人量子科学技術研究開発機構, 高崎量子応用研究所 先端機能材料研究部, 主任研究員(任常) (70632131)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞温度計測 / 熱伝導 / 熱物性 / 顕微解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, advanced single-cell thermometry has detected temperature increase higher than 1 degree Celsius in living cells. However, the temperature increase is much larger than that calculated from heat production of single cells. To bridge the gap between the measurement and calculation, we developed microscopic systems combining optical thermometry and microheating, and obtained experimental data related to heat transfer, thermal properties, and temperature gradient in a single cell.

Free Research Field

生物物理

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は多種多様なタンパク質や構造物が高密度に存在する細胞内環境において、「熱はどのように伝わるのか」、「どのくらいの温度勾配が形成されるのか」、を検証するための顕微解析システムを開発し、細胞内熱伝導の非線形性や熱伝導率の不均一性、細胞発熱時の局所温度勾配を評価したものであり、単一細胞レベルで起こる発熱と温度上昇をつなぐ物理学的研究基盤を構築したことに学術的意義がある。