Ken Ishii

Immune response to, and regulation by, extracellular nucleic acids

Research Director

Ken Ishii

Collaborator

Taro Kawai	Professor Science and Technology Division of Biological Science Discipline of Biomedical Science NARA Institute of Science and Technology
Yoshitaka Shirasaki	Associate Professor Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology The University of Tokyo
Cevayir Coban	Professor The Institutel of Medical Science The University of Tokyo

Outline

Nucleic acids, normally reside within cells and work as a blueprint of life; however, recent evidence suggest that nucleic acids can be found outside of cells acting as genetically, epigenetically and immunologically active nanoparticle. We will develop analytical tools and elucidate physiological role of extracellular nuclic acids.

Kenichi Suzuki

Unraveling ofmembrane mechanisms of exosomes by high-resolution single-molecule imaging

Research Director

Kenichi Suzuki

Collaborator

Hiromune Ando	Professor Institute for Glyco-core Research Gifu University
Yasuhiko Kizuka	Associate Professor Institute for Glyco-core Research Gifu University
Yusuke Sato	Associate Professor Graduate School of Science Tohoku University
Yan Xu	Associate Professor Graduate School of Engineering Osaka Metropolitan University
Shinya Hanashima	Professor Departiment of Engineeringe Tottori University

Outline

In this study, we aim to unravel the mechanisms of how exosomes from metastatic cancer cells are bound to the target cell membranes, how the exosomes are internalized by the cells, and how molecules from the exosomes work in the target cell membranes by taking advantage of lipid rafts and glycans. Based on the results, we try to make function of the exosomes controllable. For this purpose, we will use and improve high-resolution single-molecule imaging and super-resolution imaging as core technologies.

Masato Hasegawa

Molecular mechanisms of the formation and propagation of fibrillar protein particles that cause neurodegeneration.

Research Director

Masato Hasegawa

Collaborator

Kaoru Yamada

Assistant Professor Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo

Outline

Abnormal protein particles formed in cells are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of dementia and neurological diseases. In this research, we will comprehensively analyze the molecules associated with the process of formation, release, and propagation of the intracellular protein particles and elucidate the molecular mechanisms. We will also try to develop new detection systems for intracellular and extracellular pathogenic protein particles to identify the biomarkers of these diseases and novel strategies for treatments by inhibiting cell to cell propagation of the pathological proteins.

Rikinari Hanayama

Elucidation and Control of crosstalks among biological responses caused by extracellular fine particles

Research Director

Rikinari Hanayama

Outline

The leading players that mediate biological responses against extracellular fine particles are phagocytes which engulf them first in our body. The phagocytes trigger defensive inflammatory responses to maintain homeostasis at first, but when this process becomes excessive, they turn to promote offensive inflammatory responses that destroy their surrounding environment. In this research project, by developing methods to analyze real physiological functions and in vivo dynamics of extracellular fine particles, we will analyze inflammatory responses against exosomes and aerosols to elucidate and control the mechanisms how their crosstalks turn the inflammatory responses to be offensive.

Shiro Futaki

Intracellular fate of extracellular fine particles and the control system

Research Director

Shiro Futaki

Collaborator

Akiko Eguchi	Associate Professor Graduate School of Medicine Mie University
Ikuhiko Nakase	Professor Graduate School of Science Osaka Metropolitan University
Takuro Nidome	Professor Faculty of Advanced Sceince and Technology Kumamoto University
Takashi Morii	Professor Institute of Advanced Energy Kyoto University

Outline

Macropinocytosis is a central pathway to the cellular uptake of extracellular fine particles. In this research project, we aim to elucidate the methods of cellular uptake and the intracellular fate of extracellular fine particles, having various physicochemical properties, via developing novel sensing systems of the intracellular environment. We also aim to understand the effects of extracellular fine particles on biological phenomena in terms of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical point of views, contributing to development of drug discovery and therapeutic technologies for healthy and sustainable life.