Development of quantitative metabolomics and intergration of metabolome data with proteome data

Yoshiya Oda
(General Manager, Eisai Co., Ltd.)

We challenge to develop accurate & comprehensive quantitative metabolomics, and high sensitive metabolome analysis by nano-scale sample preparation, nano-scale stone bridge columns & selective enrichment techniques. We also construct a total platform allowing quantification and identification, which is based on each metabolite database produced from mass spectrometers. Our goal is contributions to diagnostics and drug discovery by exploration of cellular functions through the integration of metabolome data with proteome data.

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Main Research Collaborators list

Yasushi Ishihama

Associate Professor,Institute for Advanced Biosciences,Keio University

Construction of the fundamental system for lipid metabololics and its application

Ryo Taguchi
(Professor, The University of Tokyo)

The aim of this project is to construct fundamental techniques for comprehensive analysis on the changes in lipid metabolites within living cells by mass spectrometry. Also it aims for making an effective regulation system of cell function by investigating novel lipid metabolites or metabolic pathways. Analysis of metabolomics on lipid metabolism which is tightly concerning several lyfestyle-related diseases is very important for human health. The data obtained in this project are also expected to give benefit for the industrial applications such as new drug discovery and nutritional improvement of foods.

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Main Research Collaborators list

Osamu Kuge	Professor,Department of Chemistry ,Faculty of Sciences,Kyushu University
Tetsuyuki Kobayashi	Professor,Department of Biology,Faculty of Sciences,Ochanomizu University
Katsutoshi Takahashi	Senior Researcher,Computational Bilogy Research Center,National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Kentarou Hanada	Director,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology,National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Eiichiro Fukusaki	Professor,Department Biotechnology,Graduate School of Engineering,Osaka University
Takehiko Yokomizo	Professor,Department of Medical Biochemistry,Graduate School of Medical Sciences,Kyushu University
Kazuaki Yokoyama	Associate Professor,Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Teikyo University

Investigating the mechanisms of cellular metabolism in regulating stem cell functions

Atsushi Hirao
(Professor, Kanazawa University)

Stem cells are defined as cells that have the ability to perpetuate through self-renewal, and develop into mature cells of a particular tissue through differentiation. Appropriate controls of stem cell functions are critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis. It has been suggested that dysregulation of stem cell could lead to cell senescence or cancer. In this project, we attempt to reveal the potential mechanisms of cellular metabolism in regulating the functions of stem cells or cancer stem cells. We believe that this study will make significant contributions to the development of therapies for the human disease.

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Main Research Collaborators list

Atsushi Iwama	Professor,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine,Graduate School of Medicine,Chiba University
Nobuhito Goda	Professor, Waseda University
Toshio Suda	Professor,Department of Cell Differentiation,Graduate School of Medicine ,Keio University
Tetsuya Taga	Professor,Department of Embryogenesis,Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics,Kumamoto university

Molecular basis of metabolic regulation by nutrient signals in plants

Shuichi Yanagisawa
(Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo)

Plant nutrients are not only substrates for biosynthesis but also signaling molecules associated with regulation of gene expression and metabolism. Plant nutrients from the environment and their metabolites are deeply involved in the complex network for regulation of growth and substance production in plants. Comprehensive analysis of nutrient signaling systems and metabolic regulation by nutrient signals will disclose highly sophisticated mechanisms underlying substance production and will pave the way to developing a new methodology to control production of useful materials in plants.

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Main Research Collaborators list

Koh Iba	Professor,Department Biology,Faculty of Sciences,Kyushu University
Shigeru Shigeoka	Professor,Department of Advanced Bioscience,Faculty of Agriculture,Kinki University
Maki Kawai-Yamada	Assistant Professor,Department of Cell Biology,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Bioscience,The University of Tokyo

Molecular network that supports chromosome segregation metabolism

Mitsuhiro Yanagida
(Investigator (Professor extraordinary), Kyoto University)

How the number of chromosomes (46 for human, for example) is kept to be constant? This project will elucidate cellular functions of molecular network that is essential for homeostasis of chromosome number. Metabolic regulatory pathways consisting of evolutionarily conserved proteins and metabolites exist and are required for inheriting chromosomes.We will establish the pathways using a variety of integrated technologies.Knowledge obtained and methodology developed will be applicable in principle to any organisms, so that their values are high and expected to be applicable in the areas of understanding the causes of 'chromosome diseases' and cancer.

Global analysis of dynamics and network of protein modifications

Minoru Yoshida
(Chief Scientist, RIKEN)

Cellular proteins are subject to a variety of post-translational modifications. The modifications may constitute dynamic networks to regulate the environmental responses and homeostasis. In particular, protein acetylation and methylation occur in concert with cellular metabolic activity. However, the overall connections between protein modifications and metabolism are still unclear. In this project, we will systematically identify modifications that occur in the fission yeast gene products, and the functional significance of the modifications in the metabolism will be elucidated. Furthermore, we will examine the role of the modifications in the human homologues of the metabolism-related gene products. Finally, we will try to establish the systems for developing inhibitors to control cellular metabolic activity.

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