Sadao Ota

High-dimensional networked measurement for studying heterogeneity and dynamics of extracellular vesicles

Research Director

Sadao Ota

Collaborator

Ryosuke Kojima	Associate Professor Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo
Kenji Sueyoshi	Professor School of Science Kitasato University
Koji Hase	Professor School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Keio University
Yusuke Yoshioka	Assistant Professor Institute of Medical Science Tokyo Medical University

Outline

In this research, we develop high-dimensional networked measurement technologies for studying heterogeneity and dynamics of extracellular vesicles (EVs). High-dimensional cytometry will enable isolation of EVs for developing new EV classification methods, and networked measurement will clarify roles and dynamics of heterogeneous EVs at the single cell level.

Toshihiko Ogura

Development of a novel liquid-sample nano-scope and the comprehensive research on the extracellular nano-particles

Research Director

Toshihiko Ogura

Collaborator

Kazuhide Sato	Designated Lecturer Garaduate School of Medicine Nagoya University
Yosuke Tashiro	Lecturer College of Engineering, Academic Institute Shizuoka University
Shinya Murakami	Professor and Chair Graduate School of Dentistry Osaka University

Outline

To examine the influence of the extracellular nano-particles on living cells, it is required to observe the cells and the nano-particles directly in aqueous condition. In this study, we will develop a novel liquid-sample electron nano-scope that can directly observe the biological samples without staining and fixation. Moreover, we will analyze the influence of environmental nano-particles and antibody-particles on cells using this newly developed nano-scope.

Hirohisa Takano

Elucidation of the dynamics/kinetics of environmental particles and the underlying mechanisms by which they cause biological and immune responses, and identification of the exogenous/endogenous factors and molecules contributing to their health effects

Research Director

Hirohisa Takano

Collaborator

Kenichiro Inoue	Professor School of Nursing University Of Shizuoka
Tomoaki Okuda	Professor Faculty of Science and Technology Keio University
Shunsuke Kimura	Associate Professor Faculty of Pharmacy Keio University
Etsushi Kuroda	Professor and Chairman Department of Immunology Hyogo College Of Medicine
Masahide Hamaguchi	Assistant Professor Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
Yoshikazu Mikami	Associate Professor Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Niigata University

Outline

We will indicate that various environmental particles which exacerbate respiratory and allergic diseases have different entry routes into the body and underlying mechanisms of biological and immune responses. These differences can be used for the medical and biological (endogenous) categorization of the environmental particles. Next, we will elucidate the mechanisms by which diverse particulate matter with aerodynamic dias. ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) induces biological and immune responses based on this endogenous categorization. Especially, we will identify the factors and molecules contributing to the health effects of PM2.5 via exogenous (environmental analysis) and endogenous (medicine and biology) approaches, and clear the connections between exogenous and endogenous factors based on the molecules and their changes.

Shinya Toyokuni

Effects of biological response to extracellular fine particles on carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis

Research Director

Shinya Toyokuni

Collaborator

Haruka Omachi	Associate Professor School of Medicine Wakayama Medical University
Akihiro Okamoto	Group Leader Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials National Institute for Materials Science
Yoshitaka Sato	Associate Professor Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya University
Masafumi Nakayama	Professor College of Pharmacy Ritsumeikan University
Toyoaki Murohara	Professor Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya University

Outline

We are exposed to various extracellular fine particles in our daily life, as consumer products or as environmental pollutants. Here we will analyze the effects of extracellular fine particles, from the viewpoint of biological response, on two major causes of human mortality, cancer and atherosclerosis. We will use nanomaterials which would be used for wearable devices, and also enviomental fine particles for the evaluation. We seek to discover general principles in these biological effects, especially focusing on iron metabolism and ferroptosis. We would publish these results to contribute to safer working environment and civic life. Simultaneously, we undertake to discover novel drug delivery systems, based on our findings.

Rikiya Watanabe

Single particle technologies of extracellular vesicles for life and medical sciences.

Research Director

Rikiya Watanabe

Collaborator

Motoyuki Otsuka	Registered researcher The University of Tokyo Hospital The University of Tokyo
Ai Koutani	Professor Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University
Toru Komatsu	Assistant Professor Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Tokyo
Hiroshi Nishimasu	Professor Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology The University of Tokyo
Tomoyoshi Yamano	Associate Professor Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Kanazawa University

Outline

Our study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which individual extracellular vesicles function in a precise manner, by developing novel single-particle technologies using multidisciplinary approaches, including bioMEMS, biophysics, chemical biology, and medicine. In addition, we are developing a methodology to investigate correlations between genetic mutations, dysfunctions, and diseases with single-particle sensitivity, which would provide new insights for biological as well as medical and pharmaceutical studies.