Toshiya Ando

Constructive understanding of the evolutionary origins of nanocrystal formation in vivo

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B1

Research Director

Toshiya Ando

Collaborator

Yoshifumi Araki	Research fellow (PD) Graduate School of Environmental Science Hokkaido University
Fubito Nakatsu	Professor Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences Niigata University
Shigeo Hayashi	Guest Professor Graduate School of Medicine Kobe University

Outline

We will establish a technological basis for manipulating innovative bio-nanomaterials based on the in vivo morphogenesis of microstructures with sophisticated physical properties. Focusing on the evolution of insect “shaft cells,” which form diverse functional cuticular nanostructures, we will develop a technology to control the microstructure of biological membranes/adjacent substrates at will, starting from the molecular basis of morphogenesis of endoplasmic reticulum network unique to shaft cells. We will use this technology to reconstruct the intracellular membrane dynamics of the ancestral state of regulatory molecules and to elucidate the principles of evolution of biological nanocrystals.

Satoru Okuda

Development of organ craft technology and elucidation of morphogenesis and evolution mechanisms

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B2

Research Director

Satoru Okuda

Collaborator

Keisuke Isobe

Senior Scientist Center for Advanced Photonics RIKEN

Outline

The developmental process of multicellular organisms is moderately robust, and this robustness is essential for the preservation of species. On the other hand, variability within this process allows room for species to evolve. In this study, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which both robustness and variability in the developmental process are balanced, by developing a unique organ craft technology that enables precise manipulation of epithelial morphogenesis.

Shiro Suetsugu

Morphing cell membranes at will for a universal delivery of biomaterials of choice

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B3

Research Director

Shiro Suetsugu

Collaborator

Takanari Inoue	Professor Cell Biology Johns Hopkins University
Koji Eto	Head/Professor (Deputy Director) Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Kyoto University
Kenichi Suzuki	Professor Institute for Glyco-core Research Gifu University
Akitsu Hotta	Principal Investigator / Associate Professor Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Kyoto University

Outline

In multicellular organisms, biomaterials are delivered between cells for homeostasis and the function of life. However, a universal method for delivering any biological material in a desired amount to any target cell has not been developed. This team will conduct interdisciplinary research in cell biology, chemical biology, single-molecule imaging, platelet biology, and gene and cell therapy to develop universal delivery technology by morphing cell membranes at will.

Asako Sugimoto

Development of novel chromosome manipulation techniques based on nematode-specific chromosome rearrangement mechanisms

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B4

Research Director

Asako Sugimoto

Collaborator

Peter Carlton	Associate Professor Graduate School of Biostudies Kyoto University
Taisei Kikuchi	Professor Graduate School of Frontier Sciences The University of Tokyo
Kohta Yoshida	Specially-appointed Professor Brain Rsearch Institute Niigata University

Outline

Nematodes, with over one million species, exhibit remarkable diversity in ecology, morphology, and genome architecture. In this study, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying chromosome rearrangement phenomena observed in certain nematode species, such as programmed DNA elimination, where specific chromosomes are selectively discarded during development, and chromosomal fusion and fission, processes that contribute to speciation. By utilizing the rearrangement mechanisms discovered in nematodes, we seek to develop groundbreaking chromosome manipulation techniques that can be broadly applied across species.

Rei Narikawa

Playing bacteria with light

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B5

Research Director

Rei Narikawa

Collaborator

Gen Enomoto	Assistant Professor Faculty of Applied Bio-Science Tokyo University of Agriculture
Ryudo Ohbayashi	Associate Professor Graduate School of Science Tokyo Metropolitan University
Shogo Ozaki	Associate Professor Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kyushu University
Setsu Kato	Associate Professor Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life Hiroshima University
Masaki Shintani	Professor Faculty of Engineering Shizuoka University
Keita Miyake	Assistant Professor Graduate School of Arts and Sciences The University of Tokyo

Outline

In this project, we will develop various light manipulation tools based on the CBCR molecules, and manipulate bacterial growth, movement, and plasmid dynamics by using these tools and single-cell measurement techniques to elucidate bacterial behavior in detail. The new technologies and knowledge obtained from this project will provide breakthroughs for ‘playing bacteria with light,’ and are expected to have a large effect not only on basic research but also on a wide range of other fields.

Yoshie Harada

Quantum Smart Tool: Manipulation of neural/glial functions via thermal signaling control

Grant No.：JPMJCR24B6

Research Director

Yoshie Harada

Collaborator

Ryuji Igarashi	Professor School of Life Science and Technology Institute of Science Tokyo
Kohki Okabe	Associate Professor Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Tokyo
Ryuta Koyama	Director National Institute of Neurosicence National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry

Outline

We propose a new biological logic called “thermal signaling” that focuses on changes in intracellular temperature. Using innovative fluorescent nanodiamond quantum tools, we control the temperature of specific structures and local regions within cells, and aspire to manipulate higher-order cellular functions. In particular, we intend to manipulate neural circuit formation, neural differentiation, and neural pathology through artificial temperature control in brain spheroids. We will create a technology platform for governing cell functions that can be widely applied to understanding and controlling dynamic physiological functions using heat as a enabler.