Strategic Objective
Elucidation of biological system of extracellular fine particles
Research Supervisor
Yoshinobu Baba (Director General, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology)
Overview
This research area aims to elucidate biological mechanism of extracellular fine particles and the control system.
There are various extracellular fine particles ranging from nano-sized to micro-sized particles in the living body. They can be classified into two large groups: exogenous fine particles such as PM2.5 and nanomaterials, and endogenous fine particles of in vivo origins, such as extracellular vesicles including microvesicles and exosomes. So far, research on exogenous fine particles has mainly included improvements or safety evaluations of existing materials. Hence, the mechanisms underlying biological responses to these particles and their dynamics have not been fully elucidated. On the other hand, extracellular vesicles, which are endogenous fine particles, have recently been found to play important roles in intercellular communication and be related to many diseases including cancers and cognitive impairments. However, their physiological processes and physiological significance have not been elucidated in detail so far.
Considering the above-described background, this research area combines findings about recognition mechanisms, action principles, and biological responses to approach the elucidation of new biological phenomena caused by extracellular fine particles and to develop base technologies for their control.
Research Area Advisors
・Yuko Ichiyanagii
Professor, Department of Physics,Yokohama National University/Specially Appointed Professor, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University
・Kohzoh Imai
Visiting Professor, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University
・Yasuteru Urano
Professor, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
・Kouhei Tsumoto
Professor, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
・Akira Naganuma
Professor Emeritus, Tohoku University
・Kazuhisa Nakayama
Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
・Hitoshi Nobumasa
Executive director, New Frontiers Research Laboratories, Toray Industries, Inc.
・Nobutaka Hanagata
Executive Vice President,National Institute for Materials Science
・Kazuichi Hayakawa
Professor Emeritus, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University
・Akihiro Harada
Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
・Koichi Fukase
Professor, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University
・Yoshikazu Yoshida
Former Managing Executive Officer, SHIMADZU CORPORATION
Research Projects
- Year Started : 2017
- Year Started : 2018
- Year Started : 2019