Analyses of mechanism underlying metabolism of iron and its prosthetic groups and iron-related disorders

Kazuhiro Iwai
(Professor,Kyoto University)

Iron is essential nutrient, but it is also toxic to human. Therefore, deregulation of iron metabolism is known to provoke various disorders. Iron is often incorporated into iron-prosthetic groups such as heme and utilized in cells. We have recently shown that cells sense changes in iron availability through iron-prosthetic groups. Moreover, new roles iron plays in the pathogenesis of many disorders have revealed. In this project, we will try to develop new methods for diagnosis as well as treatment for iron-related disorders.

Main Research Collaborators list

Mechanisms of regulation of cell functions maintaining glucose homeostasis

Susumu Seino
　　　　(Professor ,Kobe University)

Glucose metabolism is an essential bioreaction in the maintenance of life in living organisms. Islet of Langerhans in pancreas (pancreatic islet) is the most important sub-organ in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Loss of function of pancreatic islets causes severe disorders of glucose homeostasis such as diabetes mellitus. In this project, we aim to develop a basis for novel diagnoses and therapies for metabolic disorders that include diabetes, as well as clarify the pathogenesis of these diseases. We plan comprehensive metabolome analysis of islet cells to clarify the molecular mechanisms of regulation of pancreatic islet functions.

Main Research Collaborators list

Elucidation of amino acid metabolism in plants based on integrated omics analyses

Masami Yokota Hirai
　　　　(Unit Leader ,RIKEN)

A comprehensive metabolome analysis is essential for complete elucidation of mechanisms regulating metabolism in living cells. However, data-mining methodology for systematic extraction of such biological information is yet to be established. In this project, we will develop such methodology and establish novel mathematical models using both metabolomic and other omics data as parameters. The models will also be verified by biological experiments.

Main Research Collaborators list

Genetic and biochemical study of stress responses mediated by metabolites

Masayuki Miura
　　　　(Professor, The University of Tokyo)

We have received various stresses that include infection, injury and starvation during development, growth and aging. Caspases are activated under various stress conditions and are thought to be critical stress sensing proteins. In this research, we will identify metabolites that activate caspases upon stress conditions and will study the stress responsible metabolites that are produced from caspase activated cells by biochemical and genetic approaches. Our research goal is to provide a novel insight of in vivo response of stress and maintenance of homeostasis under stress conditions.