NEWSLETTER
Tsukuba Digital-Bio International center
R&D Subject 4"Strengthening R&D Infrastructure for a Society Resilient to Infectious Diseases” Special Issue

2023.07.25

Participating Members
Professor Atsushi KawaguchiUniversity of Tsukuba Medicine andMedical Care, Division of Infectious
Biology, Department of Molecular
Virology and Food Research
Organization
Research and Development Task 4Leader

As typified by the recent outbreak of
the new coronavirus, pandemics
have occurred once every decadeor so since the 20th century. Theseemerging infectious diseases cancause tremendous damage incommunities as well as individuals. Inorder to realize good and happy
well-being, it is important to build asociety that is resilient to infectious
diseases, and it is essential to develop fundamental
technologies that can respond to dynamic virus
evolution and change. In this R&D project, we will
establish a research system that can respond
immediately to emerging infectious diseases bydeveloping rapid infected small animal models using
new genome editing technology, building a digital
database of bioresources owned by the Tsukuba area,and establishing a supply system for SPF* primate models.
In order to establish a testing system capable ofresponding to a new pandemic, we will also work todevelop
large-scalediagnostic
methods
andtechnologies that can solve last-one-mile issues throughthe use of digital technologies and new infrastructure.
*SPF Specific Pathogen-free
An environment in which certain bacteria, viruses, parasites,
and other pathogenic organisms are absent. and animals thatgrow and are maintained in these environments.

vol.6. 2023 Summer

Atsushi Yoshiki, Office Manager
 RIKEN Bioresource Research Center
Experimental Animal Division
With a history of more than 100 years
as laboratory animals, mice support
basic research into the causes ofhumandiseases
andthedevelopment of treatments. As acore institution of the National
BioResource Project (NBRP) of theMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports,Science and Technology (MEXT), wecollect and preserve the latest
model mice that meet research and social needs andprovide them to researchers in Japan and overseas after
microbiological and genetic quality control. By
establishing more efficient and accurate genetic
modification techniques, developing new mice usefulfor research on infectious diseases using such techniques,and linking human diseases to model mice throughphenotypic information and other metadata, we willcontribute to solving problems through the international
centerYasuhiro Yasutomi, Director of the Center National Institutes of BiomedicalInnovation, Health and Nutrition Tsukuba Primate Research Center
The Tsukuba Primate ResearchCenter of the National Institutes ofBiomedical Innovation, HealthandNutrition inJapan
isdedicated to medical researchand is the only institution in theworld that maintains a complete
self-breedingstrainofSPF
laboratory primate crab-eating
macaques. The COVID-19 pandemic has made known
the importance of basic research and drug discovery
researchfor
infectious
diseases.
Furthermore,Tsukuba Digital-Bio International Center Newsletter 2023.07.25 vol. 6 2023 Summer

appropriate animal models are essential for infectious
disease research, and the need for primates asappropriate animal models is increasing worldwide. We
are engaged in the development of animal models of
infectious diseases and evaluation systems using crabeating macaques, which are expected to have highextrapolation potential to humans, leading to clinicalapplications.

Professor Hiromichi Suzuki
 University of Tsukuba Medicineand Medical Care Departmentof Infectious DiseasesTheimportanceof
promptpathogendevelopmentforemerging infectious diseases will
increase in the future. In addition
to contributing to the practicalapplication of 18 reagents from 8companies, we have developed
a method to simultaneously
detect up to 12 pathogens andresistance genes and have
implemented this method in society. Our COVID-19
testing product was the first domestic fully automatedgenetic testing system to obtain approval as an in vitro
diagnostic reagent and we have also commercialized areagent for simultaneous detection of influenza andrespiratory syncytial viruses, which was approved for
insurance coverage. Currently, we are working on
advanced products such as a multi-parametricsimultaneous detection reagent for sexually transmitted
diseases, including mpox.

TOPICSThe JST COI-NEXT Tsukuba International Center
for Digital Biotechnology Project has
appointed Toshinori Moriga as Deputy ProjectLeader.
Inaugural Greeting
Iwasfortunate
tobeappointed as the deputy
project leader of the "Tsukuba
International Center for Digital
Biotechnology. It has been
three months since I took up mynew position, and I am
struggling to grasp the fullpicture of the place of cocreation involving many stakeholders. From now on, JSTsite visits, mid-term evaluations, and other important
events are coming up. We will strive to engage indialogue with you and strengthen the horizontal
functions of the Management Division (Secretariat).
Please feel free to drop in at the Co-Creation Office (272,Medical Building) during the day.
When not working, Dr. Moriga likes to drink andsocialize. Coming from an industrial background, hismottos are"work solemnly," "autonomy andimprovement," and "team play”. The photo of a statueof Genentech’s founders (below) was taken at their
headquarters just prior to his arrival in April. Dr. Boyer has
long hair (right) and Mr. Swanson has short hair (left).
Reflecting on his new job, he thinks of his new role as
Swanson, the promoter and manager, so he stated to let
his aspirations fit him to that role.

The Health and Life Survey for Tsukuba Citizens
is being conducted again in 2023.

Tsukuba Digital-Bio International Center Newsletter 2023.07.25 vol. 6 2023 Summer

Health and Lifestyle Survey for Tsukuba Citizens" by
Research and Development Project 2 Leader Professor
Michihiro Ohkura of Tsukuba University will be conducted
this year as well. The target population for this survey is
10,000 people, including those who responded to thesurvey conducted last year and a new random sampleof those aged 45-89. The purpose of this study is to obtain
the basic data needed to expand the support system forextending healthy life expectancy and, in turn, todevelop health promotion programs. The goal is todevelophealthpromotion
programs. If you have received thesurvey form, we would appreciate
your cooperation in order to create
a community where everyone canlive in good health and peace ofmind.
For more information, please refer tothe following video clip on theTsukuba Happiness Life Study
website, or read the QR code below.

For inquiries about this office or torequest an article publication, pleasecontact us at the Tsukuba Digital-Bio
International center
digitalbioeco@md.tsukuba.ac.jp
Tsukuba Digital-Bio International center
Websitehttps://tsukubadigitalbio.jp/

Tsukuba Digital-Bio International Center Newsletter 2023.07.25 vol. 6 2023 Summer