PROFILE M.
2023

Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE)

SPECIAL TOPICS

Analyzing glycans, the third life chain,and redeﬁning life science from Japan.

Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE)
Integrated Glyco-Biomedical Research Center (iGMED)
Division of Molecular Physiology and Dynamics
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
Professor

OKAJIMA, Tetsuya

Aiming to decode all glycans and develop new diagnosis and treatment
through fusion research, the first in the world.
Advancement in science and medicine is largely based on whole-genome analysis and protein
research. However, many mysteries in life phenomena still remain. Glycans have gained attention
as a possible key to solving those secrets. Along with genomes and proteins, glycans are
considered to be essential molecular chains, and often referred to as the third life chain. Glycans
cover the surface of all cells, and come in an enormous variety. Their structure and changing
forms have been found to be closely related to many life phenomena and diseases, including
immune and nerve function, aging, infection, cancer development and dementia. For example,
differences in blood type are the result of different glycan forms, and the drug Tamiflu used totreat the flu (influenza) was born from glycan research.
Previously, life phenomena were studied mainly based of genomes and proteins. To truly
understand life and see the whole picture however, glycan information is essential. Japan has
taken the international lead in glycoscience research, and Nagoya University, namely the Schoolof Medicine, was quick to focus on glycans. Many researchers, most affiliated with theDepartment of Biochemistry, have been studying this field for many years. Based on this tradition,
the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System*1 was established by the Institute for
Glyco-core Research (iGCORE) in 2020. As a hub and base of glycoscience in Japan, world
top-level researchers in glycochemistry and imaging, glycobiology, and glycomedicine havegathered to this institute from Nagoya and Gifu Universities, expanding their research activities.

08 Profile M. 2 0 2 3

For details, please refer to the Organization's website(https://igcore.thers.ac.jp/)

For details, please refer to the Organization's website(https://igcore.thers.ac.jp/)

The established tradition of glycosciencetakes the lead in next generation medicine.
In 2022, the Glyco Science Network (J-GlycoNet), which is supported
by iGCORE, was designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture,Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a Joint Usage/ResearchCenter. Not only individual research projects, but also integrative
research projects that combine glycans with genomes and proteins, areunderway in a nationwide system in coordination with the Exploratory
Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS) at theNational Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) and Glycan & Life
System Integration Center (GaLSIC) at Soka University.
For example, the Human Glycome Atlas Project (HGA) -FromGlycome Big Data to Innovations in Life Science and Medicine- in
which iGCORE plays a central role, has been chosen as a Project toP romote La rge-Sca le Academ ic Frontiers*2 by t he Japa nesegovernment in 2023. The word "glycome" is used to describe a sugar
cha in. T h is will be the f i rst time in the world where va r ious
cutting-edge approaches are used to completely decode the vast
amount of glycan structures present in humans in order to clearly
understand the principles of life, and then connect this knowledge toinnovative medicine.
In this project, human glycan information will be meticulously readand a precise map of the human glycan will be prepared. It is
important to note that there are significant variations in glycans
among individuals. For instance, blood type-specific glycans can varydepending on factors such as race, age, and other demographic
variables. Consequently, information on human glycan structures must
be collected from various groups, from young people to the elderly,
people with diseases, etc., in order to understand the mechanisms ofdiseases and aging and generate a human disease-related glycan
catalog. We are also working to clarify the mechanism of glycan
production in the body to obtain an atlas of glycan biosynthesis
pathways. Furthermore, a comprehensive knowledge base on glycan
information, TOHSA, will be established, in an effort to publicize thisinformation for use in various studies.

T h is project, conducted by t h ree resea rch i nstit utes sha r i ng
various roles, promotes cohort studies of human populations that
explore the relationship between glycans and disease through theparticipation of many talented resources in iGCORE, especiallythose in the Graduate School of Medicine of this University.
Furthermore, the Brain & Mind Research Center, managed by thedepartments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery, and incoop erat ion wit h t he Nat iona l Cent er for G er iat r ics a ndGerontology (NCGG) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for
Geriatrics and Gerontology (TMIG), will per for m analysis ofglycans based on blood samples from approx. 20,000 persons over
5 ye a r s, i n a n ef for t t o cla r i f y t h e m e ch a n i sm s u nd e rly i ng
dementia and aging. The goal is to develop biomarkers, mainly
glycans, that can be used in blood tests for early diagnosis ofdementia. By predicting the risk of developing various types ofdementia, including Alzheimer's, the search for new treatments
wh ich h ave n o t b e e n ava i l a ble up t o n ow w i l l b e p o s sible.
Furthermore, with the collection of human glycan information ofapprox. 200,000 cases within the next 5 years, understanding therelationship between glycans and intractable cancers and otherdiseases is expected.
Trends in research themes change with the generation. However,the pioneers at this university have patiently continued their workon glycans, unphased by current popular trends. I personally havecontinued to pursue research in glycans, strongly aware of them a ny p ossibi l it ies i n t he r elat ionsh ip b et we en g lyca ns a nd
diseases, such as cancer, dementia, and neurologic diseases, etc.
Recently, cancer has begun to be labeled as a curable disease.
However, some cancers are still intractable, including pancreaticcancer. Study of glycans may contribute to future diagnosis andt reat ment of such ca ncer s a nd ot her d isea ses. Fu r t her more,resea rch in glyca n age as a n indicator in the ma intena nce of
health is also being considered.
From a global standpoint, progress in the research on glycans has
been slow due to their complexity and diversity, and recognitionof glycans in society has yet to be established. At the same time,
ou r goa l is to m ap a l l gglyca
lyca ns wit h i n t he next 10 yea r s a ndconnect this to diagnosis, treatment, and the prevention of thedisease based on the obtained information. This is a very lofty
goa l, but we hop e t o ext ensively e ducat e so ciet y on t heimportance of glycans by sharing the significance of our projects
and returning the research results to society, which in turn, willfurther promote research activities. In addition, we hope to share
the attraction of glycan research to the younger generation, andpromote the training of researchers who can continue to carry ourrole into the next generation. Integrative research centering onglycans represents an untouched field in the world. I believe thischallenge will redefine our view of life science.

*1Tokai National Higher Education and Research System ／ Integration of Nagoya University and Gifu University under one corporation in order to share the strengths of each university,
aiming to contribute to regional development and advancement into world-leading research universities. Established in April 2020.
*2 Project to Promote Large-Scale Academic Frontiers ／ A project by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), combining cutting-edge technology andknowledge to meet challenges in research that have not been attempted by man up to now, and promote large-scale projects with groundbreaking results which will lead future world academic
research.

Profile M. 2 0 2 3

09

10 Profile M. 2 0 2 3