Application Procedures for Joint Research Programwith IDAC Tohoku University
Continuous challenges have been made by the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer(IDAC) for comprehensive understanding of normal and pathological aging and underlying
molecular mechanisms. Our goal is to decipher the developmental nexus between birth anddeath through growth, maturation and senescence and to clarify the defense mechanism frommiscellaneous exogenous and endogenous insults that affect the aging process. Now that Japanis experiencing a super-aging society, more and more attention is being attracted to this field ofmedicine, “medical science for achievement of healthy aging”. As a core research center
focusing on the medical science of aging, IDAC welcomes 1-year joint research proposals on awide-variety of themes relating to aging, which will be conducted by researchers and/or
graduate students belonging to institutes outside of IDAC in cooperation with faculty membersof IDAC. For accepted proposals, IDAC supports necessary expenses for the joint research andprovides access to various kinds of facilities and biological materials in IDAC.

Research Categories:(1) Development and analysis of model organisms for aging research
The ultimate goal of aging research is the achievement of healthy aging. In order to clarify
molecular mechanisms underlying aging, model organisms provide very powerful approaches.
IDAC has been utilizing various organisms including mouse and zebrafish for aging research,
and accumulating plenty of skills and knowledge on these animal models. We welcome
research plans that make use of the model organisms or developing new animal models foraging study. In particular, we have started providing 24 month-old and 4 month-old wild-typemice for this joint research program. If you wish to use the mice, please describe yourexperimental plans in detail so that the mice can be shared by multiple researchers. Informationon the mice is attached as a supplementary table.
(2) Basic researches on aging processes and stress response
Impairment of stress response is one of the critical factors accelerating the aging processes andcausing many aging diseases. IDAC has been dedicating its efforts to clarify how functional
defects in stress response, genome integrity and protein quality control cause cell senescenceand individual aging. IDAC has also been providing many useful biological materials including
cell lines, DNA clones, antibodies and mutant mice. Recently, a facility for proteomic analysis
has been available in IDAC. We welcome research plans that make use of these facilities andbiological materials for deciphering underlying mechanisms of aging.
(3) Cancer research in clinical and basic medicine
Carcinogenesis is one of the major diseases in senile populations. IDAC has been at the frontierof cancer research in Japan, establishing a cancer biobank and founding a specializeddepartment for cancer chemotherapy, both of which are the first example in Japan. Based on thelong history of cancer studies a large number of clinical samples and case information areavailable at IDAC. Recently, IDAC is making efforts, particularly in formulating personalized
anti-cancer therapies based on the genetic diagnosis, and developing new targets for anti-cancer
therapies such as regulators of tumor angiogenesis. We welcome research plans taking
advantage of these clinical, pharmacological and biological heritage of IDAC cancer research.
(4) Brain research in development and agingIDAC is equipped with multiple high-quality imaging systems for brain research, such as superhigh magnetic field MRI. Utilizing these systems, IDAC has been carrying out interdisciplinary
joint researches on morphological and functional changes of human brain during aging andexploration of rational protocols for prevention and early diagnosis of dementia. Two newly
founded departments, focusing on gerontology and pediatric neurology, have cooperatively set
up the system for recruitment of children and senile people. We welcome research proposals ondevelopment and/or aging of brain taking advantage of these facilities and systems. We also
welcome proposals in the field of cultural sciences.

(5) Preclinical Research for Medical Devices and Healthcare Systems
PreClinical Research Center is the center for preclinical studies, evaluation of medical
devices of healthcare systems, making sure researchers and customers have theexamination support, quality management they need, with the good laboratory skills andsimulation technologies for promoting preclinical research and innovation. We will
provide research and development activities support using large animal models as well as
mock bench testers based on IDAC research networks.
1. Research Categories
A. Topics(1) Development and analysis of model organisms for aging research(2) Basic researches on aging processes and stress response(3) Cancer research in clinical and basic medicine(4) Brain research in development and aging(5) Preclinical research for medical devices and healthcare systems
B. Available facilities
Machines in the IDAC core facilities,
Cell lines, DNA clones, antibodies, mutant mice, other model organisms,
Irradiation system for cells with microbeam
Proteomics analysis platform
3T MRI
Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRs)
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
7T MRI for small animals

2. Eligibility for Application
Faculty members, researchers and graduate students who belong to a university or publicresearch institute.

3. Research Period
April 1, 2024 ～ March 31, 2025
Project under the same title can be extended for a maximum of 3 years.

4. How to Submit the Application
Download the application form from the IDAC website.
Make arrangements with a host researcher at IDAC before you submit your application.
You can get information on research areas being studied at IDAC from the IDAC website (http://www.idac.tohoku.ac.jp/site_ja/)
For applying for the joint research, send the following documents to the address below.
(1) Application form for joint research program

5. Deadline for Submission
January 12, 2024

6. Address for Submission
Section for Joint Research Program
4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer

Email : ida-sen@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

7. Decision of Adoption or Rejection
Applicants will be notified of the screening panel’s decision by March 31, 2024.
When the application is adopted, principal investigators and their co-investigators are appointed
to be joint researchers of IDAC.

8. Research Expenses
IDAC provides research funding up to 200,000 yen for consumable items and travel expenses,
which are necessary for executing joint research.

9. Submission of Research Achievement Report
Principal investigators are requested to submit research achievement reports, which should be nolonger than 2-3 pages of A4 size paper, to the IDAC office at the address above (6) by March 31,
2025.
The copyright of research achievement reports belongs to IDAC, Tohoku University.

10. Publication of the Joint Research Outcome
When results of joint research are published, IDAC will be acknowledged as follows: This work
was partly supported by the Joint Research Program of Joint Usage/Research Center at theInstitute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University. One copy of reprints needs tobe submitted to the IDAC office at the address above (6).

11. Intellectual Property Right
Regulations of Tohoku University collaborative research are applied for intellectual property
rights as a result of the joint research program.

12. Accidents and Emergency
Researchers who visit IDAC for this joint research need to carry an insurance that covers accidents
in Japan. Students who participate in the joint research should conduct experiments under thesupervision of faculty members at IDAC or those at their affiliation.

Supplementary Table: Wild-type mice (C57BL/6J) that are going to be provided in June,
September, December 2024, and March 2025.

Birthday
2022/62024/22022/92024/52022/122024/82023/32024/11

Sex
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Number
101010101010
1010

Comment
Used at 24 months old
Used at 4 months old
Used at 24 months old
Used at 4 months old
Used at 24 months old
Used at 4 months old
Used at 24 months old
Used at 4 months old