Forefront Research Center

Forefront Research Center
Forefront ResearchCenterOverview

Organization

The Forefront Research Center (FRC), Graduate
School of Science, Osaka University, was establishedon April 1, 2022, through a reorganization of the
Project Research Center for Fundamental Sciences(PRC).
The PRC was established in October 2011 to carry out
cutting-edge research projects led by faculty membersof the Graduate School of Science. The aim was topromote intensive and dynamic research in cooperation
with other academic fields. In the decade since its
founding, the PRC has conducted 16 large-scale crossdisciplinary projects involving multiple departments
and graduate schools. In addition, three joint industry–
university research projects, which were previouslyrare for the Graduate School of Science, have beenlaunched, thereby strengthening the ties between theuniversity and the corporate world and opening thedoor to new possibilities for research. In 2015, weestablished the Challenging Exploratory Research
Division with the aim of promoting challenging andemergent individual research, but only one specifictheme was undertaken and sufficient results could not
be obtained. In addition, there was insufficient support
for obtaining large competitive grants and it wasdifficult to launch and complete new research projects
involving multiple departments within the graduate
school and across divisions within the university.
Therefore, to overcome this problem and promote
cutting-edge research in the Graduate School of
Science, the newly established FRC operates using asystem in which several individual researchers are
selected from each department and exempted frommost non-research duties so they can devote
themselves to research for about three years. In
addition to achieving research results, we aim todevelop new research areas, improve the level ofresearch for the entire Graduate School of Science, andenhance the research reputation of Osaka University.
Furthermore, research projects that contribute to crossdisciplinary research are selected based on proposals
from outstanding project leaders and the FRC provides
active support.
In this way, the FRC will promote the advancement of
cutting-edge research and develop an environment tofacilitate the highest level of original basic research.

Forefront Research Division

Advanced Mass Spectrometry Research Group

Cross-Disciplinary Project Research Division
Immune Regulation Project: Collaborative Research between
NIBIOHN and Graduate School of Science, Osaka University
Molecular Basis of Cell Surface, Research Center for Lipids
and Glycans in Biomembranes
Material Intelligence: Exploiting Intrinsic Learning andOptimazation Capabilities for Intelligent Systems
Core for Collaborative Research: RIKEN and Graduate Schoolof Science, Osaka University
Core for Medicine and Science Collaborative Research and
Education (MS-CORE)
Theoretical Joint Research (TJR) Project
Project for sustainable polymer science
MS open innovation project in JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research
Aliance Laboratories
Precise Multi-wavelength Space Obsrevation Project
Development of isotope enrichment technology and its
application to radiation detectors
Project [light x Mass Spectrometry]
Advanced Muon Science

Challenging Exploratory Research Division

Development of an accurate first-principles calculation methodon the basis of the wave-function theory
Development of ultra-fine mass spectrometry imaging by
precise fluid control of pico-liquid
Project on establishing a research platform for environment
friendly polymeric materials
Molecular Mechanism of Gross Chromosomal Rearrangement
Glycochemical biology Research Group

Home Page

http://www.frc.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterAdvanced Mass Spectrometry
Research Group

Research Themes
1.Development of the most advanced mass spectrometers
2.Interdisciplinaryｘ research using the developed mass spectrometers
The division aims at new interdisciplinary research beyond theframework of major disciplines, departments, or universities. The
Graduate School of Science created Japan’s first mass spectrometer
apparatus in the latter half of the 1930s, and has continued sincetechnologies for purposes of greenhouse gas monitoring, detectionof hazardous or illegal substances, medical diagnostics, deployment
to planetary probes, etc.; leads interdisciplinary research acrossdifferent fields of research through collaborative efforts among
division members, faculty members belonging to the Graduate
School of Science, researchers at other departments or otheruniversities, and industry; and aims to promote new scientificinquiry.

that time in developing a number of globally leading and original
spectrometers. In particular, the multi-turn time-of-flight mass
spectrometer (MULTUM) developed recently represents a compact
apparatus that nonetheless is capable of an extremely high mass
resolution. The MULTUM signifies an opportunity for on-sitehigh-resolution mass spectrometry, previously an impossibility.
Scientists across the globe look forward to tremendous
advancements in this undeveloped domain.
The Division of Interdisciplinary Science develops compact,
lightweight, original mass spectrometers and associatedForefront
ResearchCenterImmune Regulation Project: Collaborative
Research between NIBIOHN and Graduate
School of Science, Osaka University

In recent years, the field of chemical biology, which aims to elucidate biological phenomena at
the molecular level using chemical methods, has become more and more important as themolecular basis of various biological phenomena has been unveiled. The National Institute of
Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN) and Graduate School of Science will
promote the research on immune regulation based on chemical biology. The development ofvaccines and adjuvants is becoming increasingly important. NIBIOHN has investigated to develop
innovative pharmaceuticals including vaccines and adjuvants and to improve the health of theJapanese. Therefore, this collaborative project will promote joint research on drug development
and improvement of public health, focusing on immune regulation research.
To achieve immune functional regulation at the molecular level, we will conduct the basic
scientific research; chemical synthesis and immune functional analysis of bacterial
glycoconjugates, functional analysis of host immunoreceptor proteins, development of novel
immunomodulation technology using host-derived glycans. Furthermore, based on the molecularbasis of immunoregulation, we will develop innovative non-toxic vaccine adjuvants, which will beapplied to the development of vaccines for diseases with high social needs. Furthermore, thisproject is expected to contribute to society in areas related to health and disease, such as drug
development.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenter

Molecular Basis of Cell Surface,
Research Center for Lipids and Glycans
in Biomembranes

ResearchThemes
1. Elucidation of lipid recognition mechanism by chemical approach
2. Structure-function relationships of lipid molecules in thequadruple layer of biological membranes including hydrated layer

Research on biomembranes has lagged behind that on membraneproteins, which has made remarkable progress in recent years, andthe formation mechanism and role of domain structures (lipid rafts)
caused by the localization of membrane lipids are not wellIn this project, we will reproduce the asymmetry of the outer and innerleaflets, the localization of phospholipids and glycolipids, and themolecular interactions at their interfaces, and compare them with thoseof biological membranes. By extracting the unique features ofbiomembranes and elucidating the molecular picture of lipids, we aim
to understand biomembranes essentially.

understood. In order to solve this problem, it is desirable to createmodel membranes that functionally reproduce biological membranes.
However, homogeneous artificial membranes of simple composition
have not been able to reproduce the domain structure unique tobiological membranes, which is localized and short-lived. In order tosolve this problem, it is necessary to accurately understand theinteractions between the outer and inner leaflets of biomembranes,
which have different lipid compositions, and between them and thehydration layer.

Forefront
ResearchCenterMaterial Intelligence: Exploiting
Intrinsic Learning and Optimazation
Capabilities for Intelligent Systems

ResearchThemes
1. Emergence of in-materio neuromorphic function.
2. Information processing using nanomaterials.
Based on precise physical property measurements made by the
Graduate School of Science and Institute of Scientific andIndustrial Research (SANKEN) at the atomic and molecular level,
we are building a nanoscale network that has neural characteristics,
including nonlinearity and hysteresis. In cooperation with the
Department of Information and Physical Sciences of the Graduate
School of Information Science and Technology, we are also
mathematically analyzing the behavior of electrons and ions withthe aim of collaborating with the Kyushu Institute of Technology toimplement robots and other applications as perceptual arithmetic
devices that can be useful to society
The Forefront Research Center will be run as the core of theinternational research base for the Japan Society for the Promotionof Science, which consists of dozens of researchers from theNetherlands, the USA, Germany, Poland, Italy and Japan.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterCore for Collaborative Research:
RIKEN and Graduate School of Science,
Osaka University

Research Topics
1.Studies of host-guest interaction by means of nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR)
2.Studies of structural analyses as well as molecular dynamics oflipids, glycolipids, and glycoproteins by means of NMR
This project examines frontier scientific researches bycombining both techniques accumulated in Riken and graduate
school of science, Osaka University. Riken has developed a huge
frontier NMR facility in Yokohama and elucidated many protein

modified with unique host and guest molecules, syntheses ofglycolipids concerned with our immune system, antibiotics
interacting with cell lipid bilayer and glycoproteins. The
collaboration of Riken’s NMR techniques and chemical approaches
by graduate school of science, Osaka University will open up a
new avenue to elucidate the functions and molecular dynamics ofnatural and new functional compounds in detail.

structures. These results have been applied not only to theelucidation of protein functions but also to basic researches. In
addition to these NMR methods have contributed to thedevelopment of pharmaceutical drugs. Researchers in graduate
school of science, Osaka University have demonstrated isolation,
chemical syntheses and structural analyses of valuable natural
molecules and novel functional derivatives, e.g. specific binding
experiments between novel macromolecular gels

Forefront
ResearchCenterCore for Medicine and Science
Collaborative Research and Education(MS-CORE)

Cooperation among the Core for Medicine and Science
Collaborative Research and Education (MS-core), the Institute ofRadiation Sciences, the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, theGraduate School of Medicine, and the Radioisotope Research

Osaka University established the Institute for Radiation Sciences
to promote unique radiation-related research and education such as
new medical innovations in 2018. MS-core has collaborated with theInstitute for Radiation Sciences to promote the interdisciplinary

Center has now led to a joint engagement in the development of a
new targeted α-particle radiotherapy for treatment of intractable
cancer, the development of the high-temperature superconducting
Skeleton Cyclotron with high beam strength and reduced power

researches, such as targeted α-particle radiotherapy, between nuclear
physics, nuclear chemistry, biomolecular chemistry, nuclear
medicine, and radiology. In fiscal year 2021, an investigator-initiatedclinical trial for targeted α-particle radiotherapy targeting thyroid

consumption, and methods for producing alpha-emitting
radionuclide in quantity and the automatic separation of generated
nuclides. Further engagements will include the production ofradiopharmaceutical candidates by bonding radionuclides withcancer has been started.

cancer-targeted agents and investigating the resulting therapeutic
efficacy and side effects in order to determine the potential forclinical trials and treatments involving targeted α-particle
radiotherapy.
In an effort centered at the Medicine-science-nuclear physics
Collaboration Center Anteroom located in the MS-core,“Formation of International Therapeutic Core for Intractable
Cancer Therapy by Medicine and Science Collaboration” hasachieved good progress.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenter

Theoretical Joint Research Project(TJR)

https://www.phys.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp/nambu/tjr/

Gather theoretical researchers, Nurture new joint research.

Our objective with this project is to challenge the fragmented state of modern
science, amplifying the openness of theoretical sciences within the Faculty of
Science to pioneer fresh avenues of research. We aim to cultivate a collaborative
platform where both internal and external scholars and students of theoreticalsciences can engage in cross-disciplinary dialogues through talks and seminars.
Our focus is on uncovering novel paradigms via trailblazing research, transcending
traditional hierarchical structures and existing domains from a theoretical science
perspective. Additionally, we are proud to host the 'Nambu Colloquium', a tributeto the Nobel Laureate in Physics, Dr. Yoichiro Nambu, a distinguished professor at
Osaka University. This event embodies our commitment to fostering a culture ofscientific excellence and innovative thinking.
Outlook for the Future -- Fostering new scientific joint research

Nambu Colloquium

Early Universe, Higgs, Baryogenesis
Atomic Nucleus, Quarks, Nucleosynthesis
Mathematical Structure of Gauge Theory,
Gravity, and String Theory

Plasma x Astrophysics

The TJR is poised to become a hub for scientific exploration and growth at
Osaka University, nurturing the germination of groundbreaking research.
We remain committed to hosting the esteemed Nambu Colloquium andspecialized meetings within each research domain. Leveraging the benefitsof our joint research agreement with RIKEN iTHEMS, we aim to foster avibrant, collaborative space that attracts researchers from both within andbeyond the boundaries of Osaka University. Our goal is to honor the legacyof luminaries like Yoichiro Nambu and Hideki Yukawa by transforming
Osaka University into a dynamic crucible of scientific innovation.

Forefront
ResearchCenter

Theoretical Joint Research Project

Electron Correlation, Superconductivity,
Topological Matter

Theory of Universal Biology
Deep Learning, Universe, Life,
Computation

Project for Sustainable Polymer
ScienceResearchThemes
1. Creation of functional polymer materials using bio-basedmaterials.
2. Development of planar cell scaffolds that exhibit elastic modulus
changes using stimuli-responsive polymeric materials.
3. Physical analysis of supramolecular cross-network materials by
reversible and movable cross-linking.

Development of new sustainable polymer materials: Nowadays,
polymers, such as plastics, are combined with organic, inorganic, andbiological materials, as well as metals. They are implemented insociety in various aspects and consumed in large quantities. However,these polymer materials sometimes cause various environmental
issues. Therefore, novel polymer materials are needed, as discussed inInternational Chemical Summit in 2019. In this project, researcherswith various background of polymer science work together. We aim
to advance the basic science of polymers and contribute toconstruction of a sustainable and resource-recycling society throughthe development of new sustainable polymer materials.

Sliding motion of movable cross-links
understood from polymer science

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterMS open innovation project in JEOL
YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories

This project was launched as an MS open innovation joint
research laboratory in April 2017. Then it was integrated /reorganized with other joint research projects in April 2018 thatwere underway between Osaka University and JEOL as a project ofCurrently, we are developing an analytical method that can beanalyzed in a shorter time, and at the same time, developing
metabolite analysis technology to know the underlying pathologicalcondition. We are also developing new high-sensitive soft-the JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories. In
addition to mass spectrometry-related research, we are working
with the mission of developing new application and instrumental
fields in collaboration with JEOL's core technologies such as

ionization technology, cell detection / identification technology,
and method.
As the second mission, we are carrying out activities with thepromotion of science education, accepting trainees and short-term

electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.

international students from overseas, and conducting practicaltraining using mass spectrometers. In addition, we cooperate with
events for high school students in the Kansai area, and conduct
observation and analysis using an electron microscope as

Missions
1. Promotion of technological development and applied research
related to mass spectrometry
experiential learning at the university.
2. Promotion of science education
3. Joint business / cooperation with external organizations / companies The third mission is to promote joint business and cooperation
with external organizations and companies. As an example, we
In this project, we have three missions, as described above. As the regularly hold the "Wai-Gaya Kai" as a place for researchers andfirst mission, we are developing on-site diagnostic equipment and engineers involved in mass spectrometry to discuss topics that are
analytical methods for periodontal disease as a research and rarely discussed at academic societies. In 2021FY, it was held 12
development theme.
times as a WEB event.

Forefront
ResearchCenterPrecise Multi-wavelength Space
Obsrevation Project

We are aiming to develop observational instruments by usingstate-of-the-art technologies and to operate them for actual
observations by ourselves. For cosmic X-ray observation, we aredeveloping a new X-ray CCD camera for the next X-ray satellite

phenomena. We also participate in the MOA project, which is anotherexoplanet search project using a wide-filed 1.8m telescope in New Zealand.
We are also leading the Japanese contribution to the Nancy Grace Roman
Space Telescope project of NASA. This project will pursue to investigate

XRISM. We are also developing a new type of high-angularresolution X-ray imaging instrument which utilizes the Talbot
effect. We participate in the FORCE project and the XL-Calibur
project. Both of them are international projects and we are

the structure of the universe including the dark energy and dark matter,formation histories of galaxies, stars, and exoplanets.

developing X-ray telescopes for them. Main targets of FORCE and
XL-Calibur are black holes and neutron stars, and the the growthmechanism of massive black holes and physics in ultra-strong
magnetic fields of neutron stars are expected to be clarified.
In the field of infrared astronomy, we are leading the PRIME
project. This project is an international collaboration between Osaka
University, JAXA, NASA, University of Maryland, South African
Astronomical Observatory, and so on. We are constructing a new
1.8-m wide-field telescope with a large-area near-infrared camerain the Republic of South Africa, and we will search for exoplanets inthe near-infrared band by observing gravitational microlensing

XL-Calibur projectGraduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterDevelopment of isotope enrichment
technology and its application toradiation detectors

ResearchThemes
1. Development of isotope enrichment technology
2. Application to ultra-sensitive radiation detectors for rare event
measurement
We have been developing isotope enrichment methods based onlaser enrichment and electrophoresis, and have successfully verified
the principle of enrichment techniques for specific isotopes (48Ca
and 6Li) based on our research. The design of the next generationenrichment system, which will realize large volume isotope
enrichment, is under study with the aim of practical application.
We are aiming to increase the natural abundance of 48Ca isotopes(0.19%), to more than 50% by laser enrichment method, and to

To dramatically improve the energy resolution of radiation
detector, we are developing a bolometric detector that operates in acryogenic temperature (~10 mK). The essential development is highsensitive phonon detections using various types of superconducting
sensors. Although these sensors have been used in radiation detectors
for only very limited purposes, the sensitivity of various types ofdetection can be dramatically improved if the signal readout
technology can be generalized and used in radiation detectors for awider range of research tasks.

establish mass production technology by developing a high-power
laser in collaboration with researchers from different fields (nuclear
engineering and optical engineering). We are also trying tofabricate high-purity scintillator crystals. An extremely low
background environment is essential for rare event searches, andwe are developing an ultra-high purity (<10 nano-Bq/g) crystal
with extremely low radioactive impurities.

Forefront
ResearchCenterProject [light x Mass Spectrometry]

Osaka University has the only university-based mass
spectrometry equipment development base in FRC. In the 21st
century, the forefront of optical science has made great strides, but
has not yet realized the potential of mass spectrometry. In this(3) Set up a core research project: At PRC, fusion research ofsuper-resolution fluorescence imaging and mass imaging has alreadybeen started to develope. Furthermore, we will consider the
introduction of advanced research such as phase-controlled coherent

project, we will develop the forefront of analytical science bycrossing and fusing both fields. Interdisciplinary and fusion offields is a difficult task now since the specialization of research ineach field has advanced to a high degree. In addition to

Raman spectroscopic imaging into the field of mass spectrometry.
(4) Develop a system using a spectroscopic system such as afemtosecond laser transferred from VBL and a self-made mass
spectrometer, and launch sprouting research subprojects. Involve

accumulating dialogues between research groups, we will take on
the challenge of creating a place for the creation of new researchplatforms through various attempts such as discovering andencouraging the small research and development based on free

undergraduate students in these sub-projects. (5) By participating inpublic engagement such as Science Festa, we aim to bring about apositive cycle in which researchers grow and play an active role, andtheir appearance attracts the next generation.

ideas that are not bound by the frame.
The following actions are planned with the aim of creating amodel for the cross-sectional research platform. (1) Introduce a
membership system and form a network. Utilizing the sciencecaravan, we will expand the members in an event-driven manner.
(2) Secure a room as a base (cradle) for exchanges and research
design activities that ensure psychological safety.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterAdvanced Muon Science

ResearchThemes
Pioneering new scientific and applied uses of muons

In this way, Osaka University will take the leadership in pioneeringand promoting scientific and industrial applications of cutting-edge
muon technology.

1. Development of new scientific and applied research using
continuous muon beams and cosmic-ray muons
2. Development of new systems and measurement methods basedon the latest radiation detection technology for nuclear andelementary particle physics
Osaka University plays a very important role in promoting
fundamental and applied muon research. The University not only
has Japan’s only continuous muon beam facility, MuSIC, but also
has many leading researchers who are pioneering research using
muons and have already achieved a variety of results.
In this project, Osaka University’s expertise and facilities will becoordinated and developed, and new measurement systems andmethods will be developed in cooperation with academic
institutions and private companies in Japan and abroad, applying
the latest radiation detection technology.

Forefront
ResearchCenterDevelopment of an accurate firstprinciples calculation method on thebasis of the wave-function theory

ResearchThemes
1.Development of a new calculation method for solids
2. Theoretical study on strongly correlated systems
We develop a new theoretical method that can accurately
describe the electron-electron interaction in materials.
A rich variety of materials properties originates from thecomplicated interactions among electrons and nucleus. Theoreticalmethods to solve their governing equation are called first-principles
calculation. First-principles calculation is nowadays widely used
for materials science, because it is a very effective and important
method to know microscopic information of materials. On the otherWe develop a new first-principles calculation method on the basisof the wave-function theory, for accurate description of thecomplicated and non-trivial materials properties.
We have developed our original computational code, and haveapplied it to electronic structure calculation of isolate atomic systems
and solid systems. By analyzing computational results using thiscode, we have studied many problems, such as improvement of theaccuracy and extension of the applicability of the method. Throughthese studies, we aim at establishment of the reliable first-principles
calculation method.

hand, it is very difficult to obtain materials properties by solving
the governing equation while it is in principle possible. Therefore,
first-principles calculations have many limitations in accuracy.
To overcome this problem, a theoretical framework that isdifferent from the present calculation method has been actively
developed.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenterDevelopment of ultra-fine mass
spectrometry imaging by precise fluid
control of pico-liquid

ResearchThemes
1. Development of precise control technology for picoliter solvents
2. Mass spectrometry imaging of biological tissues throughinterdisciplinary research
The mass spectrometry imaging has the advantage of visualizing
the distribution of chemical components in biological tissues, and is
expected to be applied in the future to the investigation anddiagnosis of scientifically based diseases.
Tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization (t-SPESI)
can perform multiple component extraction and soft ionization in
milliseconds at high speed by supplying charged pico-liquid to thesample via a capillary probe that vibrates in the vertical direction.
This project aims to realize an innovative ultra-fine mass
spectrometry imaging method using precise fluid control of microvolume liquids based on t-SPESI, which has been developed by the
project leader. We will also conduct interdisciplinary joint researchto obtain multidimensional chemical distribution information onchanges in various components in diseased tissues and cells, and to
gain knowledge that will lead to the identification andunderstanding of diseases.

Forefront
ResearchCenterProject on establishing a researchplatform for environment friendly
polymeric materials

ResearchThemes
1. Establishment of various designs for various functional materials
2. Enhancement of functions by composite materials“Zero-usage of petroleum resource” have been achieved byfabricating plant-based cellulose composite materials. In addition,
the composite materials also showed good mechanical toughness andself-healing properties.

To achieve a sustainable society, both “Zero-discard” and “Zerousage of petroleum resources” are required. We have focused on amechanical toughness which improves durability and a self-healing
property which recovers mechanical properties and original shapes
after fracture to deal with the two “Zero-” concepts.
This project group have utilized reversible cross-links in which
the cross-links dissociate and re-associate responding a deformationof materials, achieving the self-healing property. Movable crosslinks where the cross-links consisting of penetrating polymer
chains and macrocyclic molecules release the stress by moving themacro cyclic molecules during the deformation, improving
mechanical toughness. Compared with the conventional materials
consisting of fixed covalent cross-links, the polymeric materials
consisting of reversible or movable cross-links have shown good
durability contributing to “Zero-discard”.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024

Forefront Research Center

Forefront
ResearchCenter

Molecular mechanism ofgross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR)

ResearchThemes
1. Identification of the genes involved in GCR
2. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of GCR
An extremely large number of repetitive sequences are present
in a eukaryote genome. Intriguingly, repetitive sequences occupy
around half of the human genome. Gross chromosomal
rearrangement (GCR) such as translocation occasionally occurs
using the repetitive sequences as “DNA glue”. GCR can cause
genetic diseases including cancer and cell death. Understanding
how spontaneous GCR occurs will facilitate developing the way toprevent and cure the diseases. From the evolutional point of view,on the other hand, GCR may be one of the driving forces because
chromosomes are frequently rearranged during evolution.
Therefore, GCR appears to be the integral phenomenon of livingorganisms.
Using fission yeast as a model organism, we are trying to
identify the genes that suppress or promote GCR and elucidate themolecular mechanism of GCR.

Forefront
ResearchCenterFission yeast is very useful to perform genetic analyses.
However, as it is a haploid, GCR usually results in cell death.
Using an extra-chromosome ChL, derived from chromosome 3, wehave established the means to determine the spontaneous GCR
quantitatively and define the detailed structure of GCR products.
Taking the advantage of this system, we can clarify the effects ofvarious factors on GCR.

A fluorescent image of fission yeast
shows centromeres containing
DNA repeats.

GCR on the ChL chromosome
results in a loss of ura4 and ade6
marker genes.

Glycochemical biology
Research Group

ResearchThemes
1. Carbohydrate synthesis
2. Chemical biology using synthetic glycan for elucidation andregulation of glycan functions
Glycans cover the cell surface (Glycocalyx) and regulates
various biological phenomena, including infections, cell adhesion,
immune responses, and signal transduction. Since glycans havediverse and heterogeneous structures, the molecular basis of theirfunctions has remained to be elucidated.
The purpose of our project is elucidation and regulation of thecell surface glycan function using synthetic biology. The first stepof our research is chemical syntheses of the glycans to provide
sufficient amounts of target glycans. We are investigating themethods for the efficient and practical synthesis of complex
glycans. The synthesized glycans are introduced onto membraneproteins on living cell surface by biocompatible reactions, enabling

Many diseases are caused by disturbances in homeostasis, andglycans play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis. We
believe that elucidation and regulation of the glycan functions will
enable to restore the homeostatic disturbances in various diseases,
including cancer, immunological disorders, and neurologicaldisorders. This unprecedented approach is expected to leadinnovative drug development. Our research is also expected to makea significant contribution to cellular medicines, such as iPS cells and
CAR-T immunotherapy. Although cells are covered with glycans,glycans have been almost neglected in the cellular medicines. We
believe that glycan function control can dramatically improve
cellular medicines. Overall, this research project aimed to elucidate
the glycan functions at the molecular level and promote theirutilization for novel glycomedicines.

the structure-based functional analyses of glycans. We also
investigate the cell surface glycan editing to control their functions.
In the future, these innovative technologies will be applied for thedevelopment of glycomedicines.

Graduate School of Science
2023-2024