ANNUAL REPORTS
OF
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGYOSAKA UNIVERSITY
VOL. 42, 2020
DIRECTOR/EDITORFUJIYAMA KAZUHITOASSISTANT EDITORHONDA KOHSUKEKITANI SHIGERUMISAKI RYO
KAJIURA HIROYUKIOKANO KENJI

SECRETARYMATSUMOTO REIKOTOMOMATSU FUMIKOYAMASHITA KEIKOKAWAKAMI SHIZUKAKIKUCHI TERUMIThe Annual Report is published to record the activity of the International
Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) and issued once in each fiscal year.
It contains scientific articles, progress reports, letters, and announcementfrom the Center. This volume includes publications by the former
participants in UNESCO courses. The editor welcomes the submission of
appropriate articles from all persons who are concerned with the activity of
the Center. All the contributions, however, will be reviewed by editors
before their acceptance. The scientific paper herein should be treated as
personal communications and not treated as original publications. The
Annual Report is distributed upon request to the International Center for
Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871,
Japan (e-mail: info_icbio@icb.osaka-u.ac.jp).

CONTENTS
Enhancement of Sialylation in rIgG in Glyco-Engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
T. S. Nguyen, R. Misaki, T. Ohashi, and K. Fujiyama
Characterization of Bombyx mori N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II splicing variants
H. Kajiura, Y. Nakamura, M. Nishimura, T. Ohashi, R. Misaki, and K. Fujiyama
List of Publications: FUJIYAMA Kazuhito
Enhancement of S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methylation by Integrating Methanol Metabolism with 5Methyl-Tetrahydrofolate Formation in Escherichia coli
K. Okano, Y. Sato, S. Inoue, S. Kawakami, S. Kitani, and K. Honda
TEMPURA: Database of Growth TEMPeratures of Usual and Rare Prokaryotes
Y. Sato, K. Okano, H. Kimura, and K. Honda
Community Dynamics of Duckweed-Associated Bacteria upon Inoculation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria
H. Ishizawa, M. Kuroda, D. Inoue, M. Morikawa, and M. Ike
Microbial Antimonate Reduction and Removal Potentials in River Sediments
Z. Yang, H. Hosokawa, M. Kuroda, D. Inoue, and M. Ike
List of Publications: IKE MichihikoDevelopment of a Tunable Method to Generate Various Three-Dimensional Microstructures by Replenishing
Macromolecules Such as Extracellular Matrix Components and Polysaccharides
F. Tao, K. Sayo, K. Sugimoto, S. Aoki, and N. Kojima
Transglycosylation Toward Naringenin-7-O-glucoside Using an N180H Mutant of Coprinopsis cinerea Endo-bN-acetylglucosaminidase
T. Ohashi, Y. Fujisawa, M. R. Hayes, R. Misaki, J. Pietruszka, and K. Fujiyama
Functional Characterization and Overexpression of Δ12-desaturase in the Oleaginous Yeast Rhodotorula
toruloides for Production of Linoleic Acid-rich Lipids
C.-C. Wu, T. Ohashi, H. Kajiura, Y. Sato, R. Misaki, K. Honda, S. Limtong, and K. Fujiyama
List of Publications: OHASHI Takao
Profiling of Taste-Related Compounds During the Fermentation of Japanese Sake Brewed with or Without a
Traditional Seed Mash (Kimoto)
M. Taniguchi, Y. Takao, H. Kawasaki, T. Yamada, and E. Fukusaki
Component Profiling of Soy-Sauce-Like Seasoning Produced from Different Raw Materials
T. Yamana, M. Taniguchi, T. Nakahara, Y. Ito, N. Okochi, S. P. Putri, and E. Fukusaki
List of Publications: FUKUSAKI Eiichiro
Production of Genome‑edited Daphnia for Heavy Metal Detection by Fluorescence
T. Arao, Y. Kato, Q. D. Nong, H. Yamamoto, H. Watanabe, T. Matsuura, N. Tatarazako, K. Tani, A. Okamoto,
T. Matsumoto, and H. Watanabe
Variations in Effects of Ectosymbiotic Microbes on the Growth Rates Among Different Species and Genotypes ofDaphnia Fed Different Algal Diets
X. Zhang, H. Ohtsuki, W. Makino, Y. Kato, H. Watanabe, and J. Urabe
List of Publications: WATANABE Hajime
Stirring Rate Affects Thermodynamics and Unfolding Kinetics in Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
T. Maruno, T. Ohkubo, and S. Uchiyama

Critical Analysis of Techniques and Materials Used in Devices, Syringes, and Needles Used for Intravitreal
Injections
G. B. Melo, N. F. S. D. Cruz, G. G. Emerson, F. A. Rezende, C. H. Meyer, S. Uchiyama, J. Carpenter,
H. F. Shiroma, M. E. Farah, M. Maia, and E. B. Rodrigues
List of Publications: UCHIYAMA Susumu
Muscle Lineage Switching by Migratory Behaviour-Driven Epigenetic Modifications of Human Mesenchymal
Stem Cells on a Dendrimer-Immobilized Surface
F. D. Ayuningtyas, M.-H. Kim, and M. Kino-oka
Effect of Co-culturing Fibroblasts in Human Skeletal Muscle Cell Sheet on Angiogenic Cytokine Balance andAngiogenesis
P. Thummarati and M. Kino-oka
List of Publications: KINO-OKA Masahiro
Establishment of Fast‑Growing Serum‑Free Immortalised Cells from Chinese Hamster Lung Tissues for
Biopharmaceutical Production
N. Yamano‑Adachi, R. Arishima, S. Puriwat, and T. Omasa
Low-Concentration Staurosporine Improves Recombinant Antibody Productivity in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Without Inducing Cell Death
M. Kido, H. Idogaki, K. Nishikawa, and T. Omasa
List of Publications: OMASA Takeshi

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Professor at Osaka University
In Vitro Study on Novel Bioactive Peptides with Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Properties from Edible
Rhizomes
K. Sompinit, S. Lersiripong, O. Reamtong, W. Pattarayingsakul, N. Patikarnmonthon, and W. Panbangred
In Vitro Antihypertensive Activity of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Porcine Blood Corpuscle and Plasma
Proteins
P. Aiemratchanee, K. Panyawechamontri, P. Phaophu, O. Reamtong, and W. Panbangred
Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) as a Visual Diagnostic
Platform for the Detection of the Emerging Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
K. Nawattanapaiboon, E. Pasomsub, P. Prombun, A. Wongbunmak, A. Jenjitwanich, P. Mahasupachai, P. Vetcho,
C. Chayrach, N. Manatjaroenlap, C. Samphaongern, T. Watthanachockchai, P. Leedorkmai,
S. Manopwisedjaroen, R. Akkarawongsapat, A. Thitithanyanont, M. Phanchana, W. Panbangred,
S. Chauvatcharin and T. Srikhirin

PUBLICATIONS by Visiting Academic Staff at Osaka University
Defatted Chlorella Biomass as a Renewable Carbon Source for Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Carotenoids Coproduction
C. Khomlaem, H. Aloui, A. R. Deshmukh, J.-H. Yun, H.-S. Kim, S. C. Napathorn, and B. S. Kim
Production of a Sophorolipid Biosurfactant by Wickerhamomyces anomalus MUE24 and Its Use for
Modification of Rice Flour Properties
T. Punrat, J. Thaniyavarn, S. C. Napathorn, J. Anuntagool, and S. Thaniyavarn

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Researchers
Vacuolar H+-ATPase is Involved in Preventing Heavy Metal-Induced Oxidative Stress in Saccharomyces
cerevisiae
T. Techo, S. Jindarungrueng, S. Tatip, T. Limcharoensuk, P. Pokethitiyook, M. Kruatrachue, and C. Auesukaree

Involvement of the Cell Wall Integrity Pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Protection Against Cadmium
and Arsenate Stresses
T. Techo, S. Charoenpuntaweesin, and C. Auesukaree
List of Publications: Ingorn KIMKONG
Lipid Profile of Trichinella Papuae Muscle-Stage Larvae
S. Mangmee, P. Adisakwattana, P. Tipthara, N. Simanon, P. Sonthayanon, and O. Reamtong
Proteomic Analysis of Adult Schistosoma mekongi Somatic and Excretory-Secretory Proteins
O. Reamtong, N. Simanon, T. Thiangtrongjit, Y. Limpanont, P. Chusongsang, Y. Chusongsang, S. Anuntakarun,
S. Payungporn, O. Phuphisut, and P. Adisakwattana
List of Publications: Onrapak REAMTONG
Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex Infection in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) Using an
Interferon Gamma Release Assay in a Captive Elephant Herd
S. Songthammanuphap, S. Puthong, C. Pongma, A. Buakeaw, T. Prammananan, S. Warit, W. Tipkantha,
E. Kaewkhunjob, W. Yindeeyoungyeon and T. Palaga
Notch Signaling Increases PPARγ Protein Stability and Enhances Lipid Uptake Through AKT in IL-4stimulated THP-1 and Primary Human Macrophages
N. Sangphech, P. Keawvilai, and T. Palaga
List of Publications: Tanapat PALAGA
Transcriptomic Analysis of Red-Spotted Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus Infected Asian Seabass Lates
calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)
K. Angsujinda, K. Plaimas, D. R. Smith, J. Kettratad, and W. Assavalapsakul
Effective Production of Recombinant Δ60VP1 Chicken Anemia Virus Protein in Escherichia coli and its
Application to a Serodiagnostic Indirect ELISA
S. Wanganurakkul, D. R. Smith, L. Chintapitaksakul, and W. Assavalapsakul
List of Publications: Wanchai ASSAVALAPSAKULPUBLICATIONS by Former Participants in
UNESCO International Post-Graduate University Course in Microbiology (UM),UNESCO Postgraduate Inter-University Course in Biotechnology (UB),and UNESCO Training Project supported by ODA Grants for UNESCO Activities, MEXT (UO)
Lactobacillus paraplantarum L34b-2 Derived from Fermented food Improves the Growth, Disease Resistanceand Innate Immunity in Pangasius bocourti
R. Meidong, M. Nakao, K. Sakai, and S. Tongpim
Isolation and Selection of Plant Growth Promoting Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Healthy Hevea
brasiliensis for Use as Plant Growth Promoters in Rubber Seedlings under Salinity Stress
K. Khotchanalekha, W. Saksirirat, S. I. N. Ayutthaya, K. Sakai, Y. Tashiro, Y. Okugawa and S. Tongpim
Identification of Type III Effectors Modulating the Symbiotic Properties of Bradyrhizobium vignae Strain
ORS3257 with Various Vigna Species
P. Songwattana, C. Chaintreuil, J. Wongdee, A. Teulet, M. Mbaye, P. Piromyou, D. Gully, J. Fardoux,
A. M. A. Zoumman, A. Camuel, P. Tittabutr, N. Teaumroong, and E. Giraud
Mechanisms of Rice Endophytic Bradyrhizobial Cell Differentiation and Its Role in Nitrogen Fixation
T. Greetatorn, S. Hashimoto, T. Maeda, M. Fukudome, P. Piromyou, K. Teamtisong, P. Tittabutr, N. Boonkerd,
M. Kawaguchi, T. Uchiumi, and N. Teaumroong
List of Publications: Neung TEAUMROONG

A novel AA10 from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus and Its Synergistic Action on Crystalline and Complex
Polysaccharides
P. Limsakul, P. Phitsuwan, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, C. Tachaapaikoon, K. Poomputsa, A. Kosugi, M. Sakka,
K. Sakka, and K. Ratanakhanokchai
Biological Pretreatment of Rice Straw With Cellulase-Free Xylanolytic Enzyme-Producing Bacillus firmus K-1:
Structural Modification and Biomass Digestibility
S. Baramee, A.-k. Siriatcharanon, P. Ketbot, T. Teeravivattanakit, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason, C. Tachaapaikoon,
K. Ratanakhanokchai, and P. Phitsuwan
List of Publications: Khanok Ratanakhanokchai
Paraphyton Cutaneum
V. Hubka, I. Kucerova, C. Gibas, A. Kubatova, and P. Hamal
No to Neocosmospora: Phylogenomic and Practical Reasons for Continued Inclusion of the Fusarium solani
Species Complex in the Genus Fusarium
K. O'Donnell, A. Al-Hatmi, T. Aoki, B. Brankovics, J. Cano-Lira, J. Coleman, S. de Hoog, A. Di Pietro,
R. Frandsen, D. Geiser, C. Gibas, J. Guarro, H.-S. Kim, H. Kistler, I. Laraba, J. Leslie, M. Lopez-Berges,
E. Lysoe, J. Meis, M. Monod, R. Proctor, M. Rep, C. Ruiz-Roldan, A. Šišić, J. Stajich, E. Steenkamp,
B. Summerell, T. van der Lee, A. van Diepeningen, P. Verweij, C. Waalwijk, T. Ward, B. Wickes, N. Wiederhold,
M. Wingfield, N. Zhang, and S. Zhang
List of Publications: Connie F. Cañete-GIBASA Cold Shock Protein Promotes High-Temperature Microbial Growth Through Binding to Diverse RNA Species
Z. K. Zhou, H. Z. Tang, W. W. Wang, L. Zhang, F. Su, Y. T. Wu, L. Q. Bai, S. C. Li, Y. H. Sun, F. Tao, and P. Xu
Structure-Guided Insights into Heterocyclic Ring-Cleavage Catalysis of the Non-Heme Fe (II) dioxygenase
NicX
G. Q, Liu, Y. L. Zhao, F. Y. He, P. Zhang, X. Y. Ouyang, H. Z. Tang, and P. Xu
Pyruvate-responsive genetic circuits for dynamic control of central metabolism
X. H. Xu, X. L. Li, Y. F. Liu, Y. L. Zhu, J. H. Li, G. C. Du, J. Chen, R. Ledesma-Amaro, and L. Liu
Titrating Bacterial Growth and Chemical Biosynthesis for Efficient N-acetylglucosamine and Nacetylneuraminic Acid Bioproduction
R. Z. Tian, Y. F. Liu, Y. T. Cao, Z. J. Zhang, J. H. Li, L. Liu, G. C. Du, and J. Chen
List of Publications: Jian Chen
Pcal_0842, a Highly Thermostable Glycosidase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis Displays Both α-1,4- and β-1,4glycosidic Cleavage Activities
S. Naeem, N. Ahmad, and N. Rashid
Structural and functional analyses of a novel manganese-catalase from Bacillus subtilis R5
A. Shaeer, M. Aslam, and N. Rashid
List of Publications: Naeem RashidColletotrichum siamense as a Myco-Biocontrol Agent for Management of the Tridax Daisy (Tridax procumbens)
B. Jongsareejit, P. Tepboonrueng, C. Srisuksam, P. Yodpanan, W. Wattananukit, N. Wichienchote, K. Klamchao,and A. Amnuaykanjanasin
List of Publications: Nazmul HUDA
Purification and Activity of the First Recombinant Enzyme for Biodegrading Hepatotoxin by Sphingopyxis sp.
USTB-05
Q. Q. Xu, H. F. Ma, H. Y. Zhang, J. H. Fan, C. H. Yin, X. L. Liu, Y. Liu, H. S. Wang, and H. Yan
Structural Basis of Microcystinase Activity for Biodegrading Microcystin-LR
Q. Q. Xu, J. H. Fan, H. Yan, S. Ahmad, Z. Z. Zhao, C. H. Yin, X. L. Liu, Y. Liu, and H. Y. Zhang

Cloning and Expression of Genes for Biodegrading Nodularin by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05
Q. Q. Xu, H. F. Ma, J. H. Fan, H. Yan, H. Y. Zhang, C. H. Yin, X. L. Liu, Y. Liu and H. S. Wang
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence with Tenofovir Versus Entecavir in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic
Review and Meta-Analysis
C.-H. Tseng, Y.-C. Hsu, T.-H. Chen, F. Ji, I-S. Chen, Y.-N. Tsai, H. Hai, L. T. T. Thuy, T. Hosaka, H. Sezaki,
J. A. Borghi, R. Cheung, M. Enomoto, and M. H. Nguyen
Early Change in the Plasma Levels of Circulating Soluble Immune Checkpoint Proteins in Patients with
Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated by Lenvatinib or Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization
N. Odagiri, H. Hai, L. T. T. Thuy, M. P. Dong, M. Suoh, K. Kotani, A. Hagihara, S. Uchida-Kobayashi,
A. Tamori, M. Enomoto, and N. Kawada
List of Publications: Hoang HAI
Genome-Wide Investigation and Expression Analysis of APETALA-2 Transcription Factor Subfamily Reveals
Its Evolution, Expansion and Regulatory Role in Abiotic Stress Responses in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.ssp.
indica)S. Ahmed, M. A. R. Rashid, S. A. Zafar, M. T. Azhar, M. Waqas, M. Uzair, I. A. Rana, F. Azeem, G. Chung,Z. Ali, and R. M. Atif
Comprehensive RNA-seq analysis revealed molecular pathways and genes associated with drought tolerance inwild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.)
M. Aleem, M. M. Raza, M. S. Haider, R. M. Atif, Z. Ali, J. A. Bhat, and T. Zhao
List of Publications: Zulfiqar ALI
Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics, In Vitro Release and Antioxidant Properties of β-carotene and βcyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes with Rice as Food Matrix
J. D. D. Cruz and F. P. Flores
List of Publications: Merkuria KARYANTINA
Secretion Compounds from Brevibacillus sp. SUT47 Promote Spore Propagation of Acaulospora Tuberculata
Colonizing Maize Roots (Zea mays L. cultivar Suwan 5)
S. Kiddee, W. Yuttavanichakul, N. Boonkerd, N. Teaumroong, K. Saito, and P. Tittabutr
Application of Rice Endophytic Bradyrhizobium Strain SUTN9-2 Containing Modified ACC Deaminase to Rice
Cultivation Under Water Deficit Conditions
S. Sarapt, A. Longtonglang, K. Umnajkitkorn, T. Girdthai, N. Boonkerd, P. Tittabutr and N. Teaumroong
Activities of International Center for Biotechnology for 2020
Author Index

ACTIVITIES OF ICBiotech

ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR FY 2020
The International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) was founded in April 1995 as anindependent institute in Osaka University with a mission to pursue academic advancement
and collaborative research in biotechnology. ICBiotech has its origin from the “International
Center of Cooperative Research Center in Microbial Engineering Japan (ICME)” which wasestablished in the Faculty of Engineering, Osaka University in April 1978, through renaming
to “International Center of Cooperative Research in Biotechnology (ICBiotech)” in April
1985 with the recognition of the wide acceptance and success of ICME’s activities andachievements.
ICBiotech is dedicated to promote international cooperation among Asian countries in the
aspects of research and educational advancement in the field of Biotechnology by propelling
academic interactions in Asian countries, and is committed to industrial biotechnology studies
by means of microbial engineering and related sciences, focusing on the sustainableutilization of abundant natural resources in Southeast Asian countries.
ICBiotech serves as the seat of education and research in Asia, with the support of the
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbu-kagaku-sho,
MEXT), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Japan Student Service
Organization (JASSO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in
cooperation with the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka
University, as well as researchers from prestigious universities nationwide and abroad.
In 2002 Cooperative Research Station (CRS) in Southeast Asia and Mahidol
University-Osaka University Collaborative Research Center for Bioscience andBiotechnology (MU-OU:CRC) were set up at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in
Thailand as a collaborative research center to accomplish multidisciplinary research in thefield of Bioscience and Biotechnology.
The activities of the ICBiotech include:
1. Research and Education
The main area of research is industrial biotechnology rooted in microbial engineering,whilst centering on the sustainable use of agricultural and forest resources in bioresourcerich countries such as those in Southeast Asia. Research is underway in the field of cellengineering with the objectives of analyzing the cellular functions of bacteria, fungi andplants, and developing and using functions of these cells for management and rational useof biological resources that exist on our planet. ICBiotech covers three areas of Biotechnology:
1) Discovery of new functions from biological resources.
2) Bio-conversion and process engineering of biological resources.
3) Conservation of biological resources.
For under graduate and post graduate courses, ICBiotech is involved in the education
activities of Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering as collaborating laboratories and currently covers several fields of biotechnology in education andresearch: Applied Microbiology Laboratory chaired by Prof. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito andMolecular Microbiology laboratory chaired by Prof. HONDA Kohsuke.

2. Participating in FrontierLab@OsakaU ’Scientific Empowerment Program for International Students’ which was created for international students to conduct thematicstudies and achieve results under the guidance of supervisors while acquiring skills
necessary for continuing research in one of Osaka University’s internationally renowned
science and technology laboratories for a period of up to 12 months.
3.

Acting as collaborating laboratories with Department of Biotechnology, Graduate Schoolof Engineering, Osaka University for ‘Biotechnology Global Human Resource
Development Program for Industry-University Co-Creation’. The aim of this program is
to expose graduate students (privately financed as well as the Japanese Government
Scholarship students) to state-of-the-art research skills and in-depth knowledge ofadvanced biology to harness the potential of biotechnology.

4. Having been administrating and implementing the “UNESCO Biotechnology School inAsia” (2012-2016) at Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering,Osaka University, taking over the long-termed “International Post-Graduate University
Course in Microbiology” (1972-2003) and Postgraduate Inter-University Course in
Biotechnology (2004-2007) with total of 459 alumni spreading all over Asia.
5. Having been serving as the secretariat for the UNESCO Regional Network for
Microbiology and Biotechnology in Southeast Asia in accordance with a proposed
memorandum resulting from a Consortium Meeting of the Project “Tropical
Bio-Resources and Green Chemistry Strategy” (Osaka 2003).
6. Working as a member of the global network “Microbiological Resource Centers”(MIRCENs) operated by UNEP, UNESCO and ICRO; and as an original member of the“Regional Network for Microbiology in Southeast Asia” operated under the auspices of
UNESCO through the Fund-In-Trust of the Japanese Government (J-FIT).
7.

Promoting international cooperative researches in biotechnology with the Southeast
Asian countries related to Biotechnology, under the support of Monbu-kagaku-sho
Grant-in-Aids for International Scientific Research. In addition, ICBiotech cooperates indeveloping international organization and conducting academic seminars related tobiotechnology.

8.

Implementing Student Exchange Support Program with the support of JASSO. Under the
program, graduate students of Osaka University are sent to Thai four universities for afield study program named “Bio-resource & environment”, and graduate students ofThailand and ASEAN countries are invited to Osaka University for lab study programs
named “Bio-industry & bio-diversity” as well as “ASEAN Biotechnology School”, all forabout 5 weeks.

9.

Inviting Asian students through Sakura Science Plan (SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange
Program) of JST to introduce and offer experiences in Japanese science and techonology.
By exchanging ideas among the participants, the Plan aims to support the development of
talented people overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science andtechnology and support continuous interaction between Japan and other countries; topromote globalization of Japanese education and research institutes; to strengthen good
relationship between Japan and other countries.
10. Accepting graduate students of JICA partner schools in Asian countries to provide aninternship with the support of JICA Innovative Asia Program that aims to enhance thecirculation of capable young personnel between Japan and Asian countries and topromote innovation in the whole Asia.
11. Implementing Plant Biotech Program with the University of California, Davis, thatenhances cooperation between the two universities to promote healthy and sustainable
planet by exploring the intersectionality of biology and engineering.
12. Promoting ASEAN Campus Project organized by Osaka University that aims at
contributing to “Quality Growth” and the development of high-level global humanresources for the next generation in ASEAN countries and Japan.
13. Periodical publishing of Annual Reports of ICBiotech.

STEERING COMMITTEE
ChairmanCommittee Members

Prof. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito (Director of ICBiotech)
Prof. HONDA Kohsuke (International Center for Biotechnology)
Prof. FUKUSAKI Eiichiro (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. WATANABE Hajime (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. TOBISU Mamoru (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. HIRATA Kazumasa (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)Prof. UMAKOSHI Hiroshi (Graduate School of Engineering Science)Prof. IIDA Tetsuya (Research Institute for Microbial Diseases)
Prof. KURISU Genji (Institute for Protein Research)

STAFF
Director/Professor
Professor
Adjunct Professor

Dr. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito
Dr. HONDA Kohsuke
Dr. IKE MichihikoCollaborative Professor(Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University)
Dr. Watanalai PANBANGRED (Mahidol University, Thailand)

Dr. Irfan Dwidya PRIJAMBADA(Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)

Dr. Raymond L. RODRIGUEZ
Guest Professor(University of California-Davis, USA)
Dr. YOSHIDA Toshiomi (Prof. Emer., Osaka University)
Dr. SEKI Tatsuji (Prof. Emer., Osaka University)
Mr. TAYAMA Junji (Osaka University)
Dr. UMENO Daisuke (Chiba University)

Associate Professor

Dr. KITANI Shigeru
Dr. MISAKI Ryo
Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. SUMIMURA Yoshinori
Guest Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Visiting Academic Staff(Center for Global Initiatives, Osaka University)
Dr. KOJIMA Nobuhiko (Yokohama City University)
Dr. OHASHI Takao (Setsunan University)
Dr. YUMIOKA Hitomi (Osaka Seikei College)

Dr. KAJIURA Hiroyuki
Dr. OKANO Kenji
Dr. Suchada Chanprateep NAPATHORN(Associate Professor, Fac. of Science, Chulalongkorn University,
Thailand) Specially Appointed Associate Professor under
the Cross-appointment Agreement

Dr. Dian Anggraini SUROTO(Assistant Professor, Fac. of Agricultural Technology, Gadjah Mada
University, Indonesia) Specially Appointed Assistant Professor under
the Cross-appointment Agreement

Dr. HO Phu Ha(Associate Professor, Hanoi University of Science and Technology,
Vietnam) Specially Appointed Associate Professor under
the Cross-appointment Agreement

Administrative Official
Administrative AssistantTechnical Assistant

Ms. MATSUMOTO Reiko
Ms. TOMOMATSU Fumiko
Ms. YAMASHITA KeikoMs. KAWAKAMI Shizuka
Ms. KIKUCHI Terumi

I. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH STATION (CRS) IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
The ICBiotech, Osaka University launched out the Cooperative Research Station (CRS) in
Southeast Asia at Chalermprakiat Building, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in 2002
through the generous support by Mahidol University. The CRS's space and equipments are
made available for Southeast Asian and Japanese researchers to undertake cooperative onsite
researches on the development of the abundant natural biological and genetic resources andtheir sustainable utilization in Southeast Asian countries through JSPS core university
program (ended in 2005), JST Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science andTechnology (2006-2009) and JSPS Asian CORE Program (2009-2014). The CRS alsofunctioned as a lecturing and research station of the UNESCO International Post-graduate
Inter-University program, which Osaka University operated in coordination with Thai
universities. The CRS is considering support to the alumni of Osaka University and provisionof university information for recruitment of students for study in Osaka University. Moreover,
the CRS has become the base for the research at the DDP program with Mahidol University.
Mahidol University (MU) and Osaka University (OU) together established the Mahidol
University-Osaka University Collaborative Research Center (MU-OU:CRC) for Bioscienceand Biotechnology at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University in 2002, to strengthen the
research cooperation in these fields which are amongst the most active fields of study andresearch in both universities.
Currently, MU-OU:CRC has coordinated a research projects under the jointly support ofNational Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), National Center for Genetic Engineering andBiotechnology (BIOTEC) and The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
Researchers from Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, King
Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi and BIOTEC participate in this project.
CRS is conducting researches on:
1. Degrading enzymes.
2. Cell culture system for screening of bioactive compounds from Streptomycetes andenvironmental fungi.
3. Quorum sensing interference: Novel biocontrol strategies for pathogenic bacteria.
In addition to above, CRS has been taking care of graduate students of Osaka University
sent to Thai universities and Thai graduate students sent to Osaka University under the
JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (details in Chapter Ⅲ) from FY2011. (ForFY2020, this program was canceld due to COVID-19).

II. WORKSHOPIn FY2020, “Workshop on Collaboration between Osaka University and Japanesecompanies for global human resource development in the field of biotechnology”
was not held due to COVID-19.

III. JASSO STUDENT EXCHANGE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Scholarship for Short Stay/ Short Visit Program (SSSV)(This program was canceled due to COVID-19.)
This is a field study program jointly operated with several universities in Thailand and 3
ASEAN countries. In 2020, 23 first year students of the master's course of Osaka University
was supposed to visit 4 universities in Thailand between August 2 and September 6, and 4
postgraduate students from Thailand was supposed to visit Osaka University between
November 9 and December 13, 2020, which enhanced mutual interactions.

IV. JST JAPAN-ASIA YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN SCIENCE(SAKURA Exchange Program in Science)( This program was held online. )Purpose of the Program: Promoting science and technology is a key engine to materializea bright future of Asia and it is vitally important to enhance the exchange of youths in Asian
countries and Japan who will play a crucial role in the field of science and technology. Basedon this concept, “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” (SAKURA Exchange
Program in Science) is the program for enhancing exchanges between Asia and Japan of the
youths who will play a crucial role in the future field of science and technology through theclose collaboration of industry-academia-government by facilitating short-term visits ofcompetent Asian youths to Japan. This program aims at raising the interest of Asian youths
toward the leading Japanese science and technologies at Japanese universities, research
institutions and private companies.
List of Countries and Number of Participants(Online Lecture) Dates: November 24 and 25

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia

20
8
30
20

Mongolia
Taiwan
Laos
Total

30
14
20
142

(Student Meetup)

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia

11
8
7
7

Date: November 25

Mongolia
Taiwan
Total

7
2
42

V. SCIENTIST EXCHANGES
Record of Scientist Exchange (FY2020)
NO SCIENTIST EXCHANGES in FY2020 due to COVID-19.
From ICBiotech to counterpart countries / From counterpart countries to ICBiotech

Ⅵ. GUESTS/VISITORSNO GUESTS/VISITORS in FY2020 due to COVID-19.
Ⅶ. ONLINE SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS
Date
20.7.31

Title
Seminar: Bacterial genetic manipulation forregulation study and commercial application

20.10.01

The 4th Joint Symposium of Osaka University with
Higher Educational Institutions of Brunei
Darussalam
Seminar: A simple and versatile strategy to engrave
information-processing functions on proteins
Thailand-Japan mini symposium colloquium #1
Biodiesel production by oleaginous yeasts
Thailand-Japan mini symposium colloquium #2
Diverse biotechnologies based on marine andterrestrial organisms
Seminar: Designs for multicellular spheroids

20.11.4
20.11.16
20.12.18

21.1.20

21.1.2221.1.27
21.2.26

Joint Thailand-Japan mini-symposium
Development of biopharmaceuticals using animal
cell culture
Aachen-Osaka Online Joint Symposium 2021
Biotechnology for Green Growth Day1
Aachen-Osaka Online Joint Symposium 2021
Biotechnology for Green Growth Day2

Lecturer/University
Prof. Watanalai Panbangred (Mahidol
University/Thailand, Osaka University
Alumni Fellow/Osaka University,
Collaborative Professor/ICBiotech)
Prof. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito (ICBiotech)
Prof. HONDA Kohsuke (ICBiotech)
Prof. UMENO Daisuke (Chiba
University, Guest Professor/ICBiotech)
Faculty of Science, Kasesart University,
ThailandFaculty of Science, Mahidol University,
Thailand
Assoc. Prof. KOJIMA Nobuhiko(Yokohama City University, Guest
Associate Professor/ICBiotech )Faculty of Tropical Medicine,
Mahidol University, Thailand
The biotechnology research group,
RWTH Aachen University, Germany
The biotechnology research group,
RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Ⅷ. STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 2020
Steering Committee Meetings of ICBiotech were convened as follows:・June 12, 2020:

Discussion on:*Concluding a cross appointment agreement to employ a full-time
specially appointed associate professor
Dr. Ho Phu Ha (December 01, 2020 - May 31, 2021)*Partial revision of Implementation guidance of fair research

promotion at ICBiotech, Osaka Universtiy・August 25, 2020:

Discussion on:*The post of the administrative official at ICBiotech*Other topics:(ⅰ) Committee Meeting to elect next directorof ICBiotech in October(ⅱ) Report of the progress of Osaka University
International Certificate Program

・October 20, 2020:

Report on:*Exchange of professors and students*Adjunct professors of ICBiotech*Commission about adjunct professors*Organization of ICBiotech
Discussion on:*Selection of Director of ICBiotech:
Dr. FUJIYAMA Kazuhito (April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2023)*Conferring the title of Collaborative Professors from abroad for
FY2021
Prof. Watanalai PANBANGRED
Prof. Irfan Dwidya PRIJAMBADA
Emer. Prof. Raymond L. RODRIGUEZ*Inviting Visiting Professors from Japanese universities for FY2021
Emer. Prof. YOSHIDA Toshiomi
Emer. Prof. SEKI Tatsuji
Mr. TAYAMA Junji
Prof. NAKAYAMA Jiro
Assoc.Prof. KATAOKA Masakazu*Accepting Visiting Researchers
Researcher: TAKAGI Atsuko (November 1, 2020 - March 31,
2021 / April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022)
Researcher: IKEDA Yasuyuki (November 1, 2020 - March 31,
2021 / April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022)

・December 21, 2020: Discussion on:*The change of accepting term of a full-time specially appointed
associate professor under the Cross appointment Agreement
Dr. Ho Phu Ha (December 01, 2020 - November 30, 2021)*Concluding a cross appointment agreement to employ a full-time
specially appointed assistant professor
Dr. Marie Christine Merca OBUSAN (May 01, 2021 - March 31,
2022)*Conferring the title of Collaborative Professor from abroad for
FY2021
Prof. Choowong AUESUKAREE*The post of the administrative official at ICBiotech*Other topics:(ⅰ) Report of Inspection hearing of all-campus
organization carried out on November 17th
from Director FUJIYAMA.

・January 26, 2021:

Discussion on:*Replacement of an Evaluation Committee member fromProf. HIRATA Kazumasa to Prof. ARAI Masayoshi(April 01, 2021 – March 31, 2023)*Inviting Visiting Professors from Japanese universities for FY2021
and conferring the title.
Prof. KANEKO Yoshinobu (April 01, 2021 – March 31, 2022)
Assoc. Prof. OHASHI Takao (April 01, 2021 – March 31, 2022)
Assoc. Prof. YUMIOKA Hitomi (April 01, 2021 – March 31,
2022)*Updating MOU: Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University,
Thailand