ANNUAL REPORTS
OF
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGYOSAKA UNIVERSITY
VOL. 38, 2016

DIRECTOR/EDITORTAKUYA NIHIRAASSISTANT EDITOR

KAZUHITO FUJIYAMASHIGERU KITANIRYO MISAKIHIROSHI KINOSHITATAKAO OHASHISECRETARY

MUTSUKO TSUJI
FUMIKO TOMOMATSUCHIYOKO KATAYAMASHIZUKA KAWAKAMI
KYOKO SUGIMOTO

The 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).

1

CONTENTS
Regulation of Production of the Blue Pigment Indigoidine by the Pseudo γ-butyrolactone Receptor FarR2
in Streptomyces lavendulae FRI-5
Y. N. Kurniawan, S. Kitani, A. Iida, A. Maeda, J. Lycklama a Nijeholt, Y. J. Lee, and T. Nihira

1

Cryptic Antifungal Compounds Active by Synergism with Polyene Antibiotics
H. Kinoshita, M. Yoshioka, F. Ihara, and T. Nihira

9

The Production of Human Glucocerebrosidase in Glyco-engineered Nicotiana benthamiana Plants
J. Limkul, S. Iizuka, Y. Sato, R. Misaki, Takao Ohashi, Toya Ohashi, and K. Fujiyama

10

Fucosyltransferases Produce N-glycans Containing Core L-galactose
H. Ohashi, T. Ohashi, H. Kajiura, R. Misaki, S. Kitamura, and K. Fujiyama

23

List of Publications: Kazuhito Fujiyama

24

Evaluation of Environmental Bacterial Communities as a Factor Affecting the Growthof Duckweed Lemna minor
H. Ishizawa, M. Kuroda, M. Morikawa, and M. Ike

25

Removal of Heavy Metals from Synthetic Landfill Leachate in Lab-scale Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands
A. Dan, M. Oka, Y. Fujii, S. Soda, T. Ishigaki, T. Machimura, and M. Ike

35

List of Publications: Michihiko Ike

36

Function of Lipid Storage Droplet 1 (Lsd1) in Wing Development of Drosophila melanogaster
T. T. Men, T. D. Binh, M. Yamaguchi, N. T. Huy, and K. Kamei

37

A Drosophila Model for Screening Antiobesity Agents
T. T. Men, D. N. V. Thanh, M. Yamaguchi, T. Suzuki, G. Hattori, M. Arii, N. T. Huy, and K. Kamei

49

List of Publications: Kaeko Kamei

50

Novel High-throughput and Widely-targeted Liquid Chromatographyetime of Flight Mass
Spectrometry Method for D-amino Acids in Foods
Y. Konya, M. Taniguchi, and E. Fukusaki

51

Development of a Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Method
for Quantitative Analysis of Trace D-amino Acids
Y. Nakano, Y. Konya, M. Taniguchi, and E. Fukusaki

59

List of Publications: Eiichiro Fukusaki

60

Five Colour Variants of Bright Luminescent Protein for Real-time Multicolour Bioimaging
K. Suzuki, T. Kimura, H. Shinoda, G. Bai, M. J. Daniels, Y. Arai, M. Nakano, and T. Nagai

62

Genetically Encoded Ratiometric Fluorescent Thermometer with Wide Range and Rapid Response
M. Nakano, Y. Arai, I. Kotera, K. Okabe, K. Kamei, and T. Nagai

72

List of Publications: Takeharu Nagai

73

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Professors at Osaka University
Characterization of a Gamma-butyrolactone Synthetase Gene Homologue (stcA)
Involved in Bafilomycin Production and Aerial Mycelium Formation in Streptomyces sp. SBI034
B. Intra, J. Euanorasetr, T. Nihira, and W. Panbangredi75

Halogenated Benzoate Derivatives of Altholactone with Improved Anti-fungal Activity
J. Euanorasetr, M. Junhom, S. Tantimavanich, O. Vorasin, B. Munyoo, P. Tuchinda, and W. Panbangred

87

List of Publications: Watanalai Panbangred

88

Increasing Bioethanol Yield from Fermentation of Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Sap
by Mixed Culture Composed of Two Yeast Strains
Jasman, I. D. Prijambada, D. Widianto, and C. Hidayat

89

PUBLICATIONS by Collaborative Researchers
Novel Trifunctional Xylanolytic Enzyme Axy43A from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus Strain B-6
Exhibiting Endo-Xylanase, β-D-Xylosidase, and Arabinoxylan Arabinofuranohydrolase Activities
T. Teeravivattanakit, S. Baramee, P. Phitsuwan, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason,
C. Tachaapaikoon, K. Sakka, and K. Ratanakhanokchai

97

A Novel GH6 Cellobiohydrolase from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus B-6
and Its Synergistic Action on Cellulose Degradation
S. Baramee, T. Teeravivattanakit, P. Phitsuwan, R. Waeonukul, P. Pason,
C. Tachaapaikoon, A. Kosugi, K. Sakka, and K. Ratanakhanokchai

107

List of Publications: Khanok Ratanakhanokchai

108

Euphorbia milii-native Bacteria Interactions under Airborne Formaldehyde Stress:
Effect of Epiphyte and Endophyte Inoculation in Relation to IAA, Ethylene and ROS Levels
G. Khaksar, C. Treesubsuntorn, and P. Thiravetyan

109

Euphorbia milii-endophytic Bacteria Interactions Affect Hormonal Levels of the Native Host Differently
under Various Airborne Pollutants
G. Khaksar, D. Siswanto, C. Treesubsuntorn, and P. Thiravetyan

120

List of Publications: Paitip Thiravetyan

121

Season, Fruit Maturity, and Storage Affect on the Physiological Quality of
F1 Hybrid ‘VTM580’ Tomato Seeds and Seedlings
J. Singkaew, S. Miyagawa, C. Wongs-Aree, T. Vichitsoonthonkul, S. Sokaokha, and S. Photchanachai

123

Optimization of Antibiotic Production by Fusarium sp. Strain RYR-SB 6-4, an Endophytic Fungus of
Stemona burkilii: Effect of Initial pH and Culture Medium Volume
S. Meas, S. Akepratumchai, L. Salaipeth, and T. Vichitsoonthonkul

134

List of Publications: Rattiya Waeonukul

135

PUBLICATIONS 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)
Survival, Efficacy and Rhizospheric Effects of Bacterial Inoculants on Cajanus cajan
R. Sharma, J. S. Paliwal, P. Chopra, D. Dogra, V. Pooniya, V. S. Bisaria, K. Swarnalakshmi, and S. Sharma

136

Response of Rhizospheric Bacterial Communities of Cajanus cajan to Application of
Bioinoculants and Chemical Fertilizers: A Comparative Study
R. Gupta, V. S. Bisaria, and S. Sharma

145

Enhancement of Yellow Pigment Production by Intraspecific Protoplast Fusion of Monascus spp.
Yellow Mutant (ade－) and White Mutant (prototroph)ii

W. Klinsupa, S. Phansiri, P. Thongpradis, B. Yongsmith, and C. Pothiratana

146

Cellular Mechanisms Contributing to Multiple Stress Tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains
with Potential Use in High-temperature Ethanol Fermentation
Y. Kitichantaropas, C. Boonchird, M. Sugiyama, Y. Kaneko, S. Harashima, and C. Auesukaree

156

Evaluating the Anti-obesity Potential of Lactobacillus fermentum 4B1, a Probiotic Strain
Isolated from Balao-balao, a Traditional Philippine Fermented Food
M. P. Balolong, R. L. S. Bautista, N. C. A. Ecarma, E. C. Balolong Jr., A. V. Hallare, and F. B. Elegado

170

Ethnic Fermented Foods of the Philippines with Reference to Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts
F. B. Elegado, S. M. T. Colegio, V. M. T. Lim, A. T. R. Gervasio, M. T. M. Perez,
M. P. Balolong, C. G. B. Banaay, and B. C. Mendoza

176

Isolation and Selection of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Thai Indigenous Fermented Foods
for Use as Probiotics in Tilapia Fish Oreochromis niloticus
R. Meidong, S. Doolgindachbaporn, K. Sakai, and S. Tongpim

177

Emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST273 Carrying blaNDM-7
and ST656 Carrying blaNDM-1 in Manila, Philippines
A. Chou, M. Roa, M. A. Evangelista, A. K. Sulit, E. Lagamayo, B. C. Torres,
D. C. Klinzing, M. L. G. Daroy, J. Navoa-Ng, R. Sucgang, and L. Zechiedrich

186

Clinical and Histopathological Profile of BRAF V600E Mutationin Conventional Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Filipino Population
C. G. Navarro-Locsin, A. M. V. Chang, M. L. Daroy, A. C. Alfon, J. J. Andal, and P. F. Padua

190

nifDK Clusters Located on the Chromosome and Megaplasmid of Bradyrhizobium sp. Strain DOA9 Contribute
Differently to Nitrogenase Activity During Symbiosis and Free-Living Growth
J. Wongdee, P. Songwattana, N. Nouwen, R. Noisangiam, J. Fardoux, C. Chaintreuil,191
N. Teaumroong, P. Tittabutr, and E. Giraud
The Evolutionary Dynamics of Ancient and Recent Polyploidy
in the African Semiaquatic Species of the Legume Genus Aeschynomene
C. Chaintreuil, D. Gully, C. Hervouet, P. Tittabutr, H. Randriambanona, S. C. Brown, G. P. Lewis, M. Bourge,
198
F. Cartieaux, M. Boursot, H. Ramanankierana, A. D'Hont, N. Teaumroong, E. Giraud, and J. F. Arrighi
List of Publications: Neung Teaumroong

199

Microbial Biosynthesis and Secretion of l-malic Acid and Its Applications
Z. Chi, Z.-P. Wang, G.-Y. Wang, I. Khan, and Z.-M. Chi

200

Melanin Production by a Yeast Strain XJ5-1 of Aureobasidium melanogenum
Isolated from the Taklimakan Desert and Its Role in the Yeast Survival in Stress Environments
H. Jiang, N.-N. Liu, G.-L. Liu, Z. Chi, J.-M. Wang, L.-L. Zhang, and Z.-M. Chi

209

List of Publications: Zhen-Ming Chi

210

A Dynamic Pathway Analysis Approach Reveals a Limiting Futile Cycle
in N-acetylglucosamine Overproducing Bacillus subtilis
Y. Liu, H. Link, L. Liu, G. Du, J. Chen, and U. Sauer

211

Production of Specific-molecular-weight Hyaluronan by Metabolically Engineered Bacillus subtilis 168
P. Jin, Z. Kang, P. Yuan, G. Du, and J. Chen

220

List of Publications: Jian Chen

221

iii

Pcal_0768, a Hyperactive 4-α-glucanotransferase from Pyrobacculum calidifontis
S. Mehboob, N. Ahmad, N. Rashid, T. Imanaka, and M. Akhtar

222

Pcal_0111, a Highly Thermostable Bifunctional Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate Aldolase/phosphatase from
Pyrobaculum calidifontis
I. Aziz, N. Rashid, R. Ashraf, Q. Bashir, T. Imanaka, and M. Akhtar

230

List of Publications: Naeem Rashid

239

Cloning and Characterization of Vegetative Insecticidal Protein (Vip3A)
from Thai Isolated Bacillus thuringiensis
S. Nimsanor, S. Chimpalee, A. Rungrod, C. Trakulnaleamsai, B. Jongsareejit, and B. Promdonkoy

241

Amino Acid Substitutions in a Putative Carbohydrate Binding Module of Vip3Ag2 Affect Its Larvicidal Activity
250
P. Loeiyut, A. Rungrod, B. Jongsareejit, and B. Promdonkoy
Widespread Telomere Instability in Prostatic Lesions
L. Tu, N. Huda, B. R. Grimes, R. B. Slee, A. M. Bates, L. Cheng, and D. Gilley

251

Optogenetic Regulation of Site-specific Subtelomeric DNA Methylation
S. R. Choudhury, Y. Cui, A. Narayanan, D. P. Gilley, N. Huda, C.-L. Lo, F. C. Zhou, D. Yernool,and J. Irudayaraj

262

List of Publications: Nazmul Huda

263

Pathway for Biodegrading Nodularin (NOD) by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05
N. Feng, F. Yang, H. Yan, C. Yin, X. Liu, H. Zhang, Q. Xu, L. Lv, and H. Wang

264

Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Cupriavidus necator strain A-04 Using Waste
from Canned Pineapple Industry
V. Sukruansuwan and S. C. Napathorn

275

List of Publications: Suchada Chanprateep Napathorn

285

Absence of Cytoglobin Promotes Multiple Organ Abnormalities in Aged MiceL. T. T. Thuy, T. T. V. Thuy, Y. Matsumoto, H. Hai, Y. Ikura, K. Yoshizato, and N. Kawada

286

ITPA Polymorphism Correlates with the Reductions in Hemoglobin Concentration
and Ribavirin Dose during Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Therapy
R. Kozuka, H. Hai H, Y. Teranishi, H. Motoyama, E. Kawamura, A. Hagihara,
S. Uchida-Kobayashi, H. Morikawa, M. Enomoto, Y. Murakami, N. Kawada, and A. Tamori

301

List of Publications: Hoang Hai

302

A Generic Protocol for Intracellular Expression of Recombinant Proteins in Bacillus subtilis
T. Phan, P. Huynh, T. Truong, and H. Nguyen

303

Monitoring Conformational Changes in the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EGFR
C. Becker, S. Öcal, H. D. Nguyen, T. Phan, M. Keul, J. R. Simard, and D. Rauh313

Overcoming the Bottlenecks of Anaerobic Digestion of Olive Mill Solid Waste by Two-stage Fermentation
E. Stoyanova, T. Lundaa, G. Bochmann, and W. Fuchs

314

Functions of Plant’s bZIP Transcription Factors
Z. Ali, S. S. Sarwat, I. Karim, R. Faridi, M. J. Jaskani, and A. A. Khan

326

Alterations of DNA Methylation in Diverse Grafted Hybrid Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

iv

X. Xincheng, Z. Ali, S. Weiyi, N. Ghori, S. Hongbo, and D. Jinping

338

List of Publications: Zulfiqar Ali

338

Identification and Functional Characterization of Penicillium marneffei Pleiotropic Drug Resistance Transporters
ABC1 and ABC2
S. Panapruksachat, S. Iwatani, T. Oura, N. Vanittanakom, A. Chindamporn, K. Niimi, M. Niimi, E. Lamping,339
R. D. Cannon, and S. Kajiwara
Activities of International Center for Biotechnology for 2016

353

Author Index

369

v

ACTIVITIES OF ICBiotech

ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR FY2016
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 Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the Japan Science andTechnology Agency (JST), the Japan Student Service Organization (JASSO), and theauspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
with the cooperation of Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering,Osaka University, and researchers from prestigious universities nationwide and abroad.
In 2002 Mahidol University-Osaka University Collaborative Research Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology: MU-OU:CRC was set up at Faculty of Science, Mahidol
University 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: Molecular Microbiology laboratory chaired by Prof. Takuya Nihira and Applied
Microbiology laboratory chaired by Prof. Kazuhito Fujiyama.

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’, a five-year program for master’s and doctor’s degrees. The aim of thisprogram 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 of advanced biology, chemistry and physics to harness the potential of
biotechnology.
4. Having been administrating and implementing the “UNESCO Biotechnology School inAsia” (2012-2017) 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. Serving as the secretariat for the UNESCO Regional Network for Microbiology andBiotechnology 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.

Publishing Annual Reports of ICBiotech periodically.

Steering Committee
ChairmanProf. Takuya Nihira (Director of ICBiotech)Committee Members
Prof. Kazuhito Fujiyama (ICBiotech)
Prof. Eiichiro Fukusaki (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. Tsuyoshi Inoue (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. Hajime Watanabe (Graduate School of Engineering)
Prof. Kazumasa Hirata (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences)Prof. Masahito Taya (Graduate School of Engineering Science)Prof. Toshihiro Horii (Research Institute for Microbial Diseases)

Staff
Director/Professor
Professor
Adjunct Professor
Collaborative Professor

Dr. Takuya Nihira
Dr. Kazuhito Fujiyama
Dr. Michihiko Ike (Department of Environmental Engineering)
Dr. Watanalai Panbangred (Mahidol University, Thailand)
Dr. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada(Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)

Visiting Professor

Dr. Toshiomi Yoshida (Osaka University)
Dr. Tatsuji Seki (Osaka University)
Mr. Junji Tayama (Osaka University)
Dr. Kaeko Kamei (Kyoto Institute of Technology)
Visiting Associate Professor Dr. Takeshi Hosaka (Shinshu University)
Visiting Research Scholar
Dr. Sriwan Wongwisansri (BIOTEC, Thailand)
Dr. Chanita Boonmak (Kasetsart University, Thailand)
Associate Professor
Dr. Shigeru Kitani
LecturerDr. Ryo Misaki
Assistant Professor
Dr. Hiroshi Kinoshita
Dr. Takao Ohashi
Administrative Official
Ms. Mutsuko Tsuji
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Fumiko Tomomatsu
Ms. Chiyoko Katayama
Technical Assistant
Ms. Shizuka Kawakami
Ms. Kyoko Sugimoto

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.
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. Strain improvement of Bacillus thuringiensis.
2. Screening of actinomycetes for bioactive compound.
3. The soil metagenome for screening of potential polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.
4. Cell culture system for screening of bioactive compounds from Streptomycetes andenvironmental fungi.
5. Quorum sensing interference: Novel biocontrol strategies for pathogenic bacteria.

II. UNESCO COURSE”UNESCO International Post-Graduate University Course in Microbiology” (1973-2003)
plus the “UNESCO Postgraduate Inter-University Course in Biotechnology” (2004-2007) was
one of the two long-term training courses held in Japan launched in response to therecommendations concluded at a UNESCO General Conference Meeting. After the operationof 33 batches for developing human resources in Asia, total 459 young researchers from allover Asian countries are now playing active and leading roles in current biotechnology
research and education in the region to contribute to the development of their own country,
and consequently to Asian countries, and the establishment of the closer and stronger networkin the region.

UNESCO Biotechnology School in Asia (JFIT Project)
The “UNESCO Biotechnology School in Asia” was launched in October 2012. This
program is an activity of the “UNESCO Extra-budgetary Program for Human Resources andResearch Network in Sciences and Technology” supported by the Japanese Fund-In-Trust(JFIT). The course is a program of the scientific training for young Asian universitygraduates in the field of Biotechnology and related areas resulting in achieving master degree,
and the participants are expected to make significant contributions to an educational orscientific institution in the coming years in their home countries. It aims also to strengthen the
network activities among the biotechnology scientists in the region.
[3rd: 2014 cohort students] (Aug 2014 – July 2016)
Schedule
April 21, 2016

Interim report meeting of UNESCO Biotechnology School in Asia

July 11, 2016

Final Presentation by the UNESCO Biotechnology School in Asia “Cohort
2014” (at ICBiotech, Osaka University)

July 15, 2016

Awarding diploma and Closing ceremony

III. WORKSHOPThe 5th Workshop on Collaboration
between Osaka University and Japanese companies
for global human resource development in the field of biotechnology

May 18, 2016
International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University
Sponsorship; International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University
Co-sponsored; International Research Initiative for Frontier of Industrial Biotechnology, Osaka University

The Fifth Workshop on Collaboration between Osaka University and Japanese companies
was held. Representatives of industries engaged in the biotechnology industry wereintroduced to the international students enrolled at Osaka University for the purpose of
attaining international human resource development. A total of six enthusiastic companies
attended the meeting. Companies, faculty members and students introduced themselves andtheir activities to one another. Students were able to know about the Japanese companies andhow to apply their scholarly works in the industrial biotechnology setting. Adding to the great
success of this meeting are the lively discussions and exchange meetings which have resulted
in a deepened understanding of each other.

Schedule
15:0015:10-16:00
16:15-17:15

17:30-19:00

Introduction
Prof. Nihira (Director of ICBiotech)
Keynote lecture
Mr. Koji Abe (Sysmex Corporation)
Informal conference of companies
1) Ajinomoto General Foods, Inc.
2) Kaneka Corporation
3) Shionogi & Co.
4) Sysmex Corporation
5) House Foods Group Inc.
6) Rohto Pharmaceutical Co.
Mixer

The 6th Workshop on Collaboration
between Osaka University and Japanese companies
Sponsorship; International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University
Co-sponsored; International Research Initiative for Frontier of Industrial Biotechnology, Osaka University

January 27, 2017
4th and 5th floor, International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University

Schedule
1. Brief introduction about the project (15:00 -15:10)
Prof. Nihira, Director of ICBiotech
2. Key note Lecture (15:10-16:00)
Mr. Naoto Kato (Ajinomoto Co., Inc.)
Osaka U Graduate School, Division of Engineering Completed in 1987.

“Ajinomoto –its business and global production management”
3. Informal conference of companies (16:10-17:50)
1) Ajinomoto General Foods, Inc. (AGF)
2) Sunstar Inc.
3) TORAY Industries,Inc.
4) Kaneka Corporation
5) House Foods Group Inc.
6) Lion Corporation
7) Sysmex Corporation
8) Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
4. Mixer (18:00-19:30)

IV. JASSO STUDENT EXCHANGE SUPPORT PROGRAM (SSSV)(Scholarship for Short-Term Stay/ Short-Term Visit Program)This is a field study program jointly operated with GLOCOL (Global Collaboration
Center), Osaka University and several universities in Thailand. In 2016, 35 first year master's
degree students of Osaka University visited 4 universities and an institute in Thailand
between August 1 and September 5, and 23 postgraduate students from Thailand visited
Osaka University between September and December, which enhanced mutual interactions.

V. JST JAPAN-ASIA YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM IN SCIENCE(SAKURA Exchange Program in Science)
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.
Schedule
Oct. 23, 2016
Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
Oct. 28
Oct. 29
Oct. 31

Orientation
Lecture: Structural and functional studies of enzymes from extremophiles and theirapplication (Dr. Yuichi Koga)
Lecture: Yeast bioscience and biotechnology (Dr. Minetaka Sugiyama)
Lecture: Industrial application of enzymes (Dr. Kenji Okano)Lab tour at Osaka U
Visiting companies: Riken, Super Computer “Kei”, Sysmex, Kobe.
Visiting company: Shimadzu, Kyoto.
Visiting Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and National Museum of Ethnology, Suita.
Presentation of task, certificate award

VI. SCIENTIST EXCHANGES
Record of Scientist Exchange (FY2016)
From Japan to counterpart countries
Between counterpart countries(Please refer to the Office.)VII. GUESTS/VISITORS(Please refer to the Office.)

VIII. COMMITTEE MEETING 2016
Steering Committee Meetings of ICBiotech were convened as follows:・June 6, 2016: Discussion on inviting a Visiting Research Scholar:
Ms. Ngan Minh Le (July 1, 2016－July 31, 2016)
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc (July 1, 2016－July 31, 2016)
Mr. Phan Thanh Phat (August 17, 2016－September 16, 2016)
Ms. Thanh Thao Nguyen (August 17, 2016－September 16, 2016)
・July 4, 2016: Discussion on inviting a Visiting Research Scholar:
Dr. Sriwan Wongwisansri (September 1, 2016 – October 1, 2016)
・September 27, 2016: Discussion on inviting a Visiting Research Scholar:
Ms Nabilah Sari Mustafa, Laos (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017)
Ms. Dian Anggraini Suroto (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017)
・October 26, 2016: Discussion on inviting a Part-time Lecturer:
Dr. Chanita Boonmak (January 10, 2017 – February 28, 2017)
・December 16, 2016
Report on:
JST Sakura Exchange Program in Science
Workshop on on Collaboration between Osaka University and Japanese Companies
JASSO Short-stay and Short-visit program 2016
Two Visiting Research Scholars staying at ICBiotech during the FY2017
Adjunct Professor for the FY2016
Discussion on:
Selection of a new director for the FY2016-2017
Selection of members of the steering committee
Conferring the title on visiting professors from abroad for FY2016
Conferring the title on visiting professors assigned from Japanese universities
for FY2016
Inviting a visiting research scholar・March 23, 2017:
Discussion on inviting Part-time Lecturers:
Prof. Masashi Tsuda (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018)
Dr. Masaru Kobayashi (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018)
Dr. Hitomi Yumioka (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018)
Approval of Prof. Nihira’s holding the concurrent post of Director of
ASEAN Center from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
Approval of assignment to an ex officio member of the Steering Committee ofOversea Department of Global Initiative Center from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.