FACULTY
- Department
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Laboratory
- Laboratory of Bio-analytical Chemistry
- Field of Study
- Chemistry
History
Graduate School/University, etc.
2002 Graduated from Kobe Pharmaceutical University 2002 Acquired pharmacist license 2007 Completed Second Term Doctoral Course in Pharmacy, Kobe Pharmaceutical University Graduate School
Why I Became a Researcher
When I was a student, I was given the task of isolating (cloning) glycan synthesis enzymes as a research theme, and that caused me to step into the world of bioanalytical chemistry and biochemistry. At the time, I was struggling to understand the function of the gene I was targeting. With the help of my teachers and seniors, I studied using various methods, and when I was able to obtain the activity of the glycan synthesis enzymes, I realized how interesting the research could be.
Research Information
Research Area and Theme
Clarification of the Functions of Glycans Containing Glycosaminoglycans and Their Application to Pharmaceutical Product Development and Regenerative Medicine
The aim of this study is to clarify the functions of glycans containing glycosaminoglycans mainly using ultra-trace analysis, and to investigate the causes of diseases as well as develop therapeutic drugs.
Thoughts on Research Theme
Glycosaminoglycans, which are glycans, exist on the surface of cells as well as in extracellular matrices, interact with various cell growth factors and morphogenesis factors, and they are known to control various life activities such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, cytokinesis of fertilized eggs, and the differentiation of ES cells. In recent years, there have been many reports that the abnormal biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycan causes diseases such as cancer, brain disease, and systemic bone disease. Interestingly, glycans are not formed by templates like DNA and proteins, but are synthesized by glycan synthesis enzymes. Therefore, in order to clarify the functions of glycans, I am conducting research on the idea that it is essential to analyze the glycan structural changes in detail. In my laboratory, I am analyzing the structural changes of glycans during various cell differentiation processes and pathologies to find new glycan functions and the causes of disease.