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Division of Biochemistry |  |
| Biology meets Chemistry; this division elucidates the mechanisms behind intra/inter-cellular recognition, stimuli response, and biomolecular synthesis in living organisms, leading to the development of pioneering novel materials. |
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Prof FUTAKI, Shiroh (D Pharm Sc) |
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The ultimate goal of our research is the regulation of cellular functions by designed peptides and proteins. Current projects include "Development of membrane permeable peptide vectors", "Design of functional peptides responsive to external signals", and "Creation of zinc finger peptides with desired DNA binding characteristics and control of transcription". |
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Prof HIRATAKE, Jun (D Agr) |
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Life consists of integrated chemical reactions mediated by enzymes. The aim of our research is to create novel molecules that inhibit specific enzymes that play key roles in life to unravel and control their physiological functions from a chemical point of view. Our targets, for example, are those involved in oxidative stress responses of mammalian cells, second metabolite synthesis in plants, and resistance in cancer chemotherapy of human leukemia. The emphasis is on the rational molecular design of inhibitors : mechanism-based, intermediate- and transition-state analogue inhibitors exert unprecedented high activity that can be applied as an active principle of cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceutical agents. |
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| Glutathione biosynthetic/metabolic pathways and specific inhibitors | ||||
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Prof AOYAMA, Takashi (D Sc) |
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We are interested in the signal transduction and gene expression regulating plant morphogenesis. Targets of our study include the involvement of phospholipid signaling in cell morphogenesis, the cytokinin signal transduction mediated by the transcription factor ARR1, and the regulatory mechanism of plant morphogenesis by the COP9 signalosome. |
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| The Arabidopsis phospholipid signaling factor PIP5K3 specifically localizing at the tips of elongating root hairs. |
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Prof UESUGI, Motonari (D Pharm Sc) |
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In human history, small organic molecules have been utilized for improving human health and for revealing secrets of life. Discovery or design of small organic molecules with unique biological activity permits small-molecule-initiated exploration of cells and living organisms. Our laboratory has been discovering small organic molecules that modulate a range of biological events to use them as tools to explore and control biological events. |
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