Multimodal Spatial Molecular Imaging Research Group

Research Project

For the development of “glyco-medicines” based on disease-related changes in protein glycosylation, it is important to identify glycoproteins (i.e., the combinations of glycans and proteins) that are truly associated with pathological conditions and highly specific to diseased cells. As a method to evaluate disease-related glycan and glycoprotein candidates obtained by glyco-multiomics in conjunction with pathological observations, we have established a spatial analysis method using lectin-assisted imaging mass cytometry (Lectin-IMC) to simultaneously detect glycans and proteins on tissue samples at the single cell level. This method allows the efficient selection of lectins that recognize disease-related glycans and verification of candidate glycoproteins identified by glycoproteome analysis in relation to pathological conditions, which is expected to accelerate the identification of promising seeds for drug discovery. This technology will also be useful for elucidating glycan functions in intercellular communication.

Even though tens of millions of pathological diagnoses are performed annually, there are only about 2000 pathologists in charge of these diagnoses, leading to a chronic shortage of specialists. In addition, pathological diagnosis relies on specialized skills such as techniques and experience. To solve this social issue, the digitization of histopathology images and remote diagnosis via networks are promoted, and AI-based diagnosis is also attempted for practical use. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new multiplex fluorescence imaging methods specifically designed for AI-based diagnosis.

To elucidate disease mechanisms and advance diagnostic technologies, it is essential to develop methods that can precisely evaluate the condition of disease-causing cells while preserving spatial context. We are developing spatial molecular imaging techniques that target a wide range of biomolecules, including small-molecule metabolites and glycans, using various animal tissue sections. By visualizing the spatial distribution of these compounds in biological tissues, we aim to identify novel disease-associated factors. As one example of our research themes, we aim to identify disease markers and pathogenic proteins involved in age-related conditions such as sarcopenia.

Results