Cell Function Design Research Group
Cell Function Design Research Group Overview
Misson of our Group is to develop highly designed and optimized cells that maximize the substance production capacity of biological cells by precisely controlling and modifying their properties. Our group aims to construct cells that are useful for substance production and drug discovery contributing to the creation of a new cell industry.
Research Project
Project 1:Production of useful materials using cells
Researcher: SUENAGA Hikaru
We produce optimized microorganisms and animal cells for the material production through sophisticated design and precise control and modification of cell properties.
Project 2:Control of molecular and cellular functions and hydration using Sub-THz waves
Researcher: IMASHIMIZU Masahiko
Many of the sophisticated biomolecular functions are produced by the interactions between water and biomacromolecules (mostly hydrogen bonds) and their biased fluctuations. Fluctuations in hydrogen bonds appear in the THz frequency region. From the viewpoint of “control by Sub-THz waves,” we are working to elucidate biomolecular functions and to develop applications that extend to multiple fields.
Project 3:Heterologous protein production in yeasts
Researcher: YOKO-O Takehiko
The methanol-utilizing yeast Ogataea minuta is an excellent host for heterologous protein production. Our research focuses on the development of plasmids and libraries, as well as the generation of high-yield protein-producing strains in this species. Additionally, we study the biosynthetic mechanisms of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors and the localization mechanisms of glycosyltransferases.
Staff Members
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Research Group Leader SUENAGA Hikaru |
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Senior Researcher TAKAHASHI Katsutoshi |
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Chief Senior Researcher IMASHIMIZU Masahiko |
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Attached to Research Group YOKO-O Takehiko |
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