Laboratories

Medical Sciences Group/Core LaboratoriesTomita K Laboratory
(Laboratory of RNA Biology)

Our laboratory is intrigued by the molecular mechanisms governing the function and regulation of functional RNAs in cells. We are engaged in fundamental research to elucidate the regulation of functional RNA expression within cells and to uncover their detailed molecular mechanisms. In cells, numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified that are not translated into proteins. These ncRNAs play crucial roles in regulating the expression of a wide range of genes, influencing higher-order biological processes such as cellular differentiation and development. Dysfunction and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs can lead to various diseases. We focus on RNA biogenesis factors and proteins that interact with non-coding RNAs, controlling the expression and function of ncRNAs. We employ molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology techniques, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, to analyze the detailed molecular mechanisms of RNA biogenesis and its functional regulation. Our goal is to contribute to the development of new drugs for diseases such as cancer by providing a technological foundation based on the understanding of the control of function and expression of non-coding RNAs.

Research
keywords
RNA, Biogenesis, Function, Strucuture
References/papers
  • Nature Communications, doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-40420-9, 2023
  • Nucleic Acids Res, doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkad081, 2023
  • Nature, doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04677-2, 2022
  • Nucleic Acids Res, doi:10.1093/nar/gkac228, 2022
  • Cell Reports, doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110130, 2021
  • Nature Communications,doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-19281-z, 2020
  • EMBO J., doi: 10.15252/embj.2020104708, 2020
  • Nucleic Acids Res., doi: 10.1093/nar/gkaa487, 2020
  • Nucleic Acids Res., doi: 10.1093/nar/gkaa227, 2020
  • Nucleic Acids Res., doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz1216, 2020
  • Nature Communications, doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-09966-5, 2019
  • Structure, doi.10.1016/j.str.2018.11.005, 2019
  • Nature Chemical Biology, doi: 10.1038/s41589-018-0119-z, 2018
  • Nature Communications, doi:10.1038/ncomms15788, 2017
  • Nucleic Acids Res., doi: 10.1093/nar/gkx298, 2017
  • Nucleic Acids Res., doi: 10.1093/nar/gkx051, 2017
  • Structure., doi: 10.1016/j.str.2016.03.022, 2016
Message

We welcome ambitious and talented students who are interested in high-quality basic research on the mechanisms of RNA biogenesis factors. Interested students are encouraged to contact us in advance via email. We are also available to accommodate laboratory visits at any time.

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