Medical Sciences Group／Inter-Institute Cooperative LaboratoriesNoda Laboratory
(Functional Biomolecules Engineering Group, AIST)
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Visiting Professor NODA Naohiro
We develop novel bioanalytical technologies for the characterization of nucleic acids and proteins. Further,we are working with biomolecule standard materials and contributing to biotechnology standardization. We aim toward the industrial application of the developed technologies in collaboration with private companies. Our laboratory is an environment where you can experience research work and obtain knowledge regarding industrial applications and standardization techniques.
Development and standarization of bioanalytical methods.
We develop standard materials for the validation and evaluation of bioanalytical methods. These standard materials are used in medical engineering and genetic testing fields. In these fields,non-SI-traceable methods are used to determine the amount of nucleic acids and proteins. In order to overcome such situations,our laboratory is trying to use digital PCR and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, which can directly quantify the number of biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins, to establish SI-traceable methods. Moreover, the development and evaluation of nucleic acid reference material are conducted in our laboratories and we are standardizing bioanalytical methods to facilitate the global use of biotechnology in many fields. To facilitate the standardization of biotechnology, we have constructed a framework for cooperation with domestic industrial bodies and foreign governmental/research institutes.
Development of drug-screening techniques targeting nucleic-acid related enzymes.
Nucleic-acid-related enzymes such as helicase, nuclease, polymerase, and ligase are indispensable for all organisms. These enzymes play vital roles in the cell life cycle of all organisms and it is important to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their effects. We focus on the toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, a nucleic-acid-related enzyme that is widely conserved among microorganisms. It is known that toxin molecules can cause growth arrest and death of microorganisms under stress conditions. Thus, the TA system is considered to be a potential drug target. We are conducting 1) expression and purification of toxin/antitoxin proteins and 2) development of screening methods for functional molecules that potentially regulate TA systems.
We welcome students who are interested in the development of bioanalytical technology,international standards for biotechnology, and the unique TA systems in microorganisms. We promise that you will have an excellent experience with us.
