Faculty of Textile Science and Technology Research Activity2016｜Shinshu Univ

58/64

57Department of Applied BiologyDesigning and applying useful proteins by studying the structure and function of proteinsI am carrying out research to gain a deep understanding of the structure and function of proteins and to design, develop, and apply useful modified and artificial proteins. Based on my goal of achieving results that will prove useful in addressing biological resource issues and environmental problems, my lab uses cutting edge chemistry to see, examine, create, and apply proteins.Associate Professor Arai took his current position in December 2007 after working as a researcher at RIKEN and Princeton University in the U.S. His areas of research are structural biology, which he uses to examine the three-dimensional structure and function of proteins, and protein engineering, which he uses to nd applications for proteins through their modication and design.My goal is to apply proteins in new elds, for example in pharmaceutical development and biotechnology, in order to create eco-friendly high-function nano-materials, clean chemistry catalysts, and high-sensitivity biosensors. In this way, I hope to contribute the achievement of a sustainable and abundant society.Outlook for researchGraduates are employed in numerous elds, including at pharmaceutical, enzyme, and chemical companies.Outlook for students after graduationSelf-assembling nano-architectures are created from a protein　nano building block by fusing a dimeric de novo protein WA20 and a trimeric foldon domain from T4 phage. (Kobayashi, N., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 137, 11285-11293, 2015)An experiment in the research lab (upper left), production of useful proteins with microorganisms (upper right), a protein crystal that shines like a precious stone (lower left), and an x-ray diraction experiment at a synchrotron radiation facility (lower right)Ryoichi AraiAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Applied BiologyMaking effective use of microorganism resources: Discovering and applying the potential capabilities of Bacillus subtilis In order to discover the novel functions and networks of the 4,100 genes that make up the Bacillus subtilis genome, my lab is cooperating with domestic and international research labs to carry out more detailed research. We believe that B. subtilis is an important microorganism resource, and we are working to develop a deeper understanding of its potential so that we can utilize it.Associate Professor Yamamoto took his current position in 2007 after serving in the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University as an assistant professor. His areas of research include microbiology to examine the properties of molecules functioning in the cells of microorganisms and applied microbiology to make use of the latent capabilities of microbes.In the future, my goal is to establish a rare metal recovery system using B. subtilis strains with altered cell wall polymers, to make eective use of the genetic resources of its closest relatives, and to apply associated technology to the development of antibacterial agents for pathogenic bacteria.Outlook for researchGraduates are typically employed by food and pharmaceutical companies. Some choose to continue their research at domestic and overseas research organizations.Outlook for students after graduationA student uses a uorescence microscope to assess the eect on the cell when cell wall polymers are modied.A student searches for bacterial substances that will activate the immune system of animal cells.We also make observations using an electron microscope so we do not miss slight changes.Hiroki YamamotoAssociate ProfessorBarrel 6-mer Tetrahedron 12-mer Self-assembly WA20-foldon M form model S form model WA20 dimer Foldon trimer Fusion Protein Nano-building Block (PN-Block)

※このページを正しく表示するにはFlashPlayer10.2以上が必要です