繊維学部研究紹介_2018_英語版
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55Department 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 ProfessorDepartment of Applied BiologyUnderstanding the nature of stem cells and controlling their fateThe spermatogenic potential of GS cells is expected to nd application not only in treating male infertility, but also in producing superior livestock. In addition, mGS cells are expected to serve as another source of pluripotent stem cells such as iPS cells. In this context, GS cells might be called multipotent stem cells with the potential to contribute to a wide range of elds.Outlook for researchThe value of the market associated with regenerative medicine is expected to grow to 1 trillion yen in 2020 (according to statistics from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). It is my hope that our future colleagues will be able to play a remarkable role in growth industries, including in regenerative medicine.Outlook for students after graduationThe pluripotency potential of GS cells. Left: mGS cells de-dierentiated (rejuvenated) from GS cells. mGS cells possess pluripotency like iPS cells. Right: mGS can contribute to the formation of “chimera mice.” mGS-derived tissue in the chimaera mice exhibited GFP expression.GS cells. Left: Mouse GS cells growing in vitro. Center: Spermatogenesis in the testis transplanted with GS cells expressing green uorescent protein (GFP). Right: Mouse ospring produced from sperm derived from GS cells expressing GFP. The ospring also exhibited green uorescence under UV light (highlighted with).Seiji TakashimaTenure-track Assistant ProfessorAfter receiving a doctorate (in engineering) from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Assistant Professor Takashima worked as a research fellow at the University of Tokyo before coming Kyoto University as an assistant professor. His areas of research are regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.Regenerative medicine using iPS cells is expected to serve as a novel approach for curing disease. My lab is focusing on germline stem (GS) cells, tissue-specific stem cells in testis. Although GS cells have already committed to germ cell lineage, they also have pluripotency potential and often de-differentiate into multipotent GS (mGS) cells that possess pluripotency like iPS cells. The goal of our research is to understand the unique nature of GS/mGS cells and control their fate.

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