Research Overview
This international pioneering project comprehensively investigates the biological dynamics of "reactive sulfur species" (RSS)—the keys to protein, lipid, and nucleic acid functions—across multiple scales, from the molecular level to whole organisms. The project is structured into three pillars:
Elucidation of biochemical and molecular biological principles (in collaboration with Prof. E. Arner of the Karolinska Institute and Prof. P. Nagy of the National Institute of Oncology, Hungary);
Development of quantum chemical theory, high-sensitivity imaging, and chemical probes (in collaboration with Prof. M. Feelisch of the University of Southampton and Prof. M. Xian of Washington State University);
Regulation of biological homeostasis by RSS and its clinical applications (in collaboration with Prof. F. Ichinose of Harvard University and Prof. A. van der Vliet of the University of Vermont).
Specifically, we aim to quantitatively describe the intermolecular transfer mechanisms of RSS, integrate these with quantum mechanical descriptions to establish visualization and manipulation technologies, and leverage these findings to create novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for energy metabolism disorders and oxidative stress-related diseases. By bringing together world-leading hubs for selenium and sulfur biochemistry, pioneers in quantum chemistry and probe development, and researchers with proven tracks records in disease application, this framework is expected to trigger a paradigm shift in RSS research, enhance international competitiveness, and significantly contribute to the life science research foundation and industrial innovation in Japan.
Elucidation of biochemical and molecular biological principles (in collaboration with Prof. E. Arner of the Karolinska Institute and Prof. P. Nagy of the National Institute of Oncology, Hungary);
Development of quantum chemical theory, high-sensitivity imaging, and chemical probes (in collaboration with Prof. M. Feelisch of the University of Southampton and Prof. M. Xian of Washington State University);
Regulation of biological homeostasis by RSS and its clinical applications (in collaboration with Prof. F. Ichinose of Harvard University and Prof. A. van der Vliet of the University of Vermont).
Specifically, we aim to quantitatively describe the intermolecular transfer mechanisms of RSS, integrate these with quantum mechanical descriptions to establish visualization and manipulation technologies, and leverage these findings to create novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for energy metabolism disorders and oxidative stress-related diseases. By bringing together world-leading hubs for selenium and sulfur biochemistry, pioneers in quantum chemistry and probe development, and researchers with proven tracks records in disease application, this framework is expected to trigger a paradigm shift in RSS research, enhance international competitiveness, and significantly contribute to the life science research foundation and industrial innovation in Japan.