Department of chemistry, Graduate school of science
My current research focuses on biopolymers called "glycans," which exist in large amounts on the cell surface. Glycans interact with biomolecules on the cell surface and are deeply involved in various biological phenomena such as immunity and cancer metastasis. However, glycan structures are diverse and heterogenous, thus the detailed molecular basis of phenomena involving glycans has not been clarified. Our laboratory has the skills of organic synthesis of glycans with complex structures. We have also established a method for introducing synthetic glycans to target proteins on cell membranes. By combining these synthetic glycans with "well-defined structures" and "live cell imaging" technology that enables observation of living cells, we hope to elucidate glycan functions in detail from both chemical and biological viewpoints.
In addition, through my activities at the PQBA, I would like to think about the connection between my basic research and society by coming into contact with research in the fields of quantum and medicine, as well as industrial research.