"Where there is a novel gene, there is a novel medicine."This is the motto of our Molecular Biology Lab. A gene product, i.e. a protein, may work not only as a medicine by itself, but as a target for drug discovery when its biological significance or involvement in the pathogenesis of a disease is elucidated. From this point of view, this lab makes the endeavor to identify new disease associated genes.

Our Molecular Biology Lab is :
Equipped with a DNA synthesizer, DNA sequencers, peptide synthesizers, a peptide sequencer and other equipment necessary for work in molecular biology and protein purification. We have a facility for large scale culture of mammalian cells as well as a room with P3 containment.
Searching for novel cytokines which may affect the growth or differentiation of various cells such as hepatocytes, osteoblasts, neurons etc. Hepassocin, a hepatocyte growth factor, and Epiregulin,a new member of EGF-family, were purified. The entire structures of these cytokines were determined by cloning the respective genes.
Searching for novel targets for drug discovery by cloning novel genes from cDNA libraries. Analysis of the biological functions of some of the genes is in progress. DNA data is analyzed with a host computer by using software specifically developed in this lab. Bioinformatics is routinely utilized to analyze the genes.
Constructing screening systems by introducing various genes into cultured mammalian cells or by producing various proteins with genetic engineering. These proteins will be used for High Throughput Screening at another lab.
Producing transgenic and knock-out mice at high efficiency, which may be used either for drug discovery or elucidation of biological functions of the newly identified genes.