1. Molecular Diagnosis

Molecular diagnosis requires a rapid and sensitive detection of multiple genetic markers to early and precisely diagnose the diseases. We are currently developing a novel detection method based on the Capillary Electrophoresis-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (CE-SSCP) to satisfy the requirements of molecular diagnosis and applying the technology to the various areas.

CE-SSCP is a conformation-based separation method of nucleic acids. Fluorescence-labeled double-stranded DNA is heat-denatured and cooled to form the single strand conformers. When the electric field is applied to these conformers, the mobility of them in the capillary becomes different depending on the conformation formed by sequence variation. Based on this principle, we are developing a ultrahigh-resolution CE-SSCP system for the increased ability of separation as well as applying this technology to various fields.

The research fields of this part includes the development of :

1) A ultrahigh-resolution CE-SSCP detection method

2) A novel genetic disease diagnosis system (SNP, CNV, DNA methylation, etc.)

3) A novel pathogen detection system (foodborne, influenza, etc.)

4) A novel method for quantification of multiple mRNAs

5) Other nucleic acid-based detection methods

Also, all the developments are ultimately aiming for the application in a microchip or a lab-on-a-chip system.

2. Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is a emerging research field to redesign and construct the biological parts, devices, and systems for useful and practical purpose. We are currently developing new tools for synthetic biology, and applying these cutting-edge technologies to design and engineer microorganism (mainly Escherichia coli) for the production of biofuels, commodity chemicals, and bioactive compounds including pharmaceutical proteins from renewable biomass.

The research fields of this part includes the development of :

1) fine-tunable and predictable expression level control system

2) tailor-made host system for functional protein production

3) riboswitch-based simple screening method for strain improvement

4) metabolite high-producing strains such as amino acids, biofuels, and bioactive compounds

Also, all the developments are ultimately aiming for being utilized to construct bio-based economy for the sustainable development in the future.