(1) MolCraft
MolCraft is a simplified protein evolution system based on a hierarchical approach that we have recently developed. In a conventional in vitro evolution system, functional peptides such as specific binders have been selected from a pool of peptides having random sequences. In MolCraft, we start with functional peptides, and evolve multifunctional proteins by combining these peptides. By choosing the appropriate motifs, we are able to create an artificial protein in a rational way.
(2) Motif-Programming
Motif-programming is a method for constructing artificial proteins by embedding peptide motif(s) within artificial protein sequences. To embed motifs, we are using our MolCraft system.
(3) In vitro Evolution
Our past research lies within the realm of“in vitro evolution,”in which we asked how genes or molecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins) evolved.
However, genes undoubtedly evolved as networks; in other words, a given gene does not evolve alone, but within relationships with others.
Now our research, which is influenced by emerging systems biology, is entering a second phase, in which we will investigate the generative principles underlying genetic systems through experimental evolution of genetic networks.
(4) Cancer Diagnosis
The elimination of cancer-related suffering and death remains an unachieved goal of modern medicine, biology, pharmaceutical science and medical engineering. For this fervent wish to become a reality, what is needed is continued progress, and even ground-breaking innovation, in both the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. Nanotechnologies have come into the spotlight because of their potential for use as novel diagnostic tools that enable detection of primary cancers at their earliest stages, and in new therapeutic protocols that effectively and selectively exterminate malignant cells.
(5) Cancer Treatments
While nanotube-based diagnosis systems are still at their early stages of development, nanotube-based approaches to cancer treatment are at the experimental stage.
We are focusing on artificial protein-based biologics and cancer immuno-therapy.
(6) Bionanotechnology
Controlled interfacing between bio-molecules and inorganic materials is fundamental to the development of bio-nano materials.
We have been isolating peptide aptamers against inorganic materials, and, starting from these peptides, been creating artificial proteins that can interface between biology and material sciences.
(7) BioLBL
BioLBL (Biomimetic Layer-By-Layer) is a layering method in which the binding and mineralization activities of a peptide aptamer are alternately used to accumulate layers of aptamer-displaying nanomaterials and thin mineral strata. With BioLBL, we were able to realize the in aqua fabrication of three-dimensional nanoscale structures in an X-Y-Z controlled manner.
(8) Self-Organization
Synthetic biology is a “bottom-up”approach to construction of artificial biomacromolecules or biomolecular networks with the aim of both understanding the dynamic behavior of biological systems and controlling it.
In synthetic biology, a strategy of hierarchical construction is employed to fabricate convoluted macromolecules or networks; i.e., smaller“parts”or“building blocks”are first prepared from existing biomolecules (or created artificially in some cases) and then these parts are assembled into larger, higher-order molecules or networks that exhibit emergent properties.
Our approach to synthetic biology is to use peptide motifs as building blocks, and to create artificial proteins by assembling these motifs.
MolCraft is a simplified protein evolution system based on a hierarchical approach that we have recently developed. In a conventional in vitro evolution system, functional peptides such as specific binders have been selected from a pool of peptides having random sequences. In MolCraft, we start with functional peptides, and evolve multifunctional proteins by combining these peptides. By choosing the appropriate motifs, we are able to create an artificial protein in a rational way.
(2) Motif-Programming
Motif-programming is a method for constructing artificial proteins by embedding peptide motif(s) within artificial protein sequences. To embed motifs, we are using our MolCraft system.
(3) In vitro Evolution
Our past research lies within the realm of“in vitro evolution,”in which we asked how genes or molecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins) evolved.
However, genes undoubtedly evolved as networks; in other words, a given gene does not evolve alone, but within relationships with others.
Now our research, which is influenced by emerging systems biology, is entering a second phase, in which we will investigate the generative principles underlying genetic systems through experimental evolution of genetic networks.
(4) Cancer Diagnosis
The elimination of cancer-related suffering and death remains an unachieved goal of modern medicine, biology, pharmaceutical science and medical engineering. For this fervent wish to become a reality, what is needed is continued progress, and even ground-breaking innovation, in both the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. Nanotechnologies have come into the spotlight because of their potential for use as novel diagnostic tools that enable detection of primary cancers at their earliest stages, and in new therapeutic protocols that effectively and selectively exterminate malignant cells.
(5) Cancer Treatments
While nanotube-based diagnosis systems are still at their early stages of development, nanotube-based approaches to cancer treatment are at the experimental stage.
We are focusing on artificial protein-based biologics and cancer immuno-therapy.
(6) Bionanotechnology
Controlled interfacing between bio-molecules and inorganic materials is fundamental to the development of bio-nano materials.
We have been isolating peptide aptamers against inorganic materials, and, starting from these peptides, been creating artificial proteins that can interface between biology and material sciences.
(7) BioLBL
BioLBL (Biomimetic Layer-By-Layer) is a layering method in which the binding and mineralization activities of a peptide aptamer are alternately used to accumulate layers of aptamer-displaying nanomaterials and thin mineral strata. With BioLBL, we were able to realize the in aqua fabrication of three-dimensional nanoscale structures in an X-Y-Z controlled manner.
(8) Self-Organization
Synthetic biology is a “bottom-up”approach to construction of artificial biomacromolecules or biomolecular networks with the aim of both understanding the dynamic behavior of biological systems and controlling it.
In synthetic biology, a strategy of hierarchical construction is employed to fabricate convoluted macromolecules or networks; i.e., smaller“parts”or“building blocks”are first prepared from existing biomolecules (or created artificially in some cases) and then these parts are assembled into larger, higher-order molecules or networks that exhibit emergent properties.
Our approach to synthetic biology is to use peptide motifs as building blocks, and to create artificial proteins by assembling these motifs.