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Researches
Liquid-liquid phase separation and biochemical reactions
Recently, attention has been given to liquid droplets, membraneless organelles,
formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In particular, droplets
observed inside cells have attracted attention as sites for various biological
functions. In general, droplets are composed of proteins and polyelectrolytes
such as RNA and amino acid residues with biased charges that are predominantly
found in intrinsically disordered regions. Droplets are formed by LLPS
when the components are more stable by forming droplets than when they
exist separately inside cells. Consequently, it has been reported that
the factors required for various reactions are collected in droplets and
that the reactions proceed efficiently. We are currently trying to understand
the relationships between LLPS and biochemical reactions.
New Results |
Biofuel cells that mimic metabolic pathways
Living organisms use organic compounds such as sugars, lipids, and proteins
to grow and metabolize them to produce energy in the metabolic pathway.
The efficiency is considerably high; for example, the energy corresponding
to 15 AA batteries is produced from only 10 g of glucose. Enzymatic biofuel
cells, which mimic the metabolic pathway and employ oxidoreductases as
catalysts instead of metals such as platinum and nickel in ordinary cells,
generate electricity when enzymes metabolize organic compounds. Enzymatic
biofuel cells have recently attracted considerable attention because they
are a safe and clean source of energy. We are currently trying to produce
biofuel cells with high output.
Slideshow |
Functional analysis of proteins important for homologous recombination
Homologous recombination, perfomed by many proteins, is one of the most
important events in living organisms. We have purifyed the proteins involved
in homologous recombination and analyzed their functions. In particular,
we are focusing on the relationship between the protein structure and function.
Slideshow |
Precise multiplex PCRs using RecA-based PCR
RecA protein catalyzes pairing between homologous DNA molecules with high
fidelity in genetic recombination. Thus, the presence of RecA protein can
greatly stimulate pairing between completely matched primers and targeted
sequences, thereby reducing false priming and eliminating non-specific
PCR products.
Slideshow |
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