Molecular Glycobiology

Tamao Endo, Ph.D.

Researchers: Yuri Miura, Ph.D. Hiroshi Manya, Ph.D. Keiko Akasaka, Ph.D. Yoko Sakurai, Masami Hayashi

Post-genomic research, Sugar chain, Oxidative stress, Neuro-muscular function, Aging model mouse

1) Dementia-associated changes of glycoproteins
2) Research on a mouse model resembling human aging
3) Glycobiology on neuro-muscular functions
4) Effect of aging on oxidative stress response

　We are mainly focusing on post-genomic research in aging. We try to elucidate the mechanisms of normal aging and geriatric diseases by analyses of the processes of posttranslational modifications, specially focusing on glycosylation.

1) Dementia-associated change of glycoproteins
　Glycosylation is a common type of posttranslational modification of proteins that can affect its function in many ways. We are focusing on changes of the glycosylation state of brain glycoproteins during dementia.

2) Research on a mouse model resembling human aging
　Using by an animal model, klotho mouse, that prematurely shows phenotypes resembling human aging, we find that the abnormal activation of calpain. We try to characterize these detailed processes.

3) Glycobiology on neuro-muscular functions
　We identify that two congenital muscular dystrophies, muscle-eye-brain disease and Walker-Warburg syndrome, are caused by defects in glycosyltransferases. We try to identify the molecular mechanism of these diseases, and to address between the changes of glycans and age-associated deterioration of muscle.

4) Effect of aging on oxidative stress response
　Oxidative stress is thought to affect on aging processes. We will elucidate the cellular mechanism during the radiation adaptive responses. We will also search useful biomarkers for normal healthy aging by proteomic and glycoproteomic analyses.

Based on above strategies, we will open a new venue for the post-genomic research in gerontology and geriatrics.