• In life science research field, it is noteworthy issue how information in genome is interpreted and is transferred to functional molecules. However, during these 10 years, we convinced that the amount of proteins, final functional molecules was regulated by not only by production but also by degradation. For examples, the amount of c-Myc, which promotes cell cycle and inhibits cell death, increase in many types of cancer by failure of protein degradation.
• We have generated model mice in which function of Fbxw7, inducer of c-Myc degradation is suppressed. We observed promotion of oncogenesis in these mice, suggesting that Fbxw7 is oncosuppressor gene. In other words, Fbxw7 has a great potential to regulate oncogenesis or progress of cancer. These molecules specified the target proteins for proteolysis suggesting that modification of these molecules leads to develop oncosuppressive therapy. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this knowledge in industry.

• The islet transplantation is the ideal "minimum invasive" cell transplant therapy for the severe diabetic patients who are suffering with controlling the blood glucose levels. In this project, we try to have a cross organization among the advanced technologies in islet transplantation as one of the typical cases. Our chief objective is to construct the center of medical cell-engineering therapy as successful examples in Tohoku University. We are convinced that technical innovation through this project could contribute much more to the activation of medical industry based upon cell therapy.

We have already established effective academic-industrial alliances regarding our several projects including a development of new type of cell-isolation enzyme. However, we are still looking for possible candidates concerning a special device for cell transplantation and medical grade-pathogen free animals.

• We succeeded in generating highly developed cultured C2C12 myotubes by manipulating intracellular Ca2+ transients with electric pulse stimulation (EPS), that are endowed with similar properties to in vivo skeletal muscle in terms of (1) excitation-induced contractile activity as a result of de novo sarcomere formation, (2) higher energy expenditure (as assessed by AMPK activation), and (3) improved insulin responsiveness (as assessed by exofacial myc-GLUT4 translocation assay).

Taking advantage of our “in vitro Exercise Model", our innovation will be an excellent alternative for the animal experimentation that can be applicable for a wide array of skeletal muscle research including drug screen.