Welcome to Department of Applied Biochemistry,
Tokai University School of Engineering
The Department of Applied Biochemistry was established as a new department in the April of 2001, diverging from the former Department of Applied Chemistry. The main theme of this department is to “understand life and living processes by means of chemistry”. After the human genome project was completed in 2003, our task now is to wisely utilize this information in combination with recently advanced bio-technologies to help improve our health issues surrounding us today. We are faced with life-threatening infectious diseases such as prion diseases, SARS, avian influenza, AIDS, and MRSA. In addition, numbers of diabetes and cancer patients are steadily growing due to changes in our life-style. We are thus challenged by such health issues. Basic knowledge in Life Science and advanced technologies in Bio-Medical Science would provide guidance, not only on how to prevent us from getting these diseases, but also on how to deal with the disease once we contract. The programs and courses offered in Department of Applied Biochemistry can foster our students to be scientists or engineers who are well-prepared for living in the 21st century.
Recent Our Study
Characterization of lectins involved in innate immunity
(Matsushita Lab.)
Innate immunity is a defense system that responds to pathogens immediately after their invasion. My laboratory focuses on the characterization of lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins, involved in innate immunity.
Glycobiology in disease conditions
(Nakata Lab.)
Alterations of carbohydrate structure in glycoproteins are investigated to understand a role of the glycoproteins in cancer and autoimmunity. Interaction of carbohydrates-carbohydrate binding proteins is also my topic.
Gene analyses of glycosyltransferases involved in lipid-linked oligosaccharide synthesis
(Takahashi Lab.)
The human and yeast glycosyltransferase genes are cloned, analyzed by split-ubiquitin system with respect to physical interactions among them.
Microtomographic analysis of human brain circuits
(Mizutani Lab.)
Three-dimensional cellular and subcelluar structures of biological tissues are essential for their functions. We have reported 3D microstructural analysis of human cerebral cortex using synchrotron radiation microtomographs (micro-CT). Human brain circuits were then analytically resolved by building neuronal networks in the 3D coefficient map determined by micro-CT. And more …
Development of a novel synthetic route of glycoproteins
(Katayama Lab.)
It is generally difficult to prepare Glycoproteins carrying homogenous carbohydrate structure by the recombinant gene technology. On the other hand, although chemical synthesis method is used for such purpose, many efforts are usually required for preparing a large amount of glycoproteins. In our laboratory, we are trying to develop a novel, simple and easy synthetic route of glycoproteins.
Kanamori Lab. | Cellular Biochemistry |
Kojima Lab. | Biological Chemistry |
Sasagawa Lab. | Molecular Biology |
Nakata Lab. | Pathological Biochemistry |
Matsushita Lab. | Innate Immunity |
Mizutani Lab. | Structural Biology |
Katayama Lab. | Chemical Biology |
Kuroda Lab. | Glycotechnology |
Shimizu Lab. | Biomaterials Engineering |
Takahashi Lab. | Genetic Engineering |
Mitsuhashi Lab. | Molecular Genetics |