Introduction

Our research aims to elucidate the roles of glycoprotein receptors in regulating cellular functions, proliferation, and differentiation, particularly in cancer cells, neural cells, and surrounding vascular cells, with the goal of developing novel therapies for cancer and neurological disorders. To achieve this, we pursue the following approaches:

• We investigate the quality control mechanisms of O-glycans on Notch receptors to develop new therapeutic strategies for hereditary vascular dementia such as CADASIL.
• This project investigates glycan modifications in tumor tissues and seeks to regulate EGF signaling based on glycan structures, with the goal of developing glycan-targeted cancer therapies.
• Using mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics, we identify disease-associated glycan structures and evaluate their potential as biomarkers for diagnostics and drug discovery.
• Focusing on congenital disorders associated with glycosylation defects and developmental abnormalities, we use genome-edited cells and mouse models to uncover the molecular roles of glycans in developmental processes.
• By leveraging databases such as DepMap, we identify glycan-related genes essential for cancer survival and propose novel therapeutic strategies with reduced side effects.
• We analyze bidirectional signaling between immune cells and cancer cells mediated by glycan-recognizing checkpoint molecules, Siglecs, to elucidate mechanisms regulating immune responses and tumor progression.

Our laboratory participates in collaborative glycome research as part of the Large-scale Academic Frontier Promotion Program supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Each project aims to uncover the roles and structures of glycans in order to better understand the causes of diseases and develop new therapeutic strategies.

Glycans are essential components involved in many biological processes, such as cell-to-cell communication and immune function. However, their full complexity remains largely unexplored. By applying cutting-edge research technologies, our laboratory seeks to reveal the complete picture of glycan biology and contribute to the advancement of medicine and life sciences.

Research Projects

1. Quality Control of O-Glycans on Notch Receptors and Their Role in Vascular Dementia
2. Role of O-Glycans in EGF Signaling and Tumor Suppression
3. Glycoproteomics-Based Discovery of Disease Biomarkers and Applications in Drug Development
4. Molecular Pathogenesis of Glycan-Related Disorders
5. Identification of Glycan-Related Therapeutic Targets Using Public Databases
6. Bidirectional Immune-Cancer Signaling via Glycan Immune Checkpoint Molecule Siglecs

Under this overarching theme, our goal is to translate fundamental research findings in medicine and biology into practical applications in clinical settings.

Faculty Members

Faculty	Position	Department
OKAJIMA Testuya	Professor	Molecular and Cellular Biology/Molecular Biochemistry
TASHIMA Yuko	Lecturer	Molecular and Cellular Biology/Molecular Biochemistry
KONDO Yuji	Lecturer	Molecular and Cellular Biology/Molecular Biochemistry
HASHIMOTO Noboru	Designated Assistant Professor	Molecular and Cellular Biology/Molecular Biochemistry

Research Keywords

Notch receptor, O-GlcNAc, Vascular endothelial cells, Blood-brain barrier (BBB), Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Molecular targeted therapeutics, Glycosyltransferase, Glycobiology

Private Page

Course for Graduate Students

In the first and second years of the Master's and Doctoral programs, students receive thorough training in the fundamental techniques and principles of biochemistry and molecular biology. At the same time, they develop the ability to critically read and analyze scientific literature.

During this period, each student is encouraged to engage in research topics that match their individual potential. As they progress to the later stages of their program, we provide support to help them carry out more advanced and independent research.

We also actively promote participation in academic conferences and symposia, both in Japan and abroad, to enhance students’ presentation skills and contribute to the overall improvement of research quality.

Furthermore, we support collaborative research with domestic and international groups, and encourage study abroad opportunities during the program or after graduation.