Molecular basis of small nucleic acids that control gene expression and their application in pharmaceuticals.
Life (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.117)
Keywords: microRNA, viral defense mechanisms, cell death due to viral infection, siRNA, nucleic acid medicines
mRNA is RNA that contains information for protein synthesis, but there are also many non-coding RNAs in the cell that do not carry messages. We have been elucidating the mechanisms by which immune responses to RNA virus infections are regulated by small non-coding RNAs called microRNAs. Understanding this mechanism may contribute to the development of novel nucleic acid medicines. Additionally, while siRNA also suppresses the expression of mRNA, siRNA has a suppressive effect on a single gene, whereas microRNA acts on entire specific gene groups. Although there are currently no nucleic acid medicines utilizing microRNA, we are hopeful that if the mechanisms of their action in virus-infected cells are clarified, the potential for nucleic acid medicines will expand even further.
Inquire About This Product
basic information
Tomoko Takahashi, Associate Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, Molecular Biology Area [Recent Research Themes] ● Research on antiviral immune responses ● Interaction between viral infection and RNA silencing
Price range
Delivery Time
Applications/Examples of results
【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ●Clarification of the mechanism by which RNA virus infections that induce cell death are regulated by microRNA. ●Currently elucidating the antiviral functions of small nucleic acids such as siRNA and microRNA, which are expected to be applied as nucleic acid medicines. 【Examples of Practical Applications】 ●Application of small nucleic acids as nucleic acid medicines.
Detailed information
-
Human cultured cells
catalog（1）
Download All Catalogs
Company information
The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.