We are developing nuclear medicine therapeutics by targeting cancer cell-induced amino acid transporters. Specifically, we aim to synthesize amino acid derivatives that are recognized by specific transporters and label them with highly cytotoxic radioisotopes for application as nuclear medicine therapeutics.
Once a nucleic acid therapeutic is developed, its quality must be stable. The goal is to confirm the stability of the labeled product and bring it to a level where it can be licensed out to industry.
The word "radiation" includes alpha, beta, gamma, x-rays, neutrons, electromagnetic radiation, and many others. We are particularly interested in evaluating the effects of radiation isotopes exposed in the medical field or in the natural environment.
LAT1 is a cancer cell-type amino acid transporter, but the regulatory mechanism of its expression remains unclear. Why is LAT1 overexpressed in cancer tissues? We are aiming to elucidate the nature of LAT1 overexpression in cancer tissues by using a comprehensive analytical approach.
Various other studies are being conducted with collaborators inside and outside the university.
We are labeling small molecules (sodium salts), medium molecules (amino acid derivatives, transporter inhibitors), and macromolecules (antibodies, etc.) with short-lived radionuclides and evaluating their functions with the aim of applying them as nuclear medicine therapeutics.
In collaboration not only with laboratories within the Department of Chemistry, but also with the Graduate School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Engineering, the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, and the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, we are involved in the production and separation of nuclides, synthesis and labeling of compounds, and evaluation using living organisms (cells and experimental animals).
In addition to this, we continue to analyze the function of LAT1, an amino acid transporter that is specifically induced in cancer cells and is one of the molecular targets of nuclear medicine drugs, in an attempt to elucidate the significance of the expression of this molecule in cancer and to develop better therapeutic drugs.
This laboratory is open to students regardless of their undergraduate background.
Learn and master various experimental techniques and find out your own aptitude.
Research means "to study and to study". Do not just do as you are told, but think for yourself, make plans with a sense of purpose, and do not neglect your efforts to realize your plans.
