What is omics analysis for? Necessity and future perspectives
Co-sponsored: Illumina K.K.

chairperson
Rie Yamashige (Illumina K.K.)

Speaker
Osamu Ohara (Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute)

Detail

Next-generation sequencing technology has contributed greatly to the analysis named "omics analysis", not only as a machine determining nucleotide sequences but also as an extremely high-throughput digital molecular counting device. In this luncheon seminar, I would like to discuss why "omics analysis" has somehow crept into our research activities, why it is necessary for molecular biological research in the post-genomic era, and what kind of results are being obtained. By doing so, let us consider what kind of direction "omics analysis" may bring innovation to molecular biology in the future.

Introduction of CRISPR/Cas3, novel genome editing technology
Co-sponsored: NIPPON GENE CO., LTD.

Moderator
Kenichi Sato (NIPPON GENE CO., LTD.)

Speaker
What is the CRISPR-Cas3? How can we use it ?
Kazuto Yoshimi (Division of Animal Genetics/Division of Genome Engineering, Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
Development of Cas3 genome editing technology for application
Shungo Kobori (C4U Corporation)

Detail

CRISPR-Cas3 is a genome-editing technology has been developed by Professor Tomoji Mashimo of The Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, and Guest Professor Junji Takeda of Osaka University et al. The technology is originated in Japan and based on their results of studies.CRISPR-Cas3 has characteristics of extremely low off-target effects and ability to induce large deletions caused by sequential genomic breaks.
NIPPON GENE Co., Ltd. has concluded a license agreement with C4U Corporation regarding CRISPR-Cas3 technology, and NIPPON GENE starts supplying high-purity Cas3 proteins and Cascade-crRNA complexes.
In this section, Dr. Kazuto Yoshimi of The University of Tokyo, who is also the developer of CRISPR-Cas3 technology and Dr. Shungo Kobori from C4U Corporation developing medical usage of CRISPR- Cas3 technology will give a presentation. They will introduce about CRISPR-Cas3 technology from basic to advanced.

#WeMakeDNA　Approaches to Genome Editing by Synthetic Biology -From Basic Research to Social Implementation-
Co-sponsored: Twist Bioscience

chairperson
Masanori Noguchi (Twist Bioscience)

Speaker
Comprehensive analysis of CRISPR/Cas3 genome editing by Twist Custom Panel
Ryota Saeki (C4U Corporation)

Speaker
Writing the Future: Twist Synthetic DNA Tools to Accelerate Synthetic Biology and NGS Research -Synthetic Genes and Oligo Pools-
Kazuki Kaneshiro (Twist Bioscience)

Detail

Seminar title: Comprehensive analysis of CRISPR/Cas3 genome editing by Twist Custom Panel
To make our seminar even more engaging, we will be offering pre-registration for all webinar attendees. We will be offering Special coupon for your Synthetic DNA order to those who register.

Please register using the following form on our website:
https://pages.twistbioscience.com/EV3-APAC-FY24-3815-NGS-MBSJ-2023_Seminar.html
We look forward to your registration.
[Contact us] E-mail: jsalescustomer@twistbioscience.com

Innovation Begins with Gene Delivery
- Focusing on Non-viral Vectors
Co-sponsored: VectorBuilder Inc.

chairperson
Miho Matakatsu (Managing Director VectorBuilder Japan Inc.)

Speaker
Towards Subtype-Specific Neural Cell Differentiation: A Platform Using Human iPS Cells
Mitsuru Ishikawa (Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine)

Speaker
VectorBuilder: Reliable Single-Source CDMO Partner for mRNA and LNP-mRNA manufacturing
Charles Bai (Lead Application Scientist VectorBuilder Inc.)

Detail

Highlights of the first half of the seminar
The utilization of iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) for neuronal disease assessment and drug development has become increasingly commonplace. However, methods to induce differentiation into the neural lineage are yet to be firmly established. Challenges faced include: 1) Inefficient differentiation into target cells, 2) Variability in differentiation across donors and clones, and 3) Inconsistencies in cellular maturation, including prolonged maturation times or incomplete differentiation.
In this seminar, we will introduce an approach to overcome these obstacles using gene introduction for subtype-specific neural differentiation. Specifically, we incorporate the TetO gene expression system into PiggyBac vectors. Subcloning allows for conditional and selective induction of differentiation, enhancing the precision and efficiency of this technique. The seminar will elaborate on how to identify the driver genes towards target cells and how to evaluate the subsequent differentiation. The ability to achieve high specificity in target cell differentiation opens up opportunities for experiments that were previously challenging. Examples will be shown where this new technique has enabled the manifestation of disease states that were difficult to model, including real-world case studies in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
We will plan to discuss our technologies related to the phenotyping of Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, psychiatric disorders, and epileptic encephalopathies, although the focus might change. By sharing our approach, we aim to engage potential collaborative efforts.
Highlights of the second half of the seminar
Decades of fundamental research into mRNA have led to the development of successful vaccines to combat the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Instant efficacy and exceptional scalability make IVT mRNA a promising therapeutic compound, especially when compared with viral vectors. Currently, there are hundreds ongoing clinical studies that have expanded IVT mRNA applications from vaccines to fields such as oncology, protein replacement for genetic disorders. VectorBuilder offers a full range of CRO and CDMO services for IVT mRNA that facilitate the transition from research stage to clinical trials. We offer extensive technical assistance to enhance vector performance, focusing on improving mRNA potency and cost-effective template production during scale-up. Custom mRNA production will be applied considering the features of the mRNA, the desired specifications, and process development outcomes. Furthermore, VectorBuilder has developed a range of purification processes, including LC, RP-HPLC, and Oligo dT chromatography, to remove undesired byproducts and material residues. We employ a well-established analysis panel to assess all critical attributes of mRNA, including integrity, impurity levels, and capping efficiency, for both in-process tests and final release. Our commitment to quality and expertise in mRNA technologies makes VectorBuilder a trusted partner in advancing mRNA therapeutics.

NanoBiT^® Application Reveals Pathogenesis Mechanism of "A disease that turns muscles into bones, FOP"
Co-sponsored: Promega K.K.

chairperson
mitsunori ota (Promega K.K.)

Speaker
Takenobu Katagiri (Saitama Medical University Faculty of Medicine)

Detail

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an incurable disease that causes extra bone to form in muscles and fuse joints. The cause of this disease is an abnormality of the protein ALK2, a receptor that regulates growth factors such as the bone inducer BMP; abnormal receptors cause pathological bone formation. We were able to elucidate the pathogenesis of FOP and related diseases by applying Promega's NanoBiT®. In this seminar, we will discuss the application of NanoBiT® with our trial-and-error process.

To The Future of Microscopy Imaging
Co-sponsored: Leica Microsystems K.K.

Chairperson
Shintaro Tanaka (Leica Microsystems K.K.)

Speaker
Probe development using fluorescence lifetime microscopy
Michiyuki Matsuda (Graduate School of Biostudies/Graduate School Medicine, Kyoto University)

Speaker
Fluorescence lifetime microscopy　　From FRET, Biosenser to Super-resolution microscopy
Suguru Osari (Leica Microsystems K.K.)

Detail

Numerous biosensors have been devised employing the principle of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). FRET biosensors facilitate the visualization of calcium, ATP, lactate, and other analyte concentrations, the monitoring of phosphatase and G protein activities, along with the assessment of biophysical parameters like tension and molecular crowding in tissue culture cells and live organisms. This seminar shall elucidate the fundamentals of FRET biosensors, strategies for probe development, as well as expound upon the merits and demerits inherent to fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM)—an instrumental technique for the quantitative evaluation of FRET.

Approaches to minimize SICS ( Sorter Induced Cellular Stress )
Co-sponsored: On-chip Biotechnologies Co., Ltd.

host
Masatoshi Momota (On-chip Biotechnologies Co., Ltd.)

Speaker
Product technology introduction
Masatoshi Momota (On-chip Biotechnologies Co., Ltd.)

Speaker
Approaches to minimize SICS (Sorter Induced Cellular Stress)
Peter Lopez (Associate Professor of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine)

Detail

The conventional electrostatically-deflected droplet cell sorter has been the mainstay of biomedical research since the early 1970’s. Since the invention of droplet cell sorting by Mack Fulwyler in the late ‘60s, advances have been in the instrumentation, but the basic technology used in droplet cell sorters remains essentially the same. While purified cellular subsets of lymphocytes can survive this process and perform well after being purified, other cell types may not perform quite as well, or in some cases cells may die after cell sorting. Many ad hoc modifications to the sell sorting protocol are often brought to bear if cells are stressed by the droplet cell sorting process, such as using lower pressure, larger sorting nozzle orifice diameter, different buffers for collecting the sorted cells, or performing cell sorting at a lower temperature. The various solutions used to deal with droplet cell sorting stress , or SICS, seem to be specific to the cell type.
We have demonstrated that droplet cell sorters broadly deplete the cellular metabolome regardless of cell type or instrument manufacturer. This metabolomic manifestation of SICS can be minimized, and techniques for SICS mitigation will be presented.

Experimental technique for accurate and reproducible quantition with western blotting
Co-sponsored: SCRUM Inc.

chairperson
Inaba Ryohei (Scrum Inc)

Speaker
Toru Hattori (Scrum Inc)

Detail

Western blotting is used by many researchers as a basic experimental method for protein analysis. On the other hand, in order to accurately and reproducibly quantify protein expression levels between different experimental conditions using Western blotting, several experimental points must be kept in mind. Recently, publication guideline for western blot data has changed in top-level journals. This seminar will introduce the latest techniques for quantitative Western blotting.

Development of multi-omics technologies for the measurement of cell state changes
Co-sponsored: Agilent Technologies

chairperson
Rumiko Saito (Agilent Technologies)

Speaker
Akihito Harada (Division of Transcriptomics Medical Institute of Bioregulation Kyushu University)

Speaker
KosukeTomimatsu (Division of Transcriptomics Medical Institute of Bioregulation Kyushu University)

Detail

In multicellular organisms, the cell states are precisely regulated by signal transductions via intercellular communications and following structural alterations of chromatin. However, it is challenging to develop methods for comprehensive analysis of the cell states. For these issues, we are developing a high-throughput single-cell analysis method and a spatial analysis method. The high-throughput single-cell multi-epigenomics technology visualizes the dynamics of transcription factors and histone modifications associated with cell state changes based on pseudotome analysis. In spatial analysis, our spatial multi-omics technology simultaneously analyzes signal transduction and associated gene expression on tissue. In this seminar, we would like to introduce these latest findings.

Any read length - short and long.
Applications of highly accurate Nanopore sequencing.
Co-sponsored: K.K. Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Facilitator
Mami Arai (K.K. Oxford Nanopore Technologies)

Speaker
Challenges of On-site Paleogenomics - Deciphering ancient genome from human and animal bones excavated from archaeological sites in the world
Takashi Gakuhari (Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resources, Kanazawa University)

Speaker
Short and long read applications with highly accurate nanopore sequencers
Mari Miyamoto (K.K. Oxford Nanopore Technologies)

Detail

Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. Any read length - short and long. Perform comprehensive analysis of samples using nanopore-based sensing technology, developed for real-time, accurate, accessible, and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA — whether at the bench or in the field.

Research Abroad From Longing to Doing
Co-sponsored: Toyobo Biotechnology Foundation

Organizer
Shigeru Kondo (Osaka University)

Organizer
Shigeo Hayashi (RIKEN BDR)

Speaker
Paths are made by walking
Tomoko Yamaguchi (Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University)

Speaker
Twin research in Finland, the happiest country in the world
Shunsuke Toyoda (Center for Twin Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine)

Speaker
Ups and Downs and Rights and Left: Navigating Work and Life in Switzerland
Saori Yoshii (Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
The Checkered Story of Studying in San Diego
Daisuke Matsumoto (Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University)

Detail

In this seminar, we will share our experiences of studying abroad to encourage those researchers who have longed to study abroad but have not been able to do so due to reasons such as "fear of living abroad," "lack of confidence in language skills," and "financial concerns".

New technology for bioluminescence measurement and electrophoretic separation
Co-sponsored: ATTO Corporation

chairperson
Hidehiro Kubota (ATTO　Corpration)

Speaker
Multicolor Bioluminescent Reporter Cells in the Search and Evaluation of Physiologically Active Substances
Yoshihiro Ohmiya (National Institute of AIST)

Speaker
Ultimate Precast Gel with Novel Crosslinker for High-Molecular-Weight Protein Separation
Hiroko Fujiu (ATTO Co., R & D division)

Detail

Our team have established a multicolored reporter assay system, using luciferases from different beetles with distinct emission colors, for evaluating bioactive compounds based on the complicated cellular mechanism. In this presentation, I'll present successful assessments of bioactive substance effects in living cells over time by combining this system with ATTO's Kronos equipment. I'll also explain OECD guidelines for multi-color luminescent cells used in skin sensitization testing and ISO/DIS 24421 the standardization of measuring bioluminescence.

Introducing the ultimate precast gel, enhanced with a novel cross-linking agent. It boasts larger pores and higher strength, allowing clearer separation of proteins over 500 kDa without clogging. This gel also excels in blotting operations, ensuring tear-free transfers and is perfect for Native-PAGE, including BN-PAGE.

Accelerating the Development of Cell and Gene Therapy
Co-sponsored: VectorBuilder Inc.

chairperson
Miho Matakatsu (Managing Director VectorBuilder Japan Inc.)

Speaker
Cancer therapy research using genetically engineered iPS cells
Shin Kaneko (Dept. of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University (Deputy Director & Professor))

Speaker
End-to-end CDMO experience to accelerate cell & gene therapy development
Cole Cheng（Application Scientist VectorBuilder China Inc.）

Speaker
AAV Capsid Evolution
William Zhang (Application Scientist VectorBuilder China Inc.)

Detail

Highlights of the first half of the seminar
For T cell immunotherapy, the important points for having a good clinical benefit is to keep antigen-specificity, younger memory function and a high quantity of therapeutic T cells. Although CD19 CAR- T-cell immunotherapy has had tremendous success, some patients do not respond well because of insufficient quality and quantity of the patient’s T cell for CAR modification and CAR-T function in the body. iPS reprogramming technology can instill anti- cancer T cells a younger phenotype, clonality and quantity. Also, in cases using non-T cell derived non-antigen-specific iPS cells, antigen-specific receptor modification of the iPSC can give cancer-specificity to the differentiated T cells. To establish such a regenerative and rejuvenated T cell immunotherapy, we developed a system to efficiently produce T cells from iPS cells. In this presentation, we will introduce basic research and clinical development of iPSC-based immune cells modified by antigen-specific receptors.
Highlights of the second half of the seminar
VectorBuilder’s end-to-end CDMO solutions
VectorBuilder is here to assist researchers and biopharma to mitigate risks when developing viral vector-based drug pipelines. In this seminar, Dr Cheng is going to analyze the global CGT big picture and summarize the pain points in a fresh angle on the CGT manufacturing from the perspective of a CDMO. With increasing number of CGT pipelines entering clinical phases, the demand of large-scale production of the gene delivering viral vectors rises exponentially. Bottlenecks in the manufacturing process as well as GMP production capabilities have to be tackled to satisfy both the local and the global markets. Dr Cheng will introduce VectorBuilder’s end-to-end CDMO solutions and technology platforms to facilitate process development and GMP manufacturing.
VectorBuilder’s AAV capsid evolution
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a highly popular gene delivery vector for a wide range of gene therapy and vaccine applications, thanks to its broad tropism, prolonged transgene expression, non-pathogenicity, and low immunogenicity. However, several problems with existing AAV serotypes limit their therapeutic potential. First, many clinical applications require tissue-specificities that are unmet by existing serotypes. Second, even if a tissue of therapeutic interest is covered by known tropism, transduction efficiency may be too low along with potentially undesirable tropism for off-target tissues. Third, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies may block their efficient delivery initially or with repeated drug administration. Lastly, some serotypes are inherently difficult to manufacture at high titer, purity and stability. To overcome these limitations, directed AAV capsid evolution is a powerful method to accelerate the development of novel AAV variants with improved features. Directed evolution of AAV capsid is performed by mutating the wild-type AAV capsid gene to generate highly diverse AAV capsid libraries, which are then screened in vitro or in vivo to identify novel capsid variants with improved properties. Since directed evolution does not require prior knowledge of the structure-function relationship of proteins, it is often preferred over rational design for AAV capsid engineering.

Biomarker and therapeutic development using extracellular vesicles
Co-sponsored: FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation

chairperson
Naoto Shimada (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation)

Speaker
Atsunori Tsuchiya (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University)

Speaker
ShotaroMasuda (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation)

Detail

Extracellular vesicles are vesicles around 100 nm in diameter produced by all types of cells. They are stable and covered with a lipid bilayer membrane, and contain many proteins and nucleic acids such as miRNA inside. We discovered a new liver fibrosis marker, Fibulin-4, by proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles in patient serum. We have also been developing therapeutic strategies using extracellular vesicles of mesenchymal stem cells to improve fibrosis and promote regeneration in cirrhosis. In this seminar, we would like to introduce our efforts using extracellular vesicles.

Utilizing QIAGEN IPA analysis to uncover the key molecule enhancing heart failure improvement on a high plant-derived fat diet
Co-sponsored: QIAGEN K.K.

chairperson
Nahoko Sakai (QIAGEN K.K.)

Speaker
Satoshi Bujo (Department of Advanced Clinical Science and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
Review of the benefits of QIAGEN IPA
Miho Sera (QIAGEN K.K.)

Detail

RNA-seq analysis is widely used to understand the molecular mechanisms of the phenomena being analyzed. However, constructing a hypothesis that guides the molecular mechanism from gene expression changes is not easy. In this seminar, Dr. Bujo et al. of the University of Tokyo will introduce an example that clarified the molecular mechanism of the heart failure improvement effect of a high plant-derived fat diet. Learn how QIAGEN IPA can be used to interpret RNA-seq data for faster and smoother hypothesis development. If you are aiming to elucidate molecular mechanisms through interpretation of omics data, please join us.

Need support for your KAKENHI research?
Sure, we can!
Co-sponsored: Committee on Promoting Collaboration in Life Sciences

chairperson
Mutsuhiro Takekawa (The Institute of Medical Science,The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
Introduction of activities of Committee on Promoting Collaboration in Life Sciences
Mutsuhiro Takekawa (The Institute of Medical Science,The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
Introduction of supporting activities of Advanced Bioimaging Support
Kiyokazu Agata (National Institute of Basic Biology)

Speaker
Introduction of supporting activities of Advanced Bioimaging Support
Shoji Mano (National Institute of Basic Biology)

Speaker
Introduction of supporting activities of Platform for Advanced Genome Science
Hiroshi Mori (National Institute of Genetics)

Speaker
Introduction of supporting activities of Platform of Supporting Cohort
Study and Biospecimen Analysis
Yoshinori Murakami (The Institute of Medical Science,The University of Tokyo)

Speaker
Introduction of supporting activities of Advanced Animal Model Support
Hiroyuki Seimiya (Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research)

Detail

We will introduce the support activities of four platforms that support the research of researchers in the field of life science who have obtained MEXT KAKENHI.

Your Live Imaging System with Unprecedented Resolution and Speed ZEISS Elyra 7 with Lattice SIM2
Co-sponsored: Carl Zeiss Co., Ltd.

chairperson
Akira Sato (Carl Zeiss Co., Ltd.)

Speaker
Kayoko Suenaga（Carl Zeiss Co., Ltd.）

Speaker
Atsushi　Miyawaki（RIKEN）

Detail

Super-resolution microscopy is expanding in various ways in the life science field due to its technological advances and growing needs.
Especially in live cell imaging, there is a growing demand for higher resolution, higher speed, and lower damage.
In this seminar, we will introduce ZEISS Elyra7with Lattice SIM2, a high-speed, super-resolution live cell imaging system that improves SIM resolution by a factor of 2 and enables clear observation of sub-organelle structures.
Atsushi Miyawaki Atsushi Miyawaki, M.D., Ph.D. from RIKEN will give a talk on his current research using super-resolution microscopy.

Various tools enabling convenient and reliable low-quantity next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis.
Co-sponsored: Takara bio inc.

Speaker
Easy-to-use and reliable library preparation using SMART-Seq
Yoshitaka Kimura (TAKARA BIO INC.)

Detail

At Takara Bio, we specialize in offering cutting-edge NGS library preparation reagents, including SMART technology, ThruPLEX and PicoPLEX technologies, which enable analysis of single cells, minute RNA samples, and low-input DNA samples. The importance of NGS using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, which are stored in abundance at hospitals and research institutions, is rapidly growing. We anticipate that the ease of use and reliability of our library preparation reagents will make a significant contribution in this field.

Viral Nucleic Acid Detection Test by PCR and Quality Control of PCR Testing
Co-sponsored: Roche Diagnostics K.K.・Nippon Genetics Co.,Ltd.

Speaker
Viral Nucleic Acid Detection Test by PCR and Quality Control of PCR Testing
Tsutomu Kageyama (National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

Detail

In early 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic (pandemic) of acute respiratory infections caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus was discovered by comprehensive pathogen genome analysis using next-generation sequencing from a patient’s clinical specimen with pneumonia symptoms in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. Its full-length viral genome sequence, later named SARS-CoV-2, was published on January 10, 2020. It is difficult to prepare a method ofdetection for a completely novel and unknown pathogen before its emergence, so a novel method to detect it must be developed after identification of the pathogen. Recently, other examples of novel pathogens that suddenly appeared and spread among people include HIV, influenza A virus (H1N1)pdm09 (AH1pdm), Mpox virus and, etc. AH1pdm originated from the swine influenza virus, which caused a pandemic in 2009 in the world, and real-time RT-PCR was initially used for virus identification.
PCR is widely used as one of the common methods for gene amplification in life science research, and the keyword ""PCR test"" is now widely known to the public due to the pandemic of the new coronavirus.
In this seminar, Dr. Tsutomu Kageyama, Director, Laboratory Network Group, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, who is a leading expert in genetic diagnosis of viral pathogens, will give a presentation from the perspective of developing and perfoming test and diagnosis about the use of PCR and other methods for genetic testing in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and on laboratory accuracy management to implement highly accurate genetic testing, entitled "" Viral Nucleic Acid Detection Test by PCR and Quality Control of PCR Testing“
In addition, a new product, LightCycler Pro, was launched by Roche in November 2023 for real-time PCR devices, which are important for PCR testing.
The features of the product will be introduced.

Congenital Diseases and AAV Gene Therapy
- The respective efforts of clinicians, basic researchers, and industry
Co-sponsored: VectorBuilder Inc.

moderator
Shoko Nishimura (East Japan Sales Territory Manager VectorBuilder Japan Inc.)

Speaker
Development of Gene Therapy Using Viral Vectors - Possibilities of Gene Therapy from a Pediatric Endocrinologist's Perspective
Yasuhiro Naiki (Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Medical Subspecialities, National Center for Child Health and Development)

Speaker
VectorBuilder's CRO/CDMO Technology to Support Cell and Gene Therapy
Miho Matakatsu (Managing Director VectorBuilder Japan Inc.)

Detail

Highlights of the first half of the seminar
It has been more than 30 years since the world's first gene therapy for patients with congenital immunodeficiency diseases was administered in the United States in 1990. During this time more effective and safer viral vectors have been developed. Today, gene therapy is either in clinical trials or already covered by insurance for several diseases, mostly for cancer, neurological diseases, immune disorders, and hematological diseases. In a broader sense, the anti-COVID-19 vaccines are also included in gene therapy. We have focused our attention on congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia, a disease subject to neonatal mass screening, and have developed a gene therapy model for this disease. This disease is a relatively frequent single gene abnormality that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 live births in Japan, and since steroid hormone synthesis is impaired, the patient requires lifelong treatment with oral steroid hormone therapy after diagnosis in the neonatal period and is always at risk of adrenal shock. We have succeeded in obtaining enzyme activity by gene transfer using adenovirus-associated viral vectors in mouse models of the disease and in fibroblasts derived from patients. After the publication of these results, a clinical trial of gene therapy based on our method is already underway in the United States. In addition to this disease, there are many other congenital diseases that can be cured or alleviated simply by introducing normal genes. We pediatricians continue to look forward to new gene therapy drugs, and in view of the huge medical costs of gene therapy drugs, we hope that new drugs will be developed in Japan.
Highlights of the second half of the seminar
VectorBuilder is a global leader in gene delivery technologies and helps to accelerate CGT drug development. With high-throughput vector production, one-on-one CRO solutions, and state-of-the-art GMP facilities, VectorBuilder team strives to provide effective gene delivery solutions for researchers and physicians. For recent years, we have been studying to build a custom AAV vector system to treat Menkes disease, a rare pediatric genetic disease. At this presentation, I will introduce our CDMO capabilities, R&D efforts to improve the gene delivery vectors, and a background of recent IIT.

Recapitulating Kidney Proximal Tubule and Tumor Microenvironment Using Microphysiological Systems (MPS) With Vascular Network
Co-sponsored: Evident Corporation

chairperson
Yuichiro Imai (Evident Corporation)

Speaker
Recapitulating Kidney Proximal Tubule and Tumor Microenvironment Using Microphysiological Systems (MPS) With Vascular Network
Ryuji Yokokawa (Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University)

Detail

TBA

From analytical technology to AI!
Introducing the latest cell analysis technologies from Shimadzu
Co-sponsored: Shimadzu Corp.

chairperson
Jun Watanabe (Shimadzu Corp.)

Speaker
The latest solutions to accelerate glycan analysis
Hirotaka Kuroda (Shimadzu Corp.)

Speaker
Break free from trial-and-error !!
Optimization of cell culture conditions by LCMS media analysis x AI
Takashi Suzuki (Shimadzu Corp.)

Detail

【Lecture 1】
Glycan profile is one of the quality attributes of pharmaceuticals based on glycoproteins, such as antibody therapeutics. It has been recently reported that glycan profile is affected by the concentration of metal ions (cofactors for glycosyltransferases) in culture media and sugar and sugar nucleotides (glycan substrates) inside and outside of cells. The technologies for measuring these factors will be introduced.

【Lecture 2】
Cell culture is a fundamental process in regenerative medicine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. However, the medium and culture conditions vary from cell to cell, and it has been necessary to examine the culture conditions by trial and error each time. To solve this problem, we have developed a data-driven method that combines LCMS media multi-component analysis and AI optimization.

A new era of neuroimaging unlocked by laser microscopes
Co-sponsored: NIKON SOLUTIONS CO.,LTD.

chairperson
Masako Ino (NIKON SOLUTIONS CO.,LTD.)

Speaker
Light microscopy-based connectomics for studying neuronal circuit development
Takeshi Imai (Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University)

Speaker
Activity pattern-dependent olfactory map refinement
Haruki Takeuchi (Graduate School of Science, The university of Tokyo)

Detail

Detail1
Understanding the development of neuronal circuits is essential to studying brain function and its dysfunction. Since neural circuits are networks composed of many kinds of cells, it is difficult to understand the key phenomena of the developmental process without looking at a complete picture of the network. Our group has been working on the development of labeling, tissue clearing, and image analysis techniques to study the circuit anatomy from microscopic to mesoscopic scales with fluorescence microscopy. Now that large amounts of image data can be easily obtained, automated data analysis using machine learning has also become an important topic. In this talk, I would like to discuss some issues with these technologies and present our recent studies on circuit development using these techniques.

Detail2
In the mammalian brain, neural circuits emerge through the interplay of genetic programming and activity-dependent processes. During the development of the mouse olfactory neural circuit, the olfactory receptors responsible for the reception of odor molecules regulate axonal segregation in an activity-dependent manner, but the detailed mechanism by which electrical neuronal activity causes structural changes in the olfactory neural circuit has not been fully elucidated.
In this seminar, I will discuss recent progress in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying activity-dependent neuronal circuit formation.

Biotechnology Short Seminar

Next Generation Sequencing by NEBNext, the proven and trusted library prep kit
Co-sponsored: New England Biolabs Japan Inc.

chairperson
Naoki Yoshida (New England Biolabs Japan Inc.)

Speaker
Yohei Hanazaki (New England Biolabs Japan Inc.)

Detail

The first half of the presentation will focus on NEBNext's reliable and proven library preparation kits, with a detailed introduction of the Ultra II DNA/RNA Library Preparation Kit, the core of the product line. The second half of the presentation will focus on the new products released this year and introduce NEBNext's dedicated kits that meet your various needs.

Reborn of Nucleic Acid Amplification and Analyzing Technologies for viral mass testing
Co-sponsored: BioSeeds Corporation

Chair
Yasukawa Kiyoshi (Kyoto University)

Speaker
「RICCA kit」
A new protocol for rapid and robust isothermal RNA/DNA amplifications
Biyani Manish (BioSeeds Corporation)

Speaker
「BioMuRun Analyzer」A low-cost and portable RNA/DNA analysis system
Biyani Manish (BioSeeds Corporation)

Detail

In the first part, we will introduce RICCA (RNA Isothermal Co-Assisted Coupled Amplification) which is a newly developed in vitro Nucleic Acid-based diagnostic technology for ‘Lab-free, Lab-quality’ detection of COVID-19 or other RNA viruses directly in saliva samples within 30 min.
In the second half, we will introduce a new design of the 5-min and 1-inch polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system, which is a completely stand-alone device that combines four components necessary for genotyping assay including power supply, electrophoresis unit, real-time gel imaging unit, and genotype variants detection technology. This is a must-see for those who routinely use gel electrophoresis.

Novel Antibodies for the Characterization of CAR-T Cells
Co-sponsored: Cell Signaling Technology Japan, K.K.

chairperson
Yuri Kouda (Cell Signaling Technology Japan, K.K.)

Speaker
Tsutomu Hashizume (Cell Signaling Technology Japan, K.K.)

Detail

CAR-T therapy has shown remarkable success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and could potentially be leveraged to safely treat solid tumors and diseases of senescence, such as fibrotic liver disease and diabetes.
To aid characterizing CAR-T cells, Cell Signaling Technology (CST) has developed a novel antibody designed to recognize a broad range of CAR-expressing cells. This first-to-market antibody can also be incorporated into flow cytometry panels. In this seminar, we will explain the features of the new antibody and the principle of detecting CAR-expressing cells, along with the actual data obtained.

How to turn your research into a biotech startup
Co-sponsored: Shinsei Capital Partners, Ltd.

Speaker
Tetsuya Kurihara (Shinsei Capital Partners, Ltd.)

Detail

Do you think it is too difficult to create a biotech startup?
You may be thinking, "My research is not up to that level yet," or "What's the difference between collaborative research and a biotech startup?" “I want to create, but I don't have the time.”
I believe that the cause of such uneasiness is the lack of understanding of the process and the funding. In this session, a venture capitalist who has experience creating university-launched startups will explain such questions.