Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates. While earlier research linked gut fungi translocation to SAP, the specific mechanism was unclear. Japanese researchers have now pinpointed the protein "LRRK2" as the key trigger for SAP induced by gut fungi.
Japanese scientists have now discovered the specific genes responsible for this phenomenon. Their findings show that the incomplete activation of the Alyref and Gabpb1 genes causes early embryonic arrest, while the supplementation of these genes supports normal embryonic growth. These findings could guide genetic manipulation strategies to optimize animal cloning.
Now, based on detailed computer simulations of the early outer solar system, researchers from Japan predict the possibility of an undiscovered Earth-like planet beyond Neptune orbiting the Sun. Should this prediction come true, it could revolutionize our understanding of the history of the solar system.
Now, Japanese researchers have discovered a key regulatory mechanism involved in C9orf72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/ frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (C9-ALS/FTD). Their findings indicate that in C9-ALS/FTD, the human FUS protein can interact with RNAs containing GGGGCC repeats and suppress their translation by altering their three-dimensional structures, inhibiting neurodegeneration.
Now, a global consortium of researchers has pinpointed that non-inheritable mutations within the cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) gene of these "aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs)" inhibit communication between aldosterone-producing cells, resulting in hormonal overproduction. These findings provide a potent new target for the development of drugs to treat hypertension caused by APAs.
A team of researchers from Japan has recently developed a non-destructive ‘metabarcoding’ method for collecting the environmental DNA of terrestrial arthropod communities from water flowing over plant surfaces, which could revolutionize how we document terrestrial arthropods.
Advanced pancreatic cancer is typically treated with chemotherapeutic drugs like gemcitabine. However, resistance to these drugs over time may result in treatment failure. Researchers from Japan have now revealed the genetic mechanisms behind this drug resistance.
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is usually treated with steroids, which may cause severe side effects. Now, researchers from Japan suggest that the selective activation of the transcription factor - aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) - could inhibit the development of AIP with minimal side effects.
- First time selling of “aosa miso soup with Kindai tuna backbone extract” overseas - Selected as a local specialty product to be introduced at the Wakayama Fair in multiple markets in the United States
- Analyzed the number of progeny conidia dispersed in a lifetime from a single strawberry powdery mildew colony - Revealed that the releases of progeny conidia from the colonies are affected by the day length and light intensity - These results could connect to a new method of disease controls that are independent of agricultural chemicals
- Conducted metabolomic analysis on human hepatoma cell lines which were exposed to mitochondrial toxic compounds - Utilized bioinformatics to identify the indicator molecule which determines the mechanism of mitochondrial toxicity - These results could be applied to a new toxicity assessment method in the drug development field
- A species of begomovirus yet to be reported in Japan has been identified in Okinawa-grown tomatoes - The newly identified begomovirus is prone to cause disease in virus-resistant tomatoes - The study alerts for the invasion of foreign viruses to the tomato producing areas across Japan
- The team discovered that type I interferon, one of the inflammatory cytokines, is involved in exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. - An enzyme that inhibits the activity of type I interferons has been identified as a novel therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease. - This research offers insights into the development of new treatments for intractable inflammatory bowel disease.
Elucidated the mechanism of immune cell activation by extracellular vesicles of lactobacillus Identified outer surface proteins of extracellular vesicles that affect immune activation The findings of this research will lead to the development of technologies to improve intestinal environment and to maintain healthy physical functions.
Discovered a transcription factor called “OsERF101” that plays an important role in rice immunity Elucidated the mechanism by which rice pathogen recognition receptor activates immunity by recognizing the most important virulence factors of the pathogens. Expected that this research will contribute to a new development of disease-resistant plants.
Discovered that intestinal barrier dysfunction exacerbates autoimmune pancreatitis The pathogenic bacterium of autoimmune pancreatitis, an intractable disease, was identified as an intestinal bacterium, Staphylococcus sciuri Suggested that maintenance of a healthy intestinal environment may lead to the prevention and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis
- Analyzing DNA data of approximately 10,000 cases, the team developed a new program to classify solid tumors into eight genomic subtypes - Demonstrated that these eight classifications were significantly associated with ICI efficacy - The results of this study will help predict response to ICI therapy on solid tumors and improve prognosis
- The first research focused on the usage of masks and bacteria and fungi attached to the face-side and the outer-side of masks -Recommended avoiding repeated use of masks (no more than one day) for people with weak immunity since potentially harmful microbes were found -This study will provide new insights into the appropriate and hygienic use of face masks under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our joint research on lightning disaster prevention has been selected for SATREPS Promoting this research in collaboration with ODA. Real-time 3D imaging of charge distribution in thunderclouds and forecasting of lightning activity based on the observation technology cultivated over the years, it aims to prevent and mitigate disaster in Malaysia where the annual lightning day exceeds 200 days.
As a part of the “Top Global University Project” led by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the “University of Nairobi - Soka University Liaison Office” was established in the Education Building of the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Africa.
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