Department of Genome Informatics

To investigate the molecular biological mechanisms of genes involving in human diseases, we make genetically manipulated animals with developmental biotechnology. We also promote molecular biological researches in Osaka University and hold general gene engineering and animal experiment training courses.

1) Production of Gene-Knockout Mice

We develop efficient gene-targeting methods and culture high-quality embryonic stem (ES) cell strains. We have facilities for feeding genetically manipulated animals, specially gene-knockout mice.

2) Transcriptional Mechanisms of Cardiac and Vascular Specific Genes

We study gene structures and expression mechanisms of the six human action genes. Several cis-acting DNA elements and transcriptional factors are identified in the cardiac and vascular specific actin genes. As cardiovascular diseases are serious problems in human adult diseases, we approach from the analyses of cardiovascular specific transcriptional systems.

3) Tissue-Specific Gene Expression Vectors in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells-specific gene expression vector was developed from the actin gene. As it is one cause of atherosclerosis that VSM cells exchange cell-types in diseases parts, this vector can regulate cell-type exchange and is a useful tool for gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases.

4) Development of Animal Model for Multi-Step Carcinogenesis

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Staff

	Associate Professor	MIWA,  Takeshi

	Research Associate	SHIRAI, Manabu

	Research Associate	OZEKI, Shuji