A research group led by Senior Assistant Professor Yasuhiro Suzuki at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, through a collaborative research with a research group led by Senior Assistant Professor Kohsuke Gonda at Department of Nano-Medical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, and Professor Hideo Higuchi at Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, has developed a method for direct visualization and analysis of the dynamics of HIV-1 TAT protein on the cell membrane, with 7-nanometer spatial precision, for the first time in the world. Using this method, we have observed TAT protein bind to transmembrane protein on the surface of the cell and enter the cell, in each individual TAT protein molecule, and have successfully revealed the mechanism by which TAT protein enters the cell. The observation and the analysis of the TAT protein kinetics in an individual molecular level will enable us to develop the way to control progression of AIDS. In addition, utilizing characteristics of TAT protein, it is expected that the method of protein transduction to the cell will be improved tremendously and will be applied in various situations, such as regenerative medicine and treatment for cancer.

More information (Japanese)

[Contact]

Senior Assistant Professor Yasuhiro Suzuki

Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases,

Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

TEL: +81-22-717-8220, FAX: +81-22-717-8221

E-Mail: suzukiy39*med.tohoku.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

Senior Assistant Professor Kohsuke Gonda

Department of Nano-Medical Science,

Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

TEL: +81-22-795-4735, FAX: +81-22-795-5753

E-Mail: gonda*med.tohoku.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

Professor Hideo Higuchi

Department of Physics,

Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo

TEL: +81-3-5841-4128, FAX: +81-3-5841-7646

E-Mail: higuchi*phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

[Public Relations]

Associate professor Fuji Nagami

Public Relations Office of Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

Tel: +81-22-717-7908, Fax: +81-22-717-8187

E-mail: f-nagami*med.tohoku.ac.jp (Replace * with @)