Systems Glycobiology Research Group
Group Director
Naoyuki Taniguchi

- Brief resume
- 1972
- D.Med., Hokkaido University
- 1976
- Visiting Associate Professor, Cornell University, USA
- 1978
- Associate Professor, Hokkaido University
- 1986
- Professor/Chair, Osaka University
- 2006
- Professor Emeritus/Endowed Chair Professor, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University
- 2007
- Group Director, Systems Glycobiology Research Group, RIKEN (-current)
- 2009
- Endowed Chair Professor, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University
- 2011
- Guest Professor, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University (-current)
- 2011
- Team Leader, Disease Glycoprobe Team, RIKEN (-current)
Outline
Over 50% of proteins are glycosylated, and glycosylation reaction is one of the most important post-translational modifications of proteins. The sugar chains have different kinds of functions, which we are unable to understand from research on DNA, RNA and proteins. This project focuses on the structure and functions of glycoproteins, and we aim to elucidate (1) abnormality of signaling via membrane receptor glycans, and underlying disease mechanism; (2) novel metabolic pathways of free glycans and then roles in the quality control of glycoproteins; (3) tertiary structures of glycans and their roles in molecular recognition; and (4) to develop single-molecule imaging of glycans. Through these efforts we will pursue basic research, which may develop biomarkers and therapeutics for diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, lifestyle-related diseases and neuromuscular degenerative diseases.
Research Teams
- Team Leader
- Naoyuki Taniguchi
We analyzed the role of glycans in development and differentiation under physiological conditions, and impaired signals in the lifeestyle-related diseases such as COPD, tumor angiogenesis and Alzheimer's disease.
- Team Leader
- Tadashi Suzuki
We are currently trying to identify other players involved in this process, and examining a number of approaches to analyze the physiological importance of this non-lysosomal metabolic pathway.
- Team Leader
- Yoshiki Yamaguch
Our team aims to reveal the functions of glycans through the three-dimensional structures of glycoproteins and oligosaccharide-related proteins.
- Team Leader
- Takashi Angata
Our team studies how glycan-recognition proteins in our body recognize these aberrantly glycosylated cells, and how they contribute to repair or remove these “sick” cells.
Core Members
| Principal Investigator |
|
add |
delete |
| Naoyuki Taniguchi |
Group Director |
|
|
| Staff Scientist |
|
add |
delete |
| Postdoctoral Fellow |
|
add |
delete |
| Student Trainee |
|
add |
delete |
| Technical Assistant |
|
add |
delete |
| Administrative Assistant |
|
add |
delete |
| Visiting Research Staff |
|
add |
delete |
Please see Research Team page for other members.