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Laboratory of Genome Stress Signaling

Research activity

Stress on genomic DNA is a major cause of cancer. Genomic stress caused by environmental factors (e.g., tobacco, ultraviolet rays), genetic factors (e.g., BRCA1 mutations), and DNA replication factors (e.g., unfortunate mistakes in DNA replication) causes alteration of genetic information in genomic DNA (e.g., DNA mutations). These DNA alterations cause further genomic stress (DNA replication stress) during DNA replication by accruing driver mutations or by loss of tumor suppressor. DNA replication stress induces DNA replication errors, as well as the loss, amplification, or translocation of parts of DNA (genomic instability), which promotes the development of cancer. We are investigating "genome stress signaling ", which asks how cells respond to such genomic stress and how cell fate is determined. We are focusing on DNA replication stress to answer questions such as "Why does cancer occur? (How do normal cells evolve into cancer cells?), and we aim to find the "weak points" in genome stress signaling of cancer and develop new treatments. Genomic stress response mechanisms are a double-edged sword that is closely related to cancer development and cancer treatment. In our laboratory, we are deeply pursuing genome stress signaling through molecular biological and biochemical methods with cell models, validation studies using animal models, and TR studies to bring the results from the bench to the bed. Based on the above, we are constantly working on research for a future where cancer can be prevented and cured.

For those who are interested in our research project

The Laboratory of Genomic Stress Signaling is a research unit launched by Bunsyo Shiotani in October 2021 and conducts research elucidating cancer development mechanisms involving genomic stress signaling and the development of novel cancer therapies. We accept a wide range of researchers from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, science, engineering, and agriculture, including those who want to do basic research using molecular biology and animal models, and those who want to work on TR research that is closer to clinical practice. We are looking for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students (master's course and doctoral course), and undergraduate students. It is also possible to obtain a degree at the cooperating graduate school. We welcome visits and consultations at any time, so please feel free to contact Dr. Shiotani at bshiotan●ncc.go.jp.