■ Contact ： Research Promotion Affairs Division

Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 JAPANTEL 076-264-5296E-mail rinfi@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University

https://infiniti.adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Institute forFrontierScience Initiat ive

Published in April, 2018

Resea r ch Depa r tmen t

Within the Research Department, the central body of the Institute, there are three research cores: Cancer Research Core, Innovative Integrated Bio-Research Core, and Future Society Creation Research Core. Also, each core consists of multiple units which promote interdisciplinary research to open new fields of scientific inquiry. New disciplines and differentiations are often created from collisions and confluences between variety of different academic fields and different cultures. Researchers, belong-ing to each research core and each research unit, have graduated from distinctive universities and faculties. Therefore, they promote influential research in society through collisions and confluences. In addition, prominent researchers inside and outside Japan are taking part in InFiniti as Research professors (Invitation Type) and young Principal Investigators are active in InFiniti.

Promotion of interdisciplinary researchThis department provides seminars on specialized research fields and interdisciplinary studies to extend research field of young researchers, and also provides opportunities of interdisciplinary laboratory to Ph.D students.

Establishment of international research networkThis department supports travel fee for research and study in foreign universities or research institute and presentations in international conferences held abroad to establish international network and to enhance cross-cultural understanding and communication skills in foreign language.

Research Support Department aims at accomplishing the major results in short-term through support of research in InFiniti.Specifically, we support researchers through cooperation with Organization of Frontier Science and Innovation which is a research support institution at Kanazawa University.

Higher Education Department aims to cultivate spirits of interdiscipline, comprehensiveness and internationality to young researchers of InFiniti and Ph.D students in Kanazawa University.

■Support for acquiring competitive research funds by University Research Administrators (URA) ■Support for contracting cooperative researches by holding exchange meetings between researchers in different fields■Support for enhancing research environment of young researchers by securing the research space and encouragement to use of research apparatus inside and outside University■Support for dispatch of research results toward within and outside Japan

Resea r ch Suppo r t Depa r tmen t

H i ghe r Educa t i o n Depa r tmen t

Institute for Frontier Science Initiative（InFiniti） was newly established in April 2015. Our mission is to enable innovative research achievements and promote interdisciplinary research that may create new research areas. In so doing, we aim to enhance the research fields that Kanazawa University has an advantage, develop interdisciplinary research, and promote the international circu-lation of talented researchers. Hereafter, we envisage that the innovative areas in our institute, which emerge from fusion of hetero-geneity of various disciplines, will make remark-able breakthroughs.

We believe that fostering young scientists holds the key. It is essential to produce research personnel who are interdisciplinary, compre-hensive, and international and that can face

and challenge various serious problems affect-ing mankind. To this end, we established Higher Education Department and develop and offer various research support programs for young teachers and graduate students. Also, we will actively participate in Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative which we started April 2018 together with Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Towards the openingnew academic fields

31%Lorernipsum

45%Lorernipsum

16%Lorernipsum

ResearchSupport

HigherEducationDepartment

Department

ResearchDepartment

Jiro SakamotoDirector

Research Department

Koichi IiyamaDirector

Higher Education Department

Yoshinobu NakanishiDirector

Research Support Department

02

Shinichi NakamuraDirector General

Institute for Frontier Science InitiativeKanazawa University

Director General

Vice Director General

Research Department

Research Department Higher Education Department

　Research Support Department

Higher Education Department Research Support Department

As of September 1, 2016

Innovative Cancer ModelResearch Unit

Cancer Stem CellResearch Unit

Tumor MicroenvironmentResearch Unit

Molecular Therapeutic TargetResearch Unit

Cancer Research Core

Research on elucidation of malignant progression mechanism and develop-ment of innovative cancer treatment

■ Invitation of eminent researchers from 　 　 　 abroad■ Reinforcement of networking with 　 　 　 　 international academic communities

Innovative IntegratedBio-Research CoreResearch and development on next generation biotechnology contributing to society with health and longevity as well as sustainability

Future Society CreationResearch Core

Research and development on technologies for future society with mechanisms of sustainability

New Endeavors and Reinforcement of Functions About the Organization

Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University

Leading universities around the globe Research institutions around the globe

Research Professor (RP)■ Research teams in which young PIs 　 play central roles■ Opportunities for research in foreign 　 labs■ Enhancement of sabbaticals

Young Principal Investigator■ Enhancement of studying abroad■ Participation in international academic meetings■ Participation in international collaborative 　 　 　 research projects■ Research guidance by participating researchers 　 of Research Units

Selected PhD Students

Strategic placement of research professors and 16 young PIs

Intensive reinforcement of research perfor-mance and promotion of integrated research

Special support for young investigators and graduate students

Support by URAs for interdisciplinary and international research projects

Inter-laboratory training of high quality

Cancer Research Core　

Innovative Integrated Bio-Research Core

Future Society Creation Research Core

Outcomes Expected

Establishment ofworld-leadingresearch bases

Organizationaldevelopment

■ Performance reinforcement of Cancer Research Institute■ Establishment of a new institute based on the outcomes of Research Department (FY2018)■ Multiple research fields to be within 100 in academic world rankings (FY2021)

■ Co-establishment of Transdisciplinary Sciences graduate school with JAIST, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (FY 2018)■ Reorganization of current system based on colleges and schools■ Establishment of international Joint Degree programs and others

Department

Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research by Taking Advantage of the University’s ComprehensivenessAbout InF in i t i

InFiniti consists of three units: Research Department, Higher Education Department, and Research Support Department.Research Department promotes interdisciplinary research to open new fields of scientific inquiry.Higher Education Department cultivates young researchers to acquire interdisciplinarity, comprehensiveness, and internationali-ty.In addition, Research Support Department supports the activities of the Research and Higher Education Departments.

Establishment of international brain circulation mechanisms

Professors／11 Associate Professors／７ Assistant Professors／13 Grand Total／31

History

Number of Staff

2015　Founding of Institute for Frontier Science Initiative

2016　New research units added.

Unit: Person As of April 1, 2018

03 04

High-speed AFM for BiologicalResearch Unit

Discovering Molecular ProbesResearch Unit

Metabolism and NutritionResearch Unit

Cell-Bionomics Research Unit

Advanced Health Care ScienceResearch Unit

Mathematical NeuroscienceResearch Unit

International Cooperation Networkingfor Cultural Heritages Research Unit

Autonomous Vehicle Research Unit

Renewable Energy Research Unit

Functional Supramolecular MaterialsResearch Unit

Bio-innovative Design Research Unit

Biomass Refinery Research Unit

Creating Innovative Research Results and Opening New Fields of Scientific Inquiry

Integration of superior research projects at Kanazawa University, and promotion of interdisciplinary research and continuedencouragement of global brain circulation in an organized manner

- High-speed AFM for Biological Research Unit and Advanced Health Care Science Research Unit were added to the Innovative Integrated Bio-Research Core.- Functional Supramolecular Materials Research Unit and Bio-innovative Design Research Unit were added in the Future Society Creation Research Core.

Reform of Governance Strategic placement of professors by President’s initiative

ContentsResearch Department

Innovative basic cancer researchand practical applications

Cancer Research Core

Most of people die from cancer due to cancer metastasis or recurrence of cancer due

to the development of anticancer drug resistance. The process of metastasis and

development of anticancer drug resistance are called malignant progression. Our

research core promotes research on cancer stem cells which are the origins of cancer,

molecular research which cause malignant progression and become target of cancer

treatment, and cancer model research which is the same nature with cancer that

patients develop. Our research core brings together researchers from various fields,

including medicine, science, agriculture, and pharmaceutical science. We promote

innovative basic research and practical application to understand cancer biology and

mechanisms of cancer malignant progression and contribute to cancer treatment.

　Innovative Cancer Model Research Unit

　Cancer Stem Cell Research Unit

　Tumor Microenvironment Research Unit

　Molecular Therapeutic Target Research Unit

07

08

09

10

　International Cooperation Networking for

　Cultural Heritages Research Unit

　Functional Supramolecular Materials Research Unit

　Autonomous Vehicle Research Unit

　Bio-innovative Design Research Unit

　Renewable Energy Research Unit

　Biomass Refinery Research Unit

19

20

21

22

23

24

　High-speed AFM for Biological Research Unit

　Cell-Bionomics Research Unit

　Discovering Molecular Probes Research Unit

　Advanced Health Care Science Research Unit

　Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit

　Mathematical Neuroscience Research Unit

12

13

14

15

16

17

Innovative Integrated Bio-Research Core

Future Society Creation Research Core

Cancer Research Core

05

Innovative Cancer Model Research Unit Cancer Stem Cell Research Unit

Research Content

Unit Leader Unit Leader

GEM model and PDX model

Rapid development of next generation genome sequencing technology has made it possible to analyze genetic information at an ultra-high speed as well as to efficiently identify abnormal genes of cancer cells derived from cancer patients. Introducing such an abnormal gene into mice induces development of a cancer showing characteristics similar to that of the original cancer from the patient. In addition, it is now possible to generate super-immunodeficient mouse models that are xenografted with cancer tissues from cancer patients. This Research Unit aims, by generating those advanced cancer mouse models, to revolutionize basic cancer research and cancer treatment and to open up a new era where “drugs effective in model mice should be effective

in cancer patients” from the current situation where “drugs effective in model mice turn out to be ineffective in cancer patients.”Innovative Cancer Model Research Unit develops new genetical-ly-engineered mouse models (GEM models) and patient-derived cancer tissue-xenografted super-immunodeficient mouse models (PDX models) in an integrated manner. By using such mouse models, this Research Unit promotes research aiming at elucidation of mechanisms of malignant progression of cancers. Both GEM and PDX models are highly appreciated as tools for cancer research and in Japan, they are recognized as a specialty of the Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University.

Research and development of novel genetically-engineered mouse models and patient-derived xeno-graft mouse models in cancer

Specialty：cancer, cancer medical scienceKeyword：cancer, cancer stem cell, oncogene, drugs targeting cancer molecules

Specialty：cancer, cancer medical scienceKeyword：cancer, cancer stem cell, metabolism of cancer, drugs targeting cancer molecules

ProfessorGOTOH, Noriko

ProfessorTAKAHASHI, Chiaki

Professor

GOTOH, Noriko

Unit LeaderAssociate Professor

VOON, Dominic Chih-Cheng

Young Principal Investigator

Research Content

Stem cell medical science and cancer treatment based on stem cell biology

The most important cell in a cancer is the cancer stem cell. Even if 99.9% of cancer cells are killed by anti-cancer agents, 0.1% cancer cells, i.e., cancer stem cells, survive, grow and form a colony after metastasis. This is the reason why cancer stem cells are essential in metastasis, recurrence and resistance against anti-cancer agents. This Research Unit aims to elucidate the mechanisms of cancer generation and progression, and to develop new treatments, by studying normal stem cells and cancer stem cells as well as cancer stem cells from solid tumors and from hematopoietic tumors on the same platform. We expect to obtain special research outcomes that give much impact on this research area. Furthermore, we promote cooperation and collaboration with academia and industry, which should train young researchers capable of coping with the various needs of research and develop-ment.

The followings are specific strategies: Team subject 1. With mouse models of sarcoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer and by using human cells, we search for new cancer treatment targets by studying molecular mechanisms that link carcinogenesis, signaling for cancer inhibition and the undiffer-entiated nature of cancer cells, together with aspects of metabo-lism and inflammation regulation. Team subject 2. We aim to develop new cancer treatments based on stem cell research through investigating mechanisms of the regulation of stem cell self-replication and differentiation by taking into consideration of carcinogenesis and the regulation mechanism of cancer dynamics in the context of stem cell regulation. Team subject 3. We aim to elucidate the roles of physiologically active substances such as chemokines in the competition between cancer stem cells and normal cells observed in the proliferation processes of cancer in the bone marrow. Thus, we aim to develop a new treatment strategy against bone metastasis by targeting potentially important molecules.

Elucidation of the mechanism of cancer stem cells, clinical application and drug development

Assistant Professor

KASAHARA, AtsukoProfessor

TAKAHASHI, Chiaki

Unit Leader Young Principal Investigator

Hematopoietic stem cellGastroenterological stem cellBone marrow functionsEmbryonic stem cell

LeukemiaBrain tumorColon cancerBreast cancerProstate cancer

Towards development ofnew treatments

Research on functions ofnormal stem cell

Research on cancerstem cell

GEM (Genetically Engineered Mouse) is a cancer-de-veloping mouse model by artificially introducing driver gene mutation, which induces cancer, in the mouse genome.PDX (Patient-Derived Xenograft) is a model that reproduces human cancer in the mouse body by xenografting cancer cells from human cancer tissue in an immunodeficient mouse.

Schematic illustration of innovativecancer model research

Cancer tissue derived fromcancer patient

Xenograft

PDX modelGEM model Comparative analysis

New development

Stomach cancerColon cancerLung cancerBreast cancerLeukemia

Information ofcancer

gene analysis

07 08

Tumor Microenvironment Research Unit

Research Content

Unit Leader

Even cancer cells that have aggressively invaded and metasta-sized to other tissues, they show benign characteristics when cancer cells are isolated. A cancer tissue is composed of not only cancer cells but various host cells such as fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Host cells and cancer cells interact with each other by secreting a variety of bioactive molecules, which creates the tumor microenvironment for cancer development, invasion, immune evasion, metastasis and resistance against anti-cancer agents. Therefore, identification and mechanistic understanding of bioactive molecules, i.e., tumor microenvironment factors,

should establish a basis for elucidation of malignant progres-sion and anticancer therapeutics.This Research Unit aims to elucidate the molecular mecha-nisms of malignant progression and drug discovery based on tumor microenvironment factors. For such purposes, we perform researches on (1) the functions and action mechanisms of biologically active proteins that confer cancer invasiveness, metastasis, and resistance against anti-cancer agents, and (2) the involvement of cancer cell death in cancer microenviron-ment and immune evasion, and their mechanisms.

Function, mechanisms, and drug discovery focusing on tumor microenvironment leading to cancer metastasis and drug resistance

ProfessorMATSUMOTO, Kunio Molecular Therapeutic Target Research Unit Unit Leader

Establishment of novel molecular targeted therapeutics based on functional characterization of critical factors involved in malignant progression of cancer

ProfessorSUZUKI, Takeshi

Assistant Professor

TSUCHIYA, Kohsuke

Young Principal Investigator

Research Content

Metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance are most important problems of basic cancer research in order to overcome cancers. This Research Unit aims to elucidate, at a molecular level, the characteristics of cancer cells (stem cell-like characteristics, impaired signaling pathways, metabolic characteristics, tumor microenvironment, epigenetics, etc.) that induce malignant progres-sion. We aim to develop new molecular targeted therapeutic strategies, which should be applied to clinical studies, by identifying

molecular targets that could be the key for preventing malignant progression. In addition, through interdisciplinary collaborations with bioinformatics, drug discovery, metabolism, structural biology, etc., which should open up new avenues of research, we aim to promote world-leading cancer research. Moreover, young and talented researchers will be trained so that they become pioneers of new research fields with the aid of the diverse disciplines of this Research Unit and unique ideas based on its rich international experience.

Microenvironment promoting tumorigenesis, survival of cancer stem cell, metastasis and resistance against anti-cancer agents

Search for molecular targets of cancer to prevent malignant progression

In recent years, a variety of molecular target drugs have been developed and contributed to cancer treatment. However, new problems such as resistance to such drugs have been reported. Identification of target molecules that control resistance against anti-cancer drugs, survival of cancer stem cells, invasiveness and metastasis will lead to development of the next generation molecular target drugs.

Maintenance of cancer stemness Invasion/metastasis

Molecular target of cancer

Drug resistance

Cancer cell deathAnti-cancer drug

Anti-cancer drugs

Before 1month

Cancer stem cell

Drug resistance (survival)Survival of cancer stem cell

Chronic inflammation and immune evasion

Invasion/metastasis

Specialty：cancer, cancer medical scienceKeyword：cancer, cancer stem cell, oncogene, drugs targeting cancer molecules, cell death

Specialty：tumor biology, molecular biologyKeyword：cancer metastasis, drug resistance, signal transduction, epigenetics, molecular targeted therapeutics

Treatment with molecular target drugs

Resistance against molecular target drugs in cases of lung cancer

1 year

Professor

MATSUMOTO, Kunio

Unit LeaderProfessor

SUZUKI, Takeshi

Unit Leader

Recurrence of cancerresistant against anti-cancer agents

09 10

Proteins concerninggenome-editing technology

Biotechnology

Research Content

Concept of this Research Unit

We humans see matter with our eyes, but there are many invisible, yet very important things in the world, just like “what is essential is invisible to the eye.” In particular, cells of our body and proteins, important components of the cell, are too small for us to see directly. When certain proteins, invisible to the eye, become abnormal and do not function as they should, we suffer from various diseases. This is why understanding the mecha-nisms underlying the normal functions of proteins is essential in realizing a healthy aging society.

This Research Unit takes advantage of the world-leading high-speed AFM that Kanazawa University has developed and aims to elucidate the functions of proteins and cells by taking live images. In addition, by closely collaborating with other Research Units of InFiniti, we aim to reveal the images of proteins responsible for cancer and life style-related diseases and to develop therapeutic agents.

Proteins involvedin memory

Morphology of neurons

High speed AFM combinedwith optical microscopy

High speed AFM

Application to brain scienceand neuroscience

Proteins involved in cancer

Integrated/collaborativeresearch

Membrane proteins

Drug discovery targets

Research and development for creating societyof health and longevity

Innovative IntegratedBio-Research Core

Biotechnology is expected to develop innovations for the creation of a society of health

and longevity in an aged society. Six research units, which specialize in biology, medical

science, mathematical science, and pharmaceutical science, engage in research on cancer

and life style diseases that hinder society of health and longevity and lead to the prevention,

diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. By utilizing experimental data in biology and

medical science for mathematical science and applying the research results to pharmaceutical

science, we advance research for creation of society for health and longevity.

High-speed AFM for Biological Research Unit Unit Leader

Advanced research of bio-nano-imaging using high-speed atomic force microscopy

Associate ProfessorSHIBATA, Mikihiro　

Specialty：biophysics, nano-bioscienceKeyword：protein, cell, bio-imaging, atomic force microscopy, high-speed AFM

Associate Professor

SHIBATA, Mikihiro　

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

SUMINO, Ayumi

Young Principal Investigator

12

Approach toward nano-medicine based on research into the nuclear pore complex

セルバイオノミクスの融合研究

【Bio-active compounds】

Feedback for creation of molecular probes

【Molecular function probe】

【Imaging】

Target enzymereaction

DNA

mRNA

Nuclear pore complex

Functions

Structure/dynamics Pathology

BiologyPharmacology

Search group

Unit Leader （Ogawa）

Organic chemistryPhysical analysis

Synthesis group

PharmacokineticsBiology

Evaluation group

Research outcomeMolecular probe

library

Targetmolecule

OH

N

OH

N

X

N

N

N N

HO

NO O

O

O O

OO

CI

OO

OO

OHO

OH2N

F3C

NH

NH

NH

N

N

NHF

NO2

NH2

NN

NH

NH

NHI

I

N

N

N NN

OO

NO2 NH2

N N

N

N

N

N NHO O

X

A

A

NH

NH

NHN

N

N

N

N

X

Cl

Cl+

ClN

N

N

X

N

OO O O

Research Content

DNA is the blueprint of life, stored in the cell nucleus, which is separated from the cell matrix by the nuclear membrane. The nuclear pore complex, a trans-nuclear membrane apparatus, consists of about 30 different proteins collectively called nucleo-porin, and functions as a transportation passage for the DNA information network between the nucleus and the cell matrix. In recent years, the nuclear pore complex has been recognized as an essential factor regulating life phenomena, being revealed to participate in gene expression and mitotic processes for DNA

preservation. However, it is still unclear how all the nucleoporin proteins coordinate to perform such functions.This Research Unit aims to elucidate the dynamics and functions of the nuclear pore complex in regulating cell physiology by means of structural and molecular biology. This Unit also investi-gates mechanisms of onset and progression of diseases caused by impairment of the above-mentioned regulation and hence aims to develop nano-medical techniques based on research into the nuclear pore complex.

Cell-Bionomics Research Unit Unit Leader

Cell-bionomics, an integrated research

ProfessorWONG, Richard W.

Specialty：molecular cell biologyKeyword：nuclear pore complex, cell cycle, material transport

Professor　

WONG, Richard W.

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

HAZAWA, Masaharu

Young Principal Investigator

Research Content

This Research Unit searches for target molecules related to various diseases, notably cancers. By designing and synthesizing molecular probes that are selective for target molecules, we also aim to create/identify compounds such as agents directly applicable to life science research, drug discovery and medical research, high‒accu-racy diagnostic agents and therapeutic agents of high effectiveness with little adverse effect. In addition, we aim to generate a “molecu-lar probe library” by characterizing such compounds and by evaluat-ing them for their applicability to diagnosis and treatment. This will allow us to promote interdisciplinary research with other Research Units of InFiniti and various research institutes of Kanazawa Univer-sity and other research organizations.One of the characteristics of this Research Unit is that it searches for target molecules, designs and synthesizes molecular probes, and analyzes to evaluate their usefulness in an integrated manner with the leadership of Unit Leader and Young PI, with an emphasis on the necessity of comprehensive information for drug discovery, and with the participation of researchers with diverse disciplines. This

Research Unit consists of search group, synthesis group and evalua-tion group from different disciplines, but all the groups play essential roles in every process of drug discovery. Although all the Unit members have their individual specialties, they share the common research goal of establishing a “molecular probe library” through their collaboration. In this manner, this Research Unit aims to promote drug discovery research of high applicability without prejudgment.More specifically, this Research Unit aims to create a variety of revolutionary molecular probes with broad applicability, by improving their affinity to target molecules and their ability of targeting diseases and by integrating knowledge of pharmacodynamics, chemistry of drug metabolism, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and radiopharmaceutical sciences. By using this “molecular probe library,” this Research Unit promotes new interdisciplinary research with other Research Units of InFiniti and various research institutes of Kanazawa University and other research organizations.

Discovering Molecular Probes Research Unit Unit Leader

Development of molecular probes for diagnosis and therapy of various diseases

Associate ProfessorOGAWA, Kazuma

Specialty：nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, organic chemistry, analytical chemistryKeyword：molecular imaging, molecular probes, PET

Associate Professor

OGAWA, Kazuma

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

MISHIRO, Kenji

Young Principal Investigator

Cell matrix

Nuclearmembrane

Nucleus

13 14

Impaired regulation of nutrient metabolism in the liver has much to do with the pathogenesis of life style-related diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cancer. Kanazawa University has been promoting research into the elucidation of mechanisms involved in regulating metabolism in the liver in relation to organ interactions, and is a world leader in this research field. By taking advantage of this experience, this Research Unit will perform comprehensive research for development of prophylaxis and treatment for life style-related diseases through elucidation of mechanisms underlying the impairment of nutrient metabolism in the liver.

Irrespective of nursing institutions or degree of aged subjects’ indepen-dence, the skin of aged subjects was found to have Staphylococcus aureus occurring more frequently than in young healthy subjects. Similarly, the skin of aged subjects has more gut-derived microbes than that of young healthy subjects.

Newly developed methods make it possible to analyze composition of skin microbes in more detail.

New sampling methodsfor skin microbes

Summary of microbes

Impaired glucose and lipid metabolism Hypertension/arteriosclerosisCancer

Impaired regulation of nutrient metabolism ⇔ Impaired functions of the liver

Research by this Research UnitSolution of problems by interdisciplinary research

Amplification of bacterial DNA (PCR)

Liver

Next generation sequencing

Liver disease study + Nutrient metabolism study

Elucidation of impaired regulation of nutrient metabolism in the liverand need for the medical application of the underlying mechanisms

Bioinformatics research

Drug discoveryresearch

Cancer research

Pancreas

Brain

Digestive tract

Research Content

Until today, medical sciences including nursing have been largely responsible for developing the treatment and prevention of diseases. This includes early diagnosis of the vulnerability to diseases (risk factors) as well as delayed recovery (prognosis factors), and their prevention. These sciences must be further developed as long as diseases prevail. Our bodies are able to maintain life and repair themselves; it is important that our life styles are appropriate to maintain these functions. In an era of increasing longevity, such abilities weaken with age and symptoms arise associated with the deterioration of body functions. This occurs even in the absence of illness, and brings about inconveniences in daily life. Utmost utilization of our ability to live a healthy life, depending on age and condition, is necessary, but insufficient research has been carried out to support such adaptation processes.

This Research Unit aims to establish the science of health care for recovery, preservation and improvement of human life and survival, by promoting the integration of research areas of health sciences and related sciences. More specifically, we focus on infectious diseases caused by microbes (mainly on our skin and on oral and nasal cavity mucous membranes) and on their mechanisms of etiology and severity progression. In addition, by investigating health conditions of human subjects and their life styles, we aim to elucidate important factors related to etiology and severity progression. We also aim to assess disorders caused by various symptoms of infectious diseases (itchiness, edema, pain, odor, etc.) as well as to conduct studies on allevia-tion and improvement of such disorders. We are developing evaluation technologies, not only non-invasive but also readily clinically applicable, for those having vulnerable tissues.

Advanced Health Care Science Research Unit Unit Leader

Interdisciplinary research to develop theories and methods for the recovery, maintenance and promotion of human tissue viability

ProfessorSUGAMA, Junko

Specialty：health science, science of nursing, science of infectious diseasesKeyword：tissue viability, opportunistic infectious diseases, microbes, host response, epidemiology, microbiome

Professor　

SUGAMA, Junko

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

OGURA, Kohei 　

Young Principal Investigator

Research Content

Life style-related diseases, represented by diabetes, are involved in 60% of deaths caused by cancer and arteriosclerosis, thus being a main cause of hampering a long and healthy life. The liver is a central and essential organ in the regulation of nutrient metabolism, interacting with other organs of the body such as the brain, the gut and the pancreas and thus maintaining health. Since failure of liver functions directly leads to pathogen-esis of life style-related diseases and disease progression, the

elucidation of mechanisms of regulation of nutrient metabolism of the liver and its interaction with other organs is highly desirable. This Research Unit aims to develop new prophylaxis and treatment for life style-related diseases by the elucidation of regulation of nutrient metabolism and of regulation failure and by research into mechanisms involved in the induction of life style-related diseases (diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cancer, etc.) due to a failure to regulate nutrient metabolism in the liver.

Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit Unit Leader

Research of mechanism of glucose and lipid homeostasis and pathogenesis of its disorder

ProfessorINOUE, Hiroshi

Specialty：endocrinology, metabolism and nutritionKeyword：life style-related diseases, liver, inter-organ interaction

Professor　

INOUE, Hiroshi

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

INABA, Yuka

Young Principal Investigator

It is possible to obtain accurate information since new methods, different from conventional swab method, do not depend on skills of specimen samplers.

Summary of skin microbes from young, healthy human subjectyoung, healthy human K hospital S hospital

B:The back H:The buttocks +:Positive ---:Negative （　:Slightly PCR positive）+--

15 16

Propagation mechanism of “the wave of differentiation”

Undifferentiated neuroepitherial

cells (NEs) differentiate row by

row into neuroblasts (NBs) behind

“the wave of differentiation.”

Differentiation of NBs is induced

by AS-C, which is upregulated by

EGF and suppressed by Notch.

Notch signal（N）

EGF signal（E）

proneural wave

AS-C（A）Ase L’sc

Rho

DI（D）

NB

AAo

E

Sc

N,D

NE

diffusion

Rho sSpi

EGF signal （E）

de△E

ed

dtdcad

ea

ea

ae

ne

N signal （N）

DI（D）

AS-C（A）

L’sc

Research Content

Mathematical research is to understand phenomena in a quanti-tative manner and to elucidate central mechanisms of a complex system. Although mathematical research in the field of life science is undeveloped in comparison with physics and chemis-try, integration of life science and mathematics is a world trend in recent years. This Research Unit promotes integration of mathematics and neuroscience with a focus on the brain.

Through cooperation of researchers from medical, mathematical and engineering sciences of the Research Unit, we aim to make breakthroughs in neuroscience and mathematics through integrated studies of neuroscience, imaging, and mathematical modeling of developmental and functional mechanisms of the brain.

Mathematical Neuroscience Research Unit Unit Leader

Interdisciplinary research in mathematics and neuroscience

ProfessorSATO, Makoto

Specialty：neuroscience, mathematics, informaticsKeyword：neurogenesis, neural circuit functions, mathematical model, image analysis

Professor　

SATO, Makoto

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

YASUGI, Tetsuo

Young Principal Investigator

Challenge to creation of future societythrough interdisciplinary research

Future Society CreationResearch Core

As the economy grows, we face difficulties of compatibility between global environ-

mental conservation and the consumption of food, resources, and energy. Also, we

face issues on a global scale such as limited natural resources and issues on a local

scale such as low birth rate and aging population. This research core consists of six

units whose researchers have diverse academic backgrounds including humanities

and social sciences and natural sciences. Looking at complex issues in modern

society not only from single academic discipline, but also from comprehensive

perspective across disciplines, we promote research and development for technology

and creation of self-contained social system in future society.

17

This Research Unit consists of 5 research groups, working through integration across conventional research borders for creation, analysis and function development with a broad range of scales from small molecules to macromolecules.

Toward groundbreaking materialcreation based on supramolecular chemistry

Fossil resources

Biomass

Catalytic/separationagentsInformation transferActuatorsLight/electrondevicesExchange ofcounterclockwise

and clockwise

　Special conformation anddynamics of molecules in superspace

Dynamic structural conversion group

Software development for X-raystructural analysis of complex systems

Complex chemistry

Chiral superspace creation group

Supramolecular chemistry

Nano-structure analysis group

Physical chemistry

Long Short

［Counterclockwise］ ［Clockwise］

Chiral polymer creation group

Polymer chemistry

1.05nm 1.16nm 1.27nm 1.38nm 1.49nm

［10］ ［11］ ［12］ ［13］ ［14］

［5］ ［6］ ［7］ ［8］ ［9］

0.47nm 0.59nm 0.71nm 0.82nm 0.93nm

Chiral superspace Pillar[n]arene

Connection/arrangement

Creation of spiralpolymers/

supramolecules

Creation ofgroundbreakingchiral materials

NMR analysis

Efficient synthesis

Efficient molecular design and synthesis group

Organicchemistry

Creation of new researchconcept through integration ofthese research groups

Development offunctional gel

International CooperationNetworking for CulturalHeritages Research Unit

Establishment of research and cooperation bases for tangible and intangible cultural heritages around the globe and promotion of information and personnel exchange among the bases.

Superspace controlled with angstrom precision

Cyclic molecules controlledwith angstrom precision

Establishment of an international cooperation network for cultural heritages

Research Content

This Research Unit aims to establish an international cooperation network for research, preservation and utilization of cultural heritages around the globe. The Research Unit members have already performed research on various tangible and intangible cultural heri-tages in Central America, Eurasia and Africa for a number of years. Based on collaborations undertaken with global research partners, this Research Unit will promote the solid establishment of a research and education base at each research partner site. Furthermore, by

connecting these bases through information and personnel exchanges with Kanazawa University as the hub, a global network for international cooperation will be established in the research field of cultural heri-tages. In addition, the Research Unit is to deepen “research into cultural resources,” which proposes new values of cultural heritages by information exchange and sharing through the network, and to develop new methods for research, preservation and utilization of cultural heritages, which contributes to realization of a sustainable society.

International Cooperation Networking forCultural Heritages Research Unit Unit Leader

Establishment of bases and a network for international cooperation for cultural heritage management

Associate ProfessorKAWAI, Nozomu

Specialty：archaeology, cultural anthropology, history of art, history of architecture, study of cultural heritageKeyword：cultural heritage, study of cultural resource, international cooperation

Associate Professor

KAWAI, Nozomu

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

TANIGAWA, Ryuichi

Young Principal Investigator

Research Content

Functional Supramolecular Materials Research Unit Unit Leader

Development of functional solid materials based on supramolecules

ProfessorMIZUNO, Motohiro

Specialty：chemistry of functional physical property, nano-structural chemistry, polymer chemistryKeyword：supramolecules, composite physical property, self-organization, nano-structure analysis

Professor

MIZUNO, Motohiro

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

AMEMORI, Shogo

Young Principal Investigator

Synthesis of molecules that showcondition-dependent structural dynamics

For establishing a sustainable society and its development, improved performance and diversification of functional materials are desired, and specific functions of supramolecules, which are molecular assemblies formed by weak interactions of molecules (non-covalent bonds), have recently attracted much attention. In this Research Unit, researchers with disciplines such as supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, complex chemistry and physical chemistry collabo-rate across the borders of research fields and research domains (basic

research and applied research). Through such endeavors, this Research Unit aims to develop functional materials with groundbreak-ing properties by taking advantage of characteristics of supramole-cules. By fully utilizing sophisticated techniques for the creation and analysis of supramolecules developed at Kanazawa University, this Research Unit promotes integrated research for development of novel functional solid materials at both small molecule and macromolecule levels, which should contribute to a sustainable society.

Kanazawa University

Jordan Saudi ArabiaEgypt

China

Guatemala

Turkey India

Thailand

Indonesia

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Proposing new design/manufacture technology for breakthroughs in the trade-off between weight reduction and high strength

【Research and development 1】 Development of structure designing technology based on biological morphology【Research and development 2】 Development of optimization technology【Research and development 3】 Development of design/manufacture technology by the use of braid technology for realization of 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 complex structural componentsEstablishment of “bio-innovative design technology” as an integrated system of design and manufacture through 1. to 3.t

Actual autonomous driving

(2) Optimization technology (optimization technology by use of database)

(1) Structure designing technology based on biological morphology (creation of ideas for design by use of a database)

Design/manufacturecycle

Feedbacks

2018

2015

Initializing theimplementationin society

Phase2 2020

The Tokyo Olympic Games

Increasing drivingintelligence

and preparation ofimplementation

Phase1

Promotion ofregional use

Phase3

An example of recognition of the driving environment

Leading edge autonomous driving technologies in Japan

February 24, 2015

First experimental autonomous drivingby a Japanese university on urban streets

By optimization technology, it is possible to determine various parameters (orientation of fibers, packing density and so on) that influence the forms and mechanical properties of braid components.

Biological morphology is the design adapted to the individual environment. Optimal design will be pursued in terms of the working conditions of machines.

(3) Manufacturing by braid technology (design for both weight reduction and high strength)

It is possible to manufacture structures (shell and rib) reflecting complex biological morphology. Braid technology allows realization of structures with both weight reduction and high strength.

Ideas

Conceptdesigning

Optimaldesigning

Refineddesigning

Trialproduction

AutomobilesAerospace industry

Construction equipmentMachines for various

industry

Application toindustries

Research Content

The Research Unit develops autonomous vehicles to be compatible with the driving conditions on urban roads. Among the Japanese Universities, this Unit experimentally conducted the first autonomous driving on public roads in February 24, 2015. Accordingly, many research streams are going-on simultaneously to investigate the capabilities, explore the problems and propose the optimal solutions.

The corresponding achievements have allowed us to extensively discuss and cooperate with the local authorities for using autonomous driving technologies in transportation systems. The expected outcome is to increase the quality of human life by reducing traffic jams, allowing the sharing of mobility regardless to age and decreasing traffic accidents.

Autonomous Vehicle Research Unit Unit Leader

Development of autonomous vehicles to be deployed on urban streets and the relevant applications to public transportation systems

Specialty：mobile robots, information processing engineering, control engineering, civil engineering, traffic engineeringKeyword：autonomous vehicles, intelligent robot, recognition of behavioral environment, information processing in real world, motionplanning,public transportation

Associate Professor

SUGANUMA, Naoki

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

YONEDA, Keisuke

Young Principal Investigator

Associate ProfessorSUGANUMA, Naoki

Research Content

For a long time, the importance of mimicking biological morphology in the research and development of design technology has been well recognized. However, its application to machine design has not yet been successful, which may be due to the difficulty of direct mimicking because of differences of scale and load. This Research Unit aims to approach this by obtaining inspiration from the superior designs of biological structures, for “bio-innovative design technology” for designing groundbreaking machine structures, which will lead to industrial applications.

Such bio-innovative designs consist of (1) development of structure design technology using a database of biological morphology, (2) development of optimal design by full use of the database, and (3) development of design and manufacture technology. This Research Unit, by integrating the developments mentioned above, promotes technology for the design and manufacturing of complex structural components with the aid of braid technology. Through such research and development, the Unit aims to create multi-directional innovations in mechanical engineering designs by proposing breakthroughs in design technology that will trade off weight reduction and high strength.

Bio-Innovative Design Research Unit Unit Leader

Research and development of bio-innovative design technology

Specialty：design engineering, biomechanics, optimal design, material mechanicsKeyword：design engineering, biomechanics, optimal design, computational dynamics, fibrous material, material mechanics

Professor

SAKAMOTO, Jiro

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

CHIHARA, Takanori

Young Principal Investigator

ProfessorSAKAMOTO, Jiro

※An example of recognition of the driving environment through a computer eye. Based on integrating the intelligence capabilities, the auto-driver/autonomous vehicle generates a trajectory which allows a safe passage without colliding with any obstacle (colored dots). In addition, the intelligence capabilities make autonomous vehicles able to recognize/estimate location of the vehicle by checking both an aerial photograph (already loaded) and sensor information.

※

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Production of fuels, chemicals, resins and composite materials from natural polymers that constitute the cell wall of plant biomass such as waste wood.

Children monitoring

Photo: courtesy ofKanazawa city

Photo: courtesyof Kanazawa city

IT introduction to agriculture

Woody biomass

Treatment technologyusing ionic liquid

“Solid wood” “Liquidized wood”

Cellulose

Lignin

Resins derived from biomass

Compositematerialsderived frombiomass

Electricity storage by formation offormic acid and hydrogen

Infrastructure monitoring

Power generation technology by takingadvantage of the natural feature of the region

Hokuriku

Local sources of energyproductionand consumption

Innovation of power generation and information

Self-sustaining power generationallows self-sensing and transmission.

Acquisition ofocean

information

Hemicellulose

Waveactivatedpower

generation

Solarpower

generation

Solarpower

generation

Biomass combustionpower

generation

Windpower

generationVibrationpower

generation

Vibrationpower

generationVibrationpower

generation

Smallhydroelectricpower

generation

Research Content

This Research Unit of “the university integrated with the region and the society” aims to establish an energy research base for integration of power generation and information technology by taking advantage of the characteristics of the Hokuriku region. Through this endeavor, this Research Unit aims to accomplish a battery-free wireless monitoring system by realizing “anywhere power generation” through energy harvesting ‒ vibration power generation and flexible solar cell ‒ and by integrating sensor and wireless communication technology. The system to be established will be applicable to the monitoring of social infrastructure, production machines, agriculture, ocean and forests and to monitoring children. In addition, we are developing small-scale hydraulic power generation using irrigation water channels, wave activated power generation along the Noto region coast, and biomass combustion power generation using waste wood from forests. In order to cope with the fluctuation of electricity supply and demand, we are developing technologies for formic acid batteries and artificial photosyn-thesis. These developments will allow us to propose the best mix of

power generation and storage, by combining these various power generation methods from small to large scale.A special characteristic of this Research Unit is to construct a basic technology for contributing to the next generation society of security and safety by creating innovation through integration of energy harvesting as well as sensor and wireless communication technology. Researchers of power generation and communication technology collaborate, by complementing and reinforcing each other’s disciplines, to realize self-sensing systems and information transmission for surrounding structures or natural objects. Furthermore, individual natural power generation systems will be much more useful when combined with electricity storage technology, providing electricity and information to regional agriculture and fisheries for better productivity and to a regional disaster prevention facility. Film-like solar cells and vibration power generation have high designability to fit in the townscape of Kanazawa city and its buildings and houses. Our research will propose a model case in using renewable energy for both urban and rural areas.

Unit Leader

Development of renewable energy for IoT society

Specialty：renewable energy, energy harvesting, storage of electricityKeyword：vibration power generation, solar cell, energy harvesting, wireless sensor, hydraulic power generation, wave activated power generation, biomass combustion power generation, formic acid battery, artificial photosynthesis

Professor

TAIMA, Tetsuya

Unit LeaderAssociate Professor

KARAKAWA, Makoto

Young Principal Investigator

ProfessorTAIMA, TetsuyaRenewable Energy Research Unit

Research Content

Modern society heavily depends on the petrochemical industry (“petro-leum refinery”) to produce fuels like gasoline and chemicals like plastics from the petroleum oil, a fossil resource. Those products are finally burnt and carbon dioxide is released into the air, causing global warming. As an alternative, this Research Unit aims to establish technology for producing fuels and chemicals from natural resources, biomass, i.e., non-edible plant-derived resources, such as waste wood and agricultur-al waste, which are originally produced by photosynthesis. We call this production process “biomass refinery,” and when our research is successfully implemented on an industrial scale, it is expected to cope with the depletion of petroleum and result in a reduction of carbon dioxide in the environment.The major component of the cell wall of plant biomass is cellulose, a straight-chain polymer of glucose, but cellulose forms a firm crystal

structure because of an enormous number of hydrogen bonds. Woody biomass contains, in addition to cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin; these three natural polymers entangle one another to make the structure sturdier (called lignocellulose). It is this lignocellulose that is a robust barrier that hampers chemical and biochemical transformation reactions of plant biomass. The Biomass Refinery Research Unit takes an approach different from conventional ones, using molten salts called an “ionic liquid,” available at ordinary temperatures, both as a reaction medium and as a catalyst. Biomass refinery with the use of ionic liquid will make the crystal structure of cellulose much less firm under ordinary pressure and temperature without using acids or bases, thus reducing waste liquid and energy consumption and transforming plant biomass into its products with high efficiency by chemical and biochemical reactions.

Unit Leader

Ionic liquid-assisted biomass refinery for production of fuel and chemicals

Specialty：wood science, agricultural chemistry, bioengineering, polymer chemistryKeyword：woody biomass, biomass refinery, ionic liquid

Associate Professor

NINOMIYA, Kazuaki

Unit LeaderAssistant Professor

TSUGE, Yota

Young Principal Investigator

Associate ProfessorNINOMIYA, KazuakiBiomass Refinery Research Unit

Fuel and chemicals (alcohol, organic acid, etc.) derived from biomass

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