Development of a chemical biology tool for in vivo imaging of biomolecules

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H04764
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Chemical biology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Asanuma Daisuke 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 助教 (10611204)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: ケミカルタグ / 分子イメージング / 蛍光プローブ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Small-molecular fluorescence probes have contributed to the understanding of cellular phenomena by visualizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of various biomolecules. However, their contribution to elucidation of molecular dynamics in living systems has not been sufficiently achieved. This research aimed at developing a near-infrared fluorescence probe technology, based on our recently constructed chemical tag system, for visualization of physiologically active molecules by eliminating the non-specific staining that has caused severe problems in conventional in vivo applications. The findings obtained in this research can be expected to be useful for future development of promising chemical biology tools.

Free Research Field

ケミカルバイオロジー

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ダイナミックな生命現象をありのままに理解するには、主要な役割を果たす生理活性分子の生体内での振る舞いを明らかにする必要がある。生理活性分子の時空間動態を可視化する蛍光プローブ技術の開発は、生命現象の分子レベルでのメカニズムの理解に始まり、疾病の理解、さらには創薬への架け橋となる大きな意義を有する。本研究で得られた成果は、ライフサイエンス研究の今後の発展に寄与していくと期待できる。