OUR RESEARCH

• Molecular mechanism of autophagosome formation

  Eukaryotic cells adapt to stresses such as nutrient starvation by degrading cytoplasmic components using a system called autophagy. The most important organelle during autophagy is an autophagosome, a double-membrane organelle. The autophagosome encapsulates the cytoplasmic components to be degraded. We have been studying the molecular mechanism of autophagosome formation by live imaging and quantitative analysis of microscopic images.

• Molecular mechanism of autophagic body degradation

  The autophagosome fuses with the vacuole, to become an autophagic body. The cytoplasmic components to be degraded are sequestered from the hydrolytic enzymes in the vacuolar lumen by the autophagic body membrane. Thus, degradation of the autophagic body membrane is necessary for proteolytic enzymes to access the cargoes of the autophagic body. We are trying to elucidate the molecular mechanism of autophagic body membrane degradation by biochemical analysis.

• Screening of novel membraneless organelles

  Nucleolus is a membraneless organelle that has been known for a long time. Recently, membraneless organelles have become known not only in the cell nucleus but also in the cytoplasm However, no comprehensive screening has been performed so far. We have screened novel membraneless organelles from a unique viewpoint. We have been analyzing the obtained candidates using bioimaging techniques.