Proteins properly function when these have an appropriate three-dimensional structure. Structural biology can reveal protein function based on its structure, and provides structural basis to regulate the function. Therefore, it is considered that structural biology is essential approach in life sciences. We conduct structural biology using both experimental and computational methods. Specifically, we use X-ray crystallography, single particle analysis by cryo-electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation to determine the three-dimensional structures of proteins, thereby unveiling molecular mechanisms of life. The major proteins we target for structural analysis are those involved in DNA replication and repair, control of chromosome architecture, cell cycle checkpoints, transcription, and signal transduction, many of which are involved in cancer and genetic diseases. Therefore, understanding the functions of those proteins based on the structures will enable the design of compounds that regulate protein functions and provide significant clues for drug discovery.

contact address

Hiroshi Hashimoto, PhD.
(Tel & Fax) +81 54 264 5644
(E-mail) hash # u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp (Replace # with @)
(street address) 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8002, Japan.