「高品質蛋白質結晶化技術の宇宙科学研究拠点形成」について: 宇宙科学研究拠点形成の取り組み

Abstract

This project aims to create a research initiative of high quality protein crystallization technology under a microgravity condition of the international space station (ISS). This technology has been developed in Japan through almost 20 years of effort and obtained many outstanding results, including development of orphan drug for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is highly reputed from NASA and Boeing. The enzyme-utilizing and/or drug-developing companies in Japan strongly wish to use this technology, waiting for its maturation for applying to their product development. Although both the technology and the demand exist in this field, we have problem in a talent raising system. The technology was developed by individual labs and maintained within each lab, yet not shared with other labs. Therefore, a high barrier exists for young researchers to use, develop and diffuse the technology further. To solve these problems, we focused on three tasks in this program: (1) formulation of the technology platform, (2) technology transfer from senior to young researchers, and (3) building up the international and industrial network. In 2015 and 2016, we created a homepage of this research initiative (http://www.spaceprotein.com) and organized workshops for young researchers 7 times and international symposia and workshops twice. Through those activities, we have educated almost 150 young researchers for these 2 years and expanded the size of research initiative from the charter members of 6 to 30 and more at the end of 2016.