
Date: Monday, October 1, 2007 Program: 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast 9:00 am Seminar 12:00 pm Lunch Venue: The Union League of Philadelphia 140 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA Register to: Nadia Liss, Japan Technology Group, Inc. nliss@japantechnologygroup.com		Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) will present a One-day Free Seminar on Medical Science, and a showcase of its technologies for out-licensing. Program: 8:00 am: Continental Breakfast 9:00 am-Noon: Morning Topics Welcome Remarks by Taro Yaguchi, President of Japan Technology Group, Inc. Introduction to NAIST and of Speakers by Prof. Hiro Kawamoto Shootin 1 - Novel Proteins for neuronal network formation in brain Presented by Assoc. Prof. Naoyuki Inagaki In a brain, neurons work as if they were semi-conductors constituting a computer. For these to function, the polarity of neurons is important. How does the neuron form the axon and dendrite to acquire polarity? We have attempted to clarify this issue at the molecular level by means of proteome analysis and found a novel protein named Shootin1, which regulates the polarity of axon. This finding will lead to the therapy of neuro-degenerating disease such as Head Injury and Neuropathy. Unique Mouse models of hepatitis and diabetes mellitius Presented by Prof. Kenji Kohno http://bsw3.naist.jp/kouno/kouno.html Prof. Kohno, using a unique TRECK method, has created mouse models of hepatitis and diabetes mellitus. These TRECK-Tg mice will be useful not only in developing new therapies but also in exploring tissue-stem cells of adult mice. He is attempting to apply these mouse models to regenerative medicine (isolation and identification of hepatic stem cells and pancreatic beta-stem cells). Neuropsin - Novel serine-protease, a role in the mechanism for learning and memory Presented by Prof. Tani on behalf of Prof. Sadao Shiosaka http://bsw3.naist.jp/shiosaka/siosaka.html Our research is focused on the neural functions of cerebral cortex and limbic brain (hippocampus, amygdala, etc.) using techniques of neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biochemistry and behavioral neuroscience. One of major topics is the elucidation of a mechanism for learning and memory. To date, we have demonstrated that neuropsin (klk8) plays a significant role in the regulation of E-LTP (early phase of long-term potentiation), and regulates intracellular signals of the limbic brain. We expect the study results contribute to the therapy of CNS disease such as Alzheimer disease. 12:00 pm: Keynote Address with Lunch 1:00 pm: Afternoon Topics Osteoclast differentiation and bone metabolism-osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases Presented by Prof. Tatsuo Takeya http://bsw3.naist.jp/takeya/takeya.html Osteoclasts, involved in bone resorption, play a central role in bone metabolism. Disturbed formation of osteoclasts can lead to the diseases such as osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We are placing an emphasis on the analysis of the function of NFAT2, a key differentiation regulator; the mechanism for cell fusion seen during differentiation and the mechanism for intracellular signal transduction involving proto-oncogene Src. Interesting finding in our research could lead to the novel therapy of bone disease and autoimmune disease. Research on genes regulating TGF-Alpha signals and its application to RA and OA Presented by Dr. Chio Oka http://bsw3.naist.jp/kawaichi/kawaiti.html TGF-Alpha is dispensable for shaping of animals, e.g., for determination of the dorsoventral axis of early embryos and regulation of the differentiation of fetal skeleton. It is also involved in preservation of the function of various organs of mature organisms. Its abnormalities can lead to malignant courses of tumors and onset of common sicknesses such as pulmonary fibrosis and osteoarthritis. Prof Kawaichi and Dr. Oka have identified a previously unknown gene HtrA1 involved in the formation of bone and joint, onset of arthritis, tumor malignancy and so on; and are analyzing its physiological functions. These researches could lead to the therapy of TGF-Alpha related diseases such as OA, RA and cancer. Connection between cell cycle progression and oncogenesis Presented by Prof. Tani on behalf of Jun-ya Kato http://bsw3.naist.jp/kato/kato.html Prof. Kato focuses on the molecular mechanisms controlling proliferation, differentiation, and death of mammalian cells, and studies the connection between cell cycle progression and oncogenesis, as well as differentiation, proliferation, and leukemogenesis in hematopoietic cells. The findings can be applied to regenerative medicine and cancer research. Especially he is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis, focusing on AML (acute myeloid leukemia), MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes), and CML (chronic myeloid leukemia). 3:45 pm: Closing Remarks by Prof. Hiro Kawamoto About NAIST: NAIST is one of the most prestigious Japanese national universities, consisting of graduate schools. As a core institution of the Kansai Science City, NAIST is engaged in research and education of advanced information technology in the fields of information science, biological sciences, and materials science. About JTG : The Japan Technology Group is a global communications consulting company, focusing on trans-Pacific technology and intellectual property transfers, especially between Japan and North America. The Company serves as an agent for U.S. companies seeking to transfer Japanese innovative technology into the U.S. market. To promote trans-Pacific technology transfer, the JTG attempts to facilitate U.S. companies’ direct introduction of their needs to Japanese researchers, university technology licensing offices (TLOs) and university-based spinout companies.

Date:
Monday,
October 1, 2007

Program:
8:00 am Registration &
Continental Breakfast

9:00 am Seminar

12:00 pm Lunch

Venue:
The Union League
of Philadelphia
140 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA

Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)
will present a One-day Free Seminar on Medical Science,
and a showcase of its technologies for out-licensing.

Program:

8:00 am: Continental Breakfast

9:00 am-Noon: Morning Topics

Welcome Remarks
by Taro Yaguchi, President of Japan Technology Group, Inc.

Introduction to NAIST and of Speakers
by Prof. Hiro Kawamoto

Shootin 1 - Novel Proteins for neuronal network formation in brain
Presented by Assoc. Prof. Naoyuki Inagaki

In a brain, neurons work as if they were semi-conductors constituting a computer. For these to function, the polarity of neurons is important. How does the neuron form the axon and dendrite to acquire polarity? We have attempted to clarify this issue at the molecular level by means of proteome analysis and found a novel protein named Shootin1, which regulates the polarity of axon. This finding will lead to the therapy of neuro-degenerating disease such as Head Injury and Neuropathy.

Unique Mouse models of hepatitis and diabetes mellitius
Presented by Prof. Kenji Kohno

http://bsw3.naist.jp/kouno/kouno.html

Prof. Kohno, using a unique TRECK method, has created mouse models of hepatitis and diabetes mellitus. These TRECK-Tg mice will be useful not only in developing new therapies but also in exploring tissue-stem cells of adult mice. He is attempting to apply these mouse models to regenerative medicine (isolation and identification of hepatic stem cells and pancreatic beta-stem cells).

Neuropsin - Novel serine-protease, a role in the mechanism for learning and memory
Presented by Prof. Tani on behalf of Prof. Sadao Shiosaka

http://bsw3.naist.jp/shiosaka/siosaka.html

Our research is focused on the neural functions of cerebral cortex and limbic brain (hippocampus, amygdala, etc.) using techniques of neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biochemistry and behavioral neuroscience. One of major topics is the elucidation of a mechanism for learning and memory. To date, we have demonstrated that neuropsin (klk8) plays a significant role in the regulation of E-LTP (early phase of long-term potentiation), and regulates intracellular signals of the limbic brain. We expect the study results contribute to the therapy of CNS disease such as Alzheimer disease.

12:00 pm: Keynote Address with Lunch

1:00 pm: Afternoon Topics

Osteoclast differentiation and bone metabolism-osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases
Presented by Prof. Tatsuo Takeya

http://bsw3.naist.jp/takeya/takeya.html

Osteoclasts, involved in bone resorption, play a central role in bone metabolism. Disturbed formation of osteoclasts can lead to the diseases such as osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We are placing an emphasis on the analysis of the function of NFAT2, a key differentiation regulator; the mechanism for cell fusion seen during differentiation and the mechanism for intracellular signal transduction involving proto-oncogene Src. Interesting finding in our research could lead to the novel therapy of bone disease and autoimmune disease.

Research on genes regulating TGF-Alpha signals and its application to RA and OA
Presented by Dr. Chio Oka

http://bsw3.naist.jp/kawaichi/kawaiti.html

TGF-Alpha is dispensable for shaping of animals, e.g., for determination of the dorsoventral axis of early embryos and regulation of the differentiation of fetal skeleton. It is also involved in preservation of the function of various organs of mature organisms. Its abnormalities can lead to malignant courses of tumors and onset of common sicknesses such as pulmonary fibrosis and osteoarthritis. Prof Kawaichi and Dr. Oka have identified a previously unknown gene HtrA1 involved in the formation of bone and joint, onset of arthritis, tumor malignancy and so on; and are analyzing its physiological functions. These researches could lead to the therapy of TGF-Alpha related diseases such as OA, RA and cancer.

Connection between cell cycle progression and oncogenesis
Presented by Prof. Tani on behalf of Jun-ya Kato

http://bsw3.naist.jp/kato/kato.html

Prof. Kato focuses on the molecular mechanisms controlling proliferation, differentiation, and death of mammalian cells, and studies the connection between cell cycle progression and oncogenesis, as well as differentiation, proliferation, and leukemogenesis in hematopoietic cells. The findings can be applied to regenerative medicine and cancer research. Especially he is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis, focusing on AML (acute myeloid leukemia), MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes), and CML (chronic myeloid leukemia).

3:45 pm: Closing Remarks
by Prof. Hiro Kawamoto

About NAIST:
NAIST is one of the most prestigious Japanese national universities, consisting of graduate schools. As a core institution of the Kansai Science City, NAIST is engaged in research and education of advanced information technology in the fields of information science, biological sciences, and materials science.

About JTG :
The Japan Technology Group is a global communications consulting company, focusing on trans-Pacific technology and intellectual property transfers, especially between Japan and North America. The Company serves as an agent for U.S. companies seeking to transfer Japanese innovative technology into the U.S. market. To promote trans-Pacific technology transfer, the JTG attempts to facilitate U.S. companies’ direct introduction of their needs to Japanese researchers, university technology licensing offices (TLOs) and university-based spinout companies.

Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) will present a One-day Free Seminar on Medical Science, and a showcase of its technologies for out-licensing.