Innovation Expansion Section - Unit for Structural Biology and Drug Design

Professor KUMASAKA Takashi

International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart

Concurrent : Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute

• E-mail
• TEL：022-752-2350

• Researcher Information
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Themes

Development of Instrumentation and Analytical Methods for Synchrotron Structural Biology
Elucidating Biological Systems and Applications in Drug Discovery through Precision Structural Analysis

Keywords

Crystallographic analysis, Synchrotron radiation analysis, Structural biology, Drug Design

Research Activities

Establishing a Next-Generation Synchrotron-Based Structural Biology Platform for Understanding Biological Systems

Investigation of protein structures is the first step toward deciphering the blueprint of life and overcoming complex diseases. Our group is dedicated to establishing advanced platforms for structural determination using high-brilliance synchrotron radiation, serving as a cornerstone for cutting-edge life science research.
We promote structural biology research based on state-of-the-art measurement technologies, including next-generation synchrotron radiation, while simultaneously advancing the sophistication of the research environment. By maximizing the advantages of brilliant light sources, we focus on both technical development and academic research to visualize complex biological phenomena at the atomic level. Our activities are built on the following three pillars:

 

1. Development of Advanced Research Environments and Academic Support
   Leveraging extensive experience at SPring-8, we are developing high-precision data collection environments in collaboration with leading-edge facilities, such as the synchrotron radiation facility, NanoTerasu.
2. Advancement of Beamline Technologies and Analytical Methods
   To meet diverse user needs, we are establishing: (1) automated and streamlined experimental workflows for rapid structure determination, and (2) innovative measurement techniques for challenging targets, such as micro-crystals and multi-temperature structural analysis.
3. Elucidating Biological Systems through Structural Biology
   Beyond instrumentation, we conduct structural analysis on cell signaling proteins, metalloproteins, and viruses. By integrating these findings to approach the essence of life and contributing to academic drug discovery, we maintain a "Research and Development Cycle" where practical feedback from analysis directly informs the next generation of instrumentation.
   Our mission is to push the boundaries of structural biology through global collaboration, working alongside researchers from across Japan and around the world.