Associate Professor Hiroaki Mihashi of the Department of Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering Engineering opened "Academic Cafe" online on March 25th. Last summer, Associate Professor Mihashi adopted the research theme "Developing a treatment method for facial scapulohumeral muscular dystrophy!" Publicly solicited research funding support from the crowdfunding site "academist". The plan is based on a partnership agreement between Tokai University and Academist Co., Ltd., which operates the site, and Associate Professor Mihashi has achieved the target amount and is currently engaged in research activities. The "Academic Cafe" was planned as a return to donors, and introduced the progress of research and future prospects.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) caused by changes in DNA is caused by "DUX4-fl", which is one of the two proteins "DUX4-fl" and "DUX4-s" produced from the "DUX4 gene". It is an intractable disease in which cells are destroyed and the muscles of the face, shoulders, and arms are weakened. Associate Professor Mihashi will challenge the production of antibodies to detect "DUX4-s" and consider ways to protect cells from "DUX4-fl".
At the Academic Cafe, about the genetic modification of the fish "Zebrafish" that is bred to investigate the function of muscles, including the equipment actually used in research, such as the "PCR device" that amplifies DNA and the machine that separates proteins. I also introduced. Next, we reported on the progress of the antibody development project. Explains the prediction of the protein three-dimensional structure of "DUX4-s" using computer prediction and the process of antibody production using animals. In addition, he expressed his gratitude for the fact that one antibody has been completed at this point, saying, "From the numerical values and test results of the first antibody, we can confirm the quality that can be used for research, and I feel a response. There are still issues such as improving the sensitivity of the antibody, so I hope that we can make even more sensitive ones from the four newly produced antibodies. "
At the end, a question and answer session was held, and when asked about specific plans for the future, Associate Professor Mihashi said, "By making antibodies, we measure the ratio and amount of" DUX4-fl "and" DUX4-s. " However, I would like to move on to the next stage of making medicines that increase the amount of "DUX4-s". "
