Division of RNA and Gene Regulation

We are studying to elucidate the mechanism of homeostasis and disease onset by controlling ribosome dynamics. Disruption of proteostasis causes widespread impairment of cell function, leading to neurodegenerative diseases and aging. The ribosome collision during translation causes abnormal proteins, leading to cell death and inflammatory reactions. We have discovered RQC (Ribosome-associated quality control), which is quality control that eliminates collision ribosomes. We are investigating the molecular mechanism of RQC and its roles in aging and neurodegenerative diseases including ALS. We will also elucidate the ribosome function in mRNA stability, protein folding, and localization. We also elucidate the quality control mechanism of the causative abnormal ribosomes, a cause of ribosomopathy.