Yoshihisa Matsumoto

Nuclear Energy Division

Feature of Research

Our laboratory aims to elucidate the biological effects of radiation and the biological response to radiation in molecular terms. Through this research activity, we seek to contribute to the use of atomic power and radiation safely and securely and also to explore the infinite potential of radiation in medicine and life science.

Outline of Research

Radiation generates various damages on genetic substance, DNA. Among radiation-induced DNA damages, DNA double-strand break is considered most critically related to the biological effects. We seek to clarify how cells recognize and repairs DNA double-strand breaks and trigger other defense mechanisms like cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis. We especially focus on DNA-dependent protein kinase, which is considered the sensor molecule of DNA double-strand breaks, and XRCC4-DNA ligase IV-XLF (Cernunnos) complex, which is thought to join DNA ends finally.

We also seek to apply the products of the basic research to cancer radiation therapy, for example, the development of new radiosensitizer based on phosphorylation reaction and the prediction of radiosensitivity based on the activity or the abundance of repair enzymes.

We are also studying molecular biological basis of hyperthermia and its combination with radiation.

Message to students, who wish to join us

Our approaches to above research subjects are based on molecular and cellular biology but we welcome students from fields other than biology and medicine. We have members from various country, especially Asian countries, and use English in regular meetings and seminars.

Keyword

Radiation Biology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Cancer Radiation Therapy, Radiation Sensitivity, DNA Damage (DNA Double-Strand Break), DNA Repair, Signal Transduction

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