On March 19, 2021, the Inamori Foundation announced the two 2021 fellows for the Inamori Research Institute for Science (InaRIS) Fellowship Program, Hiroshi Nishimasu (Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo) and Yoshifumi Yamaguchi (Professor, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University) were selected from 66 applicants.
2021 InaRIS Fellow
Nishimasu, Hiroshi
Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
| Research Topics | Exploration of new RNA-dependent enzymes |
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| Summary | The RNA-guided DNA-cleaving enzyme Cas9 from the microbial CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system has been extensively studied and applied to innovative technologies such as genome editing. In addition to Cas9, extremely diverse Cas enzymes exist in nature, but their functions remain largely unknown. In this study, we will explore and elucidate the functions and structures of new Cas enzymes. Furthermore, we will try to develop innovative technologies that revolutionize the life sciences. |
2021 InaRIS Fellow
Yamaguchi, Yoshifumi
Professor, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University
| Research Topics | Identification and functional analysis of factors that enable mammalian hibernation |
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| Summary | Hibernation is an adaptive strategy to survive a harsh season by suppressing energy consumption and maintaining a low body temperature, but only a limited number of mammals can hibernate. Although it is known that hibernation is accompanied by significant changes in body temperature and energy metabolism, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of hibernation. In this study, we aim to uncover three major mysteries of hibernation, namely “cold tolerance,” “seasonal body changes,” and “hibernation triggers,” using the Syrian hamster, which is an animal model relatively easy to induce hibernation in a laboratory. |