The group around Yoshihiko KUWANA has reported the cloning of the SpA gene for spider dragline silk into a silkworm genome. The transgenic silkworm produced native fibroin with 1.4 – 2.4 mol% spider silk protein, showing 53 % improved tensile strength. The silk was woven into a vest and a scarf. Yohsihiko KUWANA et al., […]
Tokyo University-led consortium discovers novel defense mechanism against intestinal pathogenic bacteria
The consortium was led by Yoshiyuki GOTO and Hiroshi KIYONO of the University of Tokyo. The mechanism is based on the expression of fucosyl transferase by intestinal epithelial cells triggered by intestinal bacteria. Disruption of intestinal fucosylation resulted in higher susceptibility to infection by Salmonella typhimurium. JST news release, August 22, 2014
RIKEN Brain Science Institute to start venture company on Alzheimer diagnostics
A RIKEN representative announced that a venture company on this topic was established on August 8, 2014. Nikkei Biotech news release, August 21, 2014
NEDO project on cancer diagnostics based on miRNA will involve 6 companies and 10 universities
Within the program which runs from 2014 to 2018 and will be publicly funded by about 10 billion Yen (~ 70 million €), it will be attempted to combine knowledge on micro RNA tumor markers from several 100.000 patients stored in BioBank, and the highly sensitive DNA chip which Toray has developed, to build a […]
Fujisoft to enter tissue engineering
According to Nikkei Biotech Magazine, the IT company Fujisoft has established a subsidiary which will soon enter the market of tissue engineering with implanted regenerated cartilage Nikkei Biotech news release, August 20, 2014
Fujicco finds anti-inflammatory action of Lactococcus lactis subsp. Cremoris, helps in atopic dermatitis
In collaboration with Prof Shinichi KITAMURA of Osaka Prefectural University, it was shown that this effect is due to an exopolysaccharide produced by this strain. In a mouse model for atopic dermatitis, faster healing or prevention were obtained. Fujicco news release, August 20, 2014
DeNA Life Sciences starts offering of MYCODE consumer genetic testing by mid-August
The test, co-developed with Tokyo University, will be based on about 280 genetic factors related to constitution and risk of disease, including 25 types of lifestyle diseases, 40 types of cancer etc. Price for the complete package is 29.800 Yen (about 200 €). DeNA press release, July 9, 2014
Transgenic Co. to start genetic testing service for general public on risk factors
Sales will be done through the business netwok of Sign Post Co. The test, developed jointly with Osaka University, will cover risk of arteriosclerosis and diabetes-related diseases Transgenic Co. news release, August 18, 2014
Daiichi Sankyo starts phase III of Enbrel biosimilar in Japan
Enbrel (Etanercept), a fully human soluble TNFα receptor preparation, is a therapeutic for rheumatoid arthritis. Daiichi Sankyo news release, August 18, 2014
University team succeeds with gene therapy for hemophilia in mice
A group from Akitsu HOTTA Kyoto University and around Hideto MATSUI from Nara Medical University succeeded to cure hemophilic mice after transferring factor VIII usisng a non-viral piggyback vector as a vector. The mice when temporally treated with an immunosuppressant produced circulating factor VIII for over 300 days, China Bio news release, August 18, 2014