LAB. OF RNA VIRUSES | Institute for Life And Medical Sciences, Kyoto University.

About	Message from the Director Prize History Organization Publications

Research	Achievements Shared Research Facilities at LiMe

DEPARTMENT OF VIRUS RESEARCHLAB. OF RNA VIRUSES

Professor

Keizo Tomonaga

MESSAGE FROM THE LAB

Our laboratory is the world’s top laboratory for bornavirus research. Bornaviruses are zoonotic viruses and have many unique features not found in other viruses, such as infection mechanisms, replication mechanisms, and endogenization into animal genomes. Thus, this virus is one and only subject to elucidate the nature of viruses. Our research is contributing widely to the life sciences and medical sciences.

MEMBER

Professor	Keizo Tomonaga
Associate Professor	Akiko Makino
Assistant Professor	Makoto Kitabatake
Assistant Professor	Takehiro Kanda
Assistant Professor	Hiromichi Matsugo
Program-Specific Assistant Professor	Ryo Komorizono
Staff	Postdoctoral Fellow：Madoka Sakai、Specialist Administrative Staff：Haruka Yamashita

RESEARCH

Exploring the nature of viruses for innovation of life and medical sciences

Our main focuses are bornaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. Bornavirus research includes elucidation of infection and replication mechanisms, viral co-evolution research to uncover the mysteries of endogenous bornavirus-like elements in our genomes, and development of a novel viral vector for gene and cellular therapies based on reverse genetics technology of bornavirus. In SARS-CoV-2 research, we are analyzing mutant strains and host factors that interact with viral replication.

Three focuses on bornavirus research

Bornavirus research is being conducted under three themes: (1) RNA virology, (2) Analysis of endogenous bornaviruses, and (3) Development of a novel RNA virus vector, REVec (RNA virus-based episomal vector).

Experimental scene with disposable protective clothing