LiMe 京都大学医生物学研究所

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DEPARTMENT OF VIRUS RESEARCHLAB. OF RNA VIRUSES

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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.

RNAウイルス分野

ProfessorKeizo Tomonaga

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Associate Professor
Akiko Makino

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Assistant Professor
Makoto Kitabatake

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Assistant Professor
Takehiro Kanda

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Assistant Professor
Madoka Sakai

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Member

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).

Three focuses on bornavirus research

Experimental scene with disposable protective clothing

Experiments using infectious SARS-CoV-2 are performed in the P3 facility wearing protective clothing.

Experimental scene with disposable protective clothing