１．Elucidation of the construction mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum-like structures formed by Legionella
We are conducting research to identify and elucidate the role of proteins functioning at endoplasmic reticulum contact sites and at growth sites of the bacteria called Legionella that cause pneumonia.
Arasaki et al. (2017) Nat Commun. 8, 15406; Arasaki et al. (2018) J Cell Biol. 217, 3863; Kawabata et al. (2021) PLoS Pathog 17, e1009437; Murata et al. (2022) J Cell Sci. 135, jcs259538, etc.
２．Research on intracellular trafficking mechanisms involved in metastasis and invasion of cancer cells
We are studying the mechanisms of cancer cell motility, invasion, and metastasis through endocytosis, exocytosis, and cytoskeletal regulation.
Miyagawa et al. (2019) J Cell Biol. 218, 3355; Inoue et at al. (2024) J Cell Biol. 223, e202303102, etc.
３．Unraveling the role of endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi membrane contact sites in protein secretion
Cells regulate the quantity and quality of protein secretion as needed. We are studying the molecular mechanism by which direct communication between two organelles, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex, regulates the biogenesis of transport carriers (e.g. CARTS) at the trans-Golgi network.
Wakana et al. (2021) J Cell Biol. 220, e202002150; Wakana & Campelo (2021) Cells 10, 1618; Wakana & Tagaya (2023) Methods Mol Biol 2557, 573, etc.
４．Research on mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs)
MAMs are subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum which have recently attracted a great deal of attention because of their involvement in apoptosis, autophagy, lipid droplet formation, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease), inflammation, and bacterial infection. We are conducting research with the aim of elucidating part of the molecular mechanisms of these phenomena.
Tagaya & Simmen (2017) Organelle Contact Sites: from Molecular Mechanism to Disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 997; Sugo et al. (2018) EMBO J. e98899, etc.