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From People - School of Science, The University of Tokyo
深田 吉孝 (ふかだ よしたか)
深田吉孝
| Title | Professor |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science |
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| Room | 218A, Faculty of Science Bldg.3, 2F |
| TEL | +81-3-5841-4381 24381 (ext.) |
Research Field
Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Animal Physiology and Biochemistry
Research Subject
Molecular mechanisms of circadian clock systems in the brain and peripheral tissues and light-signal transduction in the retina and extra-retinal tissues.
Current Research
By using biochemical, molecular biological and transgenic techniques, we are studying light signal transduction processes in retinal rod/cone photoreceptor cells, and investigating the molecular link between the photic-input pathway and the circadian oscillator at central clock tissues such as chick and zebrafish pineal gland and rodent suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.
(1) We are studying the structures and functions of new clock(-related) genes for understanding the molecular nature of transcription/translation-based autoregulatory feedback loop of the circadian oscillator in cells and their coupling in higher vertebrates. Light-dark cycles and many other factors including food uptake and sleep-awake cycles entrain the circadian clock system. We are interested in molecular level studies on the photic and non-photic input pathways toward the oscillator.
(2) A photon signal captured by photoreceptive molecules such as rhodopsin triggers a sequential activation of G-protein (transducin), cGMP-phosphodiesterase, and cGMP-gated cation channel, resulting in generation of receptor potential. We are interested in the difference in molecular mechanism and properties of signal-transducing proteins between rod and cone photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for twilight and daylight (color) vision, respectively. We are also pursuing physiological roles of non-visual photoreceptive molecules in the light-sensitive animal physiology such as body color change of animals.
(3) The alpha- and gamma-subunits of G-proteins are modified with fatty acids and isoprenoid, respectively. These lipids are absolutely required for the signal-transducing function of G-proteins, and we are interested in the mode of interaction between the modifying lipid and protein and/or membranes.
Keywords
Circadian rhythm, Circadian clock, Brain function, Hypothalamus, Suprachasmatic nucleus, Pineal gland, Transcriptional regulation, Light signaling, Protein phosphorylation, Posttranslational modification, G-protein, (Mouse, Chicken, Zebrafish)