Disclaimer: machine translated by DeepL which may contain errors.
Professor Mikiko Shiomi Receives the Naito Memorial Prize for the Promotion of Science 2023
Takehiko Kobayashi, Professor, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences / Concurrent Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Professor Mikiko Shiomi of Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, has received the Naito Memorial Prize for the Promotion of Science 2023. We offer our sincere congratulations. The theme of the award is "Elucidation of Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Silencing Mechanisms Essential for the Maintenance of Biological Homeostasis.
Professor Mikiko Shiomi
DNA is the main body of genes and has a long history of research as "genetics. In contrast, RNA was previously known only for its limited function as a "gene copy. As a DNA researcher, I am envious of this. Among them, Dr. Shiomi's research results are outstanding.
RNA silencing is a mechanism to suppress gene expression triggered by small RNAs. A typical example is RNA interference, which acts as an immune mechanism to protect the body from viral infection. MicroRNAs are widely known as small RNA molecules that cause RNA silencing. Each cell expresses different microRNAs and regulates cellular functions by controlling different target genes.
Dr. Shiomi and his colleagues have elucidated the molecular mechanism of Argonaute 2, a central factor in RNA interference, and its physiological role by using genetic and biochemical analyses in Drosophila. They also studied small RNA molecules that repress transposons in a germline-specific manner and found that they protect the germline genome and maintain fertility.
I believe that RNA silencing research will continue to contribute greatly to our understanding of the mechanisms of life and to the development of treatments and diagnostic agents. The world looks forward to Dr. Shiomi's continued success.
Published in The Rigakubu Science News May 2024