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Joint Research
What is Joint Research on Glycans?
In all living organisms, there are three essential bio-chains of molecules: genomes (nucleic acids), proteins, and glycans. However, despite the critical roles of glycans, they have received limited attention both socially and academically. This has created a barrier that has forced researchers in other fields to avoid studying glycans.
J-GlycoNet aspires to break down this barrier, opening the door to a new era of glycoscience, promoting multidisciplinary research, and advancing life sciences. J-GlycoNet offers collaborative research opportunities with host faculty members belonging to J-GlycoNet, leveraging our research resources, know-how, and state-of-the-art facilities to support cutting-edge research on glycans.
1. Interdisciplinary Joint Research Program
(budget: a few millions JPY in a year)
J-GlycoNet arranges advanced glyco-research themes that specified by J-GlycoNet. The project involves a joint research team consisting of a researcher (an applicant) and host faculty members from the all three institutions of J-GlycoNet. The goal is to promote research aimed at creating new fields of diverse life sciences through the specific glycan research. The research is conducted over a period of 1 year and can be renewed for up to three years by successfully undergoing an annual review process.
Example of themes
(conducted in FY 2022)
Theme 1: Study of molecular mechanisms of diseases involving glycans
J-GlycoNet seeks research projects that target various types of glycan structural analysis, glycan metabolism analysis, glycan dynamics, glycan information analysis, and clinical specimens in human disease model cells or model animals, among others. The goal is to significantly enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset by incorporating the knowledge of glycans into existing concepts of pathogenesis, as well as diagnostic and preventive methods.
Theme 2: Research on glycan-related molecules in various biological species
In diverse biological species such as animals, plants, and microorganisms, research proposals cover a broad range of topics. These topics include the analysis of glycans structures, mechanisms of glycan synthesis, and glycan recognition molecules (such as lectins, toxins, and others). The research focuses on understanding recognition mechanisms, intracellular dynamics, and functions associated with these molecules. Additionally, J-GlycoNet is interested in research that investigates the interaction parameters between glycan-interacting molecules or inhibitory molecules. Lastly, J-GlycoNet welcomes proposals for research projects that contribute to the understanding of biodiversity and glyco-diversity and promote innovation through the utilization of glycans.
Theme 3: Development of new technology for glycan research
Traditional methods of glycan analysis rely on techniques based on physicochemical separation, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. However, achieving scientific breakthroughs requires innovative technology that explores new principles and phenomena related to glycans and glycan-related molecules. Threfore, J-GlycoNet invites proposals that encompass novel ideas for separation, examination, or analysis systems (including informatics) to enhance our understanding of complex glycans and glycan complexes.
2. The Assisted Joint Research Program
Exploratory type
(Budget: 100,000 to 300,000 JPY in a year)
Both domestic and international joint research on a wide range of themes involving glycans is encouraged under the Exploration Type. It promotes exploratory research that contributes to the advancement of diverse studies in the life sciences and related fields. Funding is provided for up to one year.
Acceleration Type
(Budget: about 400,000 JPY)
Joint research expands on the research results obtained in the Exploratory Type. Funding is provided for up to one year and can be renewed for up to three years by successful completion of an annual review process.
Description of Acknowledgments
The performance of J-GlycoNet is evaluated through the number and quality of publications supported by the J-GlycoNet Joint Research Program. Therefore, researchers are kindly requested to acknowledge the joint research program in the acknowledgments section of research papers that report on results produced from J-GlycoNet joint research. Please download examples of Acknowledgments below.