Professor Emeritus and Fellow
The University of Tokyo
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Tadatsugu Taniguchi
Curent Position; Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Membership:
Foreign Associate Member, Naional Academy of Sciences, USA
International Member, National Academy of Medicine, USA
International Member, EMBO
Educational Background:
1971: B. Sci. in Biology, Tokyo University of Education, Tokyo, Japan
1978: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Highlights of the past and current research activities
A majority of my laboratory’s major research projects stem from our original discovery and molecular characterization of two human cytokine genes, made between the late 1970s and early 1980s, human fibroblast interferon (renamed thereafter as IFN-beta) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). During the course of our research on cytokine gene expression and signaling we discovered a new family of transcription factors, interferon regulatory factors (IRFs). We have since focused on elucidating the functions of these factors in the regulation of immunity and oncogenesis. This family has received particular attention by researchers since we and others described the integral roles of IRFs in the regulation of the immune system and oncogenesis. A recent and new focus is to understand how molecules derived from dead cells, such as HMGB1, contribute to the regulation of inflammation and immunity. Finally, we also aim to translate our achievements in basic research for the development of new strategies in the prevention and treatment of immunological diseases and cancers.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM PT