Takahiro Yamashita (M2), Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, won a Student Award in the 79th Annual meeting held by the Society of Chemical Engineers

On March 19, Mr. Takahiro Yamashita in the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, M2, won a Student Award (Bronze) in the 79th Annual meeting held by the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan.

<about awarded research>

In human cells, it is said that 150-300 thousand types of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) exist. So detecting and assaying PPIs are significant focus in biology and biotechnology. Previously we reported a novel protein-protein interaction detection method, FlimPIA (Firefly luminescent intermediate-based Protein Interaction Assay), utilizing the 2-step catalytic reaction of firefly luciferase (Fluc). In this study, I tried to improve signal/background ratio (S/B ratio) by introducing a novel mutation at the hinge region that is important in reaction-dependent conformational change of the enzyme. 

<Comments>
I am so glad to win this Award, which gives a great confidence and encouragement to me working for a company as a researcher from now on. I will take this Award as a yell to my future and continue to make more efforts to contribute to our society in the future. I am very grateful to Professor Ueda for his great support and precise advice to my research and laboratory members for sharing best research environment.