Yokohama City University

Principal Investigator_T.Tamura

Regulation of transcription factors in the immune system by post-translational modifications

Tomohiko Tamura
Professor, Immunology
researchmap

Our Aim

We focus on the role of transcription factors in the immune system to understand the pathogenesis of, and to develop new therapies for, various diseases such as autoimmune diseases and leukemias.

Background

Disorders in the immune system cause various diseases such as infectious diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, allergy and more. Transcription factors play central roles in the differentiation, growth and function of immune cells. Post-translational modifications are thought to be a critical step for the regulation of transcription factors.

Research Overview

We investigate the molecular mechanism by which the expression and function of transcription factors in the immune system (such as IRFs and NF-κB) are regulated. Employing proteomic (mass-spectrometry), transcriptomic (microarray), genomic (ChIP-seq) and bioinformatic approaches, we will understand the role of transcription factors in various diseases, and will develop new strategies (especially drugs) for the improved therapy.

Achievements

We have revealed that the transcription factors IRF4 and IRF8 have both common and specific activities that enable the differentiation of functionally distinct subsets among the mononuclear phagocyte system. Furthermore, we have found that the loss of these factors results in not only immune deficiency but also a chronic myelogenous leukemia-like disease.