We are analyzing biological roles of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in a wide range of cellular reactions, such as pre-mRNA splicing, nuclear structure formation, chromatin remodeling and genome stability, using fission yeast and cultured mammalian cells. NcRNAs are defined as RNAs with no significant protein-coding capacity. We have recently revealed that ncRNAs transcribed from the centromere regions have essential roles in chromosome segregation. A new paradigm of “ncRNA regulation in chromosome segregation” is now emerging.

In addition, we are trying to breed novel fission yeast strains suitable for brewing rice (or sweet potato) shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled sprit, which is generally brewed by budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1980 - 1982: Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tsukuba University
1982 - 1987: Researcher, Bioscience Laboratory, Sankyo Co., Ltd.
1987 - 1991: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University
1991 - 2001: Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University
2001 - present: Professor, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University

Tel:
(+81) 096-342-3461 or 3311

Email: ttani(at)sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Address:
2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555 JAPAN
Kurokami South campus
Faculty of Science Building 1, Room C316