• Antisense oligonucleotide targeting nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (Mol. Ther. Nuc. Acid., 2025)

     

    In collaboration with Dr. Obika, Dr. Hara investigated antisense oligonucleotides targeting one-carbon metabolism in cancer as a novel molecular therapeutic strategy, which led to tumor inhibition.

  • In vivo engineered CAR-T cell therapy: lessons built from COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Int J Mol Sci, 2025)

     

    In an academia-industry collaboration, Dr. Meng indicated the significance and implication of in vivo engineered CAR-T cell therapy. By bridging RNA-based technological insights, CAR-T therapy in vivo may evolve into a versatile and accessible treatment paradigm across diverse oncological landscapes.

  • Recent exploration of cancer biomarkers hidden within urine or blood exosomes that provide fundamental information for future cancer diagnostics (Diagnostics, 2025)

     

    In academia-industry collaboration, Dr. Hara’s work focuses on the early detection of cancer, the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade growth controls such as contact inhibition, and the significance of early detection for effective treatment. The integration of next-generation sequencing technology for detailed gene expression analysis and the potential use of exosomes as cancer markers highlight the evolving approaches in cancer diagnostics.

  • Non-invasive detection of tumors by volatile organic compounds in urine (Biomedicines, 2025)

     

    In the academia-industry collaboration, Dr. Hara’s work focuses on the early detection of cancer, a leading cause of death that becomes increasingly difficult to treat as it progresses. Current blood biomarker tests have limitations in diagnosing early-stage cancer, highlighting the need for new biomarkers and diagnostic methods. This review examines recent advancements in cancer biomarker detection, particularly the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urine and the use of olfactory receptors.

  • Non-coding RNA modifications of gastrointestinal cancer (Cancer Sci, 2024)

     

    In an academia-industry collaboration, Dr. Hara demonstrated the relationship between ncRNA modifications and cancer progression in gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and discussed enzyme inhibitors that target ncRNA modifications. By leveraging the novel perspective of ncRNA modifications, this aims to contribute to human health through improved diagnosis and treatment.

  • A novel target of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in solid tumor (Cancer Sci, 2024)

     

    Dr. Meng highlighted the significance of RNA-based chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy against cancers, indicating that the challenges and future optimization directions of this treatment strategy are explored, providing new perspectives and strategies for ‘designer cell’ therapy in solid tumors.

  • Dr Hara’s paper (IBD bacterial flora) was highlighted in a cancer journal (Cancer Sci, 2024)

  • Tissue-resident memory T cells in gastrointestinal cancers: prognostic significance and therapeutic implications (Biomedicines, 2024)

     

    In collaboration with the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, Dr. Sato has elucidated the pivotal role of tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) in gastrointestinal cancers, paving the way for personalized and highly effective therapies.

     

  • RN7SL1 may be translated under oncogenic conditions (PNAS, 2024)

     

    As the international collaboration, Dr. Hara studied the significance of non-coding RNA, RN7SL1. RN7SL1 small Open Reading Frame (ORF) may be translated under special conditions such as those in cancer.

  • High N6-methyladenosine-activated TCEAL8 mRNA is a novel pancreatic cancer marker (Cancer Sci, 2024)

     

    In a groundbreaking global partnership with Osaka University, Japan, Dr. Hara delved into the intricacies of RNA methylation within fresh specimens and organoid cultures derived from pancreatic cancer. Through meticulous research, Dr. Hara unveiled the activation of pivotal cell signaling pathways crucial in cancer metastasis. His findings shed light on the significance of m6A-activated TCEAL8 mRNA as a pioneering marker gene implicated in the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer.