Data Science Special Lecture-9 (2024)

Date & Time: Tuesday, 10 December 11:00-15:30
Place: Online
Language: Japanese (Slides in English)

Lecturer: Michiaki Hamada (Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University)

Title: Life science and pharmaceutical research based on RNA informatics

Abstract:
This lecture outlines the cutting-edge research in life sciences and drug discovery through the integration of RNA research and informatics. First, we introduce life science research aimed at elucidating the functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We explain the approach of identifying functional elements, such as transposon sequences involved in tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of lncRNAs. Next, we discuss medical sciences research using RNA, focusing on “RNA aptamer drug discovery” and “RNA-targeted drug discovery.” Specifically, we highlight our efforts in “AI-driven RNA aptamer drug discovery” for efficient aptamer creation, showcasing our developed AI model, RaptGen, and our achievements in creating aptamers against viral infections. Through this lecture, we discuss the deepening understanding of biological phenomena through RNA informatics and the potential for developing innovative drug discovery technologies.