Hidenori Tani, Ph.D.
Yokohama University of Pharmacy
"RNA Biology Group"

HIDENORI TANI, Ph.D.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are studying RNA biology, particularly focusing on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We aim to achieve cutting-edge RNA drug discovery by utilizing molecular biology and bioinformatics.​

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Book - "The Hidden Directive of Life - Long Noncoding RNA" in Amazon Kindle.

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Why Focus on Long Noncoding RNAs?

To unravel the mysteries of life and open doors to innovative medical breakthroughs, we are focusing on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These enigmatic molecules, despite not coding for proteins, play crucial roles in supporting the very foundations of life. Since the discovery of HOTAIR in 2007, the world of lncRNAs has continued to astound us with its surprises and potential. LncRNAs are involved in various life processes, from regulating gene expression and maintaining chromatin structure to determining cell fate. This vast frontier not only opens new horizons in biology but also holds immense promise for understanding and developing treatments for numerous diseases.

How Do We Research and Apply lncRNAs?

Our group is advancing lncRNA research and application through the following approaches:

1. Functional Elucidation: We are unraveling the functions of the estimated tens of thousands of lncRNAs.
2. Disease Correlation: We investigate the relationships between various diseases and lncRNAs to identify new therapeutic targets.
3. RNA Therapeutics: We aim to develop innovative drugs that leverage the unique properties of lncRNAs.
 

Through these research efforts, we aspire to open a new chapter in life sciences and revolutionize the fields of medicine and pharmacology.
 

What Are lncRNAs?

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a type of RNA with the following characteristics:

1. Transcripts with a length of 200 nucleotides or more
2. Not translated into proteins
3. Perform diverse roles within cells
 

Some representative lncRNAs include:

1. HOTAIR: Epigenetic control
2. NEAT1: Involved in maintaining cellular structure
3. MALAT1: Associated with disease progression

These lncRNAs offer new perspectives for understanding the essence of life while simultaneously holding the potential for developing innovative therapies. The world of lncRNAs, filled with unknown possibilities, provides us with infinite opportunities for exploration.

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1. Elucidating lncRNA Functions in Humans and Mice

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  Human and mouse genomic DNA are approximately 99% identical, with many similarities in lncRNAs as well. However, lncRNA expression levels and functions can vary between species, making comparative studies crucial for a deeper understanding. LncRNAs have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. By studying lncRNAs, we aim to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments, as well as create novel therapeutics by modulating lncRNA functions to regulate cellular processes.

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​2. RNA-Protein Interaction Network Analysis Using Machine Learning

  Machine learning can automatically detect complex patterns in vast amounts of data that might be overlooked by human analysis. By applying this technology to lncRNA research, we aim to uncover functions and mechanisms that traditional research methods have not yet revealed. Specifically, we are developing a system to predict interactions between lncRNAs and RNA-binding proteins using machine learning, with the goal of discovering numerous previously unknown interactions.

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3. Research on LLPS, Oxidative Stress, and Gut-Brain Axis

  We are focusing on three key areas in relation to lncRNAs:
(i) Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS): LncRNAs are involved in forming droplet-like structures within cells through LLPS, playing a crucial role in regulating cellular functions.
(ii) Oxidative Stress: LncRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in the oxidative stress response, protecting cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
(iii) Gut-Brain Axis: There is a bidirectional interaction where the gut microbiome modulates lncRNA expression, which in turn affects host health. Understanding this relationship could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various diseases.
  By exploring these three areas, we aim to elucidate how lncRNAs function within cells and influence biological phenomena, potentially uncovering new avenues for RNA-based therapeutics.

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Ten Selected Publications:

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1. Endo R, Kurisu M, Tani H*. 

“Long noncoding RNA IDI2-AS1 modulates the expression of interleukin 5 in human cells.”

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 761, 151733, 2025.

2. Yokoyama S#, Muto H#, Honda T, Kurokawa Y, Ogawa H, Nakajima R, Kawashima H, Tani H*. 

“Identification of Two Long Noncoding RNAs, Kcnq1ot1 and Rmst, as Biomarkers in Chronic Liver Diseases in Mice.”

Int J Mol Sci, 25, 8927, 2024.

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3. Tani H*.

"Metabolic labeling of RNA using ribonucleoside analogs enables the evaluation of RNA synthesis and degradation rates"

Anal Sci. 41, 345-351, 2025.

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4. Tani H*.

"Recent advances and prospects in RNA drug development"

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 25, 12284, 2024.

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5. Yagi Y, Abe R, Tani H*.

“Exploring IDI2-AS1, OIP5-AS1, and LITATS1: changes in long non-coding RNAs induced by the poly I:C stimulation.”

Biol Pharm Bull, 47, 1144-1148, 2024.

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6. Tani H*, Numajiri A, Aoki M, Umemura T, Nakazato T.

“Short-lived long noncoding RNAs as surrogate indicators for chemical stress in HepG2 cells and their degradation by nuclear RNases.”

Sci Rep, 9, 1, 20299, 2019.​​

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7. Tani H*, Okuda S, Nakamura K, Aoki M, Umemura T.

“Short-lived long non-coding RNAs as surrogate indicators for chemical exposure and LINC00152 and MALAT1 modulate their neighboring genes.”

PLoS One, 12, e0181628, 2017.

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​8. Tani H*, Onuma Y, Ito Y, Torimura M.

“Long non-coding RNAs as surrogate indicators for chemical stress responses in human-induced pluripotent stem cells”

PLoS One, 9, e106282, 2014.

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9. Tani H*, Torimura M, Akimitsu N*.

“The RNA degradation pathway regulates the function of GAS5 a non-coding RNA in mammalian cells”

PLoS One, 8, e55684, 2013.

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10. Tani H, Mizutani R, Salam KA, Tano K, Ijiri K, Wakamatsu A, Isogai T, Suzuki Y, Akimitsu N*.

“Genome-wide determination of RNA stability reveals hundreds of short-lived non-coding transcripts in mammals”

Genome Res., 22, 947-956, 2012.

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Complete publication list