2024 Activity Report vol.18:Wakayama Medical University

Wakayama Medical University (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences), supported by the Sakura Science Program of JST, invited eight researchers (six graduate students and two faculty members) who are conducting research on protein 3D structure analyses at Seoul National University College of Pharmacy and Ajou University (College of Pharmacy) for seven days from January 8 to January 14, 2025. On the Wakayama Medical University side, Profs. NAKATSU Toru, NAKAGAWA Takayuki, and SHIGERI Yasushi supported this program. During their stay, they shared and discussed the latest information on dynamic structure of proteins at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Wakayama Medical University. They also visited the university hospital, department of pharmacy and observed a medical practice that provides safe and high-quality medical cares.

On the first day, the group arrived at Kansai International Airport from Incheon International Airport in the early afternoon. A welcome party was also held at dinner.

On the second day, they visited the university hospital, department of pharmacy. After a brief overview by Prof. NAKAGAWA, Director of the department of pharmacy, the participants enthusiastically observed the site of drug administration, dispensing, and information management. In the afternoon, they moved to the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, where a seminar on dynamic molecular structures of proteins, including metabolism-related enzymes, proteins involved in phosphorylation signals, and cation channels, was conducted. Participants discussed actively.

On the third day, Prof. KURISU Genji (Lab. Protein Crystallography) of the Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, hosted a seminar by Prof. In-Gyun Lee and Prof. Min-duk Seo, and a tour of the Institute for Protein Research.

On the fourth day, the group visited Yoshino Mountain, which is registered as a World Heritage site on the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". They participated in an evening service at Kinpusen-ji, a sacred site of Shugendo, and purified their bodies and minds. Afterwards, they had dinner and overnight stay at a Japanese hotel (ryokan), where they enjoyed Japanese culture.

On the fifth day, after breakfast a, the group returned to Wakayama using JR train and explored Wakayama city.

On the sixth day, they visited Wakayama Medical University (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) and watched facilities related to pharmaceutical education.

On the seventh day, they moved to Kansai International Airport and returned to Korea by an afternoon flight. Overall, it was a cold week due to the cold wind and snow. But there was no concern about colds since it was much colder in Korea.