ABOUT iGCORE

Message from the Executive Director of the Institute for Glyco-Core Research (iGCORE)

Executive Director, Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE)
Kenji KADOMATSU

Unraveling the Fundamental Roles of Glycans Hidden Within Biological Diversity and Creating Knowledge that Contributes to Human Health and Well-Being

What is life? What does it mean to be alive?
These are fundamental questions that humanity has pursued throughout history. At the same time, we continue to confront equally important challenges: Why do people develop diseases, and how can we overcome them? Since its establishment in 2021, our institute has been guided by the conviction that scientific progress is driven not only by intellectual curiosity about nature, but also by respect for life and compassion for all living beings. To address these profound questions, we focus on glycans, essential molecules that support and regulate life, and strive to uncover their fundamental roles in biological systems.

Since its inception, the Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE) has steadily built an integrated research framework spanning the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels to advance glycoscience. In recent years, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the analysis of vast and complex biological data, reshaping the very methodology of life science. The world of glycans—with its immense structural diversity and dynamic nature—is precisely the kind of frontier that demands such innovative approaches. Recognizing this opportunity, iGCORE has actively promoted the integration of glycoscience and AI, including the establishment of a dedicated AI-based research division.

Through these interdisciplinary efforts, our understanding of the diverse and dynamic functions of glycans has advanced significantly, revealing previously unseen aspects of biological phenomena. In particular, the Human Glycome Project, which seeks to systematically define the full spectrum of glycans in humans, is accelerating glycoscience into a new era of discovery.

At the same time, collaborative research networks continue to expand through J-GlycoNet, Joint Usage/Research Center Glyco Science Cooperative Network. Internationally, the establishment of Glyco-MIRAI, a joint research initiative with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), exemplifies the growing global reach of our activities. These efforts extend beyond advancing fundamental science and are increasingly contributing to the development of medical innovations, therapeutic strategies, and solutions to pressing societal challenges.

Japanese glycoscience has long been at the forefront of global research, and the field is now entering a new phase of development. Researchers at iGCORE are bringing together diverse expertise to decipher the complex biological phenomena orchestrated by glycans. The knowledge generated through these efforts will not only provide new perspectives for life science as a whole but also contribute to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and the creation of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Building upon the strong foundation established over the past several years, we are now entering a stage in which the functions and potential of glycans can be explored more deeply than ever before, while translating our discoveries into tangible benefits for society. By unraveling the fundamental roles of glycans hidden within biological diversity, we aspire to create knowledge that advances human health and well-being. We remain committed to pursuing this mission and to shaping the future of glycoscience for generations to come.