Daisuke Kihara, Ph.D.

Ribonucleic acid, commonly known as RNA, is involved in many biological functions, and some, including gene silencing, are utilitized to cure diseases. RNA has recently gained attention as a promising drug target. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of RNA structures have been determined experimentally, and the process of uncovering these structures requires significant time and effort. Using this time scale, the structures of many life saving RNA may not be discovered for years. As a result, there is a significant gap between the types of known RNA and the available structural data.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a computational solution to this problem named NuFold, which will model 3D RNA structures that could expedite medical discovery decades ahead of schedule. The research team, led by Daisuke Kihara, professor of biological sciences and computer science in the Purdue College of Science, published their findings in Nature Communications… Continue reading.

Proteins are key working molecules and building blocks in a cell. They are involved in almost all functional activities within and between cells, which include metabolic and signalling pathways, gene expression, cell duplication, diseases, and viral infection. Proteins carry out these functions through physical interactions with other proteins and different molecules, such as DNA and RNA.

Therefore, determining the three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein interactions (complexes) is crucial for a molecule-level understanding of how proteins function… Continue reading.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the election of Daisuke Kihara, Ph.D., to its College of Fellows. Dr. Kihara was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows for outstanding contributions to protein bioinformatics research, community service, and education.

The College of Fellows is comprised of the top two percent of medical and biological engineers in the country. The most accomplished and distinguished engineering and medical school chairs, research directors, professors, innovators, and successful entrepreneurs comprise the College of Fellows. AIMBE Fellows are regularly recognized for their contributions in teaching, research, and innovation. AIMBE Fellows have been awarded the Nobel Prize, the Presidential Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation and many also are members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences… Continue reading.