Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1989-1995
Title: Takashi Fujiwara: Innovator in Protease and Flagellin Research
Introduction
Takashi Fujiwara is a prominent inventor based in Nara, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the development of novel proteases and flagellin systems. With a total of 2 patents, his work has implications for various applications in microbiology and immunology.
Latest Patents
Fujiwara's latest patents include a novel protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis. This protease is designed to cleave the peptide bonds at the carboxyl termini of glutamic acid residues in polypeptides. The amino acid sequence of this protease ranges from serine in the +1 position to glutamine in the +222 position of SEQ ID NO: 1. Another significant patent involves the whole DNA sequence coding for flagellin of E. coli, known as the hag gene. This gene has been cloned in phage λ, and the hag gene is introduced into pBR322, lacking the region concerning the antigenicity of flagella. By inserting linkers into this region, the vector allows E. coli, which typically does not form flagella, to produce flagella and exhibit motility. The flagella comprises flagellin fused with a foreign peptide encoded by the foreign DNA, enabling the excretion of the peptide outside the bacteria. This innovative system can be utilized for epitope determination and antigen preparation.
Career Highlights
Fujiwara is currently employed at Shionogi Company Limited, where he continues to advance his research in biotechnology. His work has garnered attention for its potential applications in medical and industrial fields.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include Masaru Shin and Junichiro Asaka, who contribute to the collaborative efforts in their research projects.
Conclusion
Takashi Fujiwara's innovative work in protease and flagellin research highlights his significant contributions to biotechnology. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical applications in the field.