อานนท์ เปลี่ยนใจสุข
Arnon Plianchaisuk
アーノン プリアンチャイスク
Roles of LTR retroelements in the Mammalian Organ Evolution
Some genes in mammalian genomes are derived from ancient virus-like elements called LTR retroelements. Some of these genes, such as PEG10, RTL1, and syncytin genes, are well known for their crucial roles in the development of placentae in therian mammals. Since many LTR retroelements in the mammalian genomes are similar in genetic structures, we have comprehensively investigated the evolutionary roles of these LTR retroelements in mammalian lineages by integrating bioinformatic, phylogenetic, and experimental analyses. We discovered evidence suggesting that NYNRIN, an LTR retroelement-derived gene, was likely to contribute to placental emergence in the therian stem lineage by promoting trophoblast invasion.
(NYNRIN paper)
Coronavirus Biology and Evolution
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) is a coronavirus that emerged in 2019 and has caused the COVID-19 disease pandemic. The rapid SARS-CoV-2 evolution results in the emergence of novel variants with different virological and pathological properties. To evaluate health and economic risks that may be posed to humans, I have collaborated with The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium to investigate the evolutionary history and virological features of some coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern including BA.2, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, EG.5.1, HK.3, and JN.1.