Prof Shun Hirota from NARA Institute of Science and Technology Japan gave a talk at Faculty of Science

Front row: Prof Hirota (left) and Dr Lim (right)

Second row, from left: Dr Lim Choon Leng, Dr Loh, Dr Wong, Dr Phoon and Dr Ismaliza

Prof Shun Hirota from the Division of Materials Science at Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan visited  UTAR Kampar Campus on 23 November 2022 and presented a talk titled “3D Domain Swapping of Proteins: Mechanism and Supramolacular Design” at the Faculty of Science (FSc). A discussion of potential collaboration between both universities was also organised on the same day.

Prof Hirota was welcomed by FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Deputy Dean for Research and Development and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Phoon Lee Quen, Head of Department of Biological Science Dr Nor Ismaliza binti Mohd Ismail, Academics Assoc Prof Dr Wong Hann Ling and Dr Loh Pek Chin; and UTAR Hospital Lab Manager Dr Lim Choon Leng.

To promote academic and research exchanges, UTAR and NAIST signed an MoU in 2013 which saw a renewal in 2018. The Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) has its focus on research areas such as Information Science and Engineering, Biological Science, and Materials Science and Engineering along with two interdisciplinary areas — Data Science and Digital Green-innovation.

In his talk on protein domain swapping, Prof Hirota said, “Domain swapping is a phenomenon in which identical monomeric proteins exchange structural elements and fold into dimers or multimers.” While introducing domain swapping, he explained the history and functions of a protein, Cytochrome c (Cyt c). It is said that Cyt c has been studied for many years but its elaborate role and function remained a mystery until decades ago when it was discovered to have immediate role in apoptosis. Apart from Cyt c, Prof Hirota also introduced other proteins which can also be seen in domain swapping research such as Myoglobin and blue copper protein.

“To begin the process of domain swapping, we need to destabilise the protein, allowing them to form monomers and polymers. Most of the time, ethanol is used for this purpose. However, the molecules can also be formed through protein folding without the use of ethanol. For instance, if folding is conducted with a reasonable protein concentration, monomers will be formed. If concentration is high, then polymers will form instead,” clarified Prof Hirota. Furthermore, an in-depth presentation of processes, problems and applications of domain swapping was presented to the audience.

There is no best approach to design protein assembly due to the lack of simple and reliable design approach. Focusing on the topic, Prof Hirota touched on the growing potentials of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer, saying, “With traditional methods, it is more on a trial-and-error basis. It fails occasionally since the designs are not fine-tuned. Within these one or two years, computer is becoming more and more developed which allows us to design protein molecules. Nevertheless, we are trying to find an efficient way to design molecules as the success rate is still low.”

Prof Hirota shedding light on the technical aspects of protein domain swapping

As the talk ended, a discussion between FSc dean, academics and Pro Hirota was observed. UTAR and NAIST showed keenness in mutual collaboration in research and academic exchanges after the impasse caused by Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, due to the high travelling cost in post-pandemic era, physical activities are unlikely to come about. As a result, both universities agreed to start anew by organising virtual activities in the coming years until the travelling issue is mitigated.

Ongoing discussion between FSc academics and Prof Hirota

At the moment, NAIST is recruiting postgraduate students to join their Functional Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory of Division of Materials Science. According to Prof Hirota, a slot is allocated for UTAR students and scholarship will be provided. Student who applies for the scholarship is required to go through a screening process conducted by NAIST to determine qualification status. Should any interest arise, please contact Prof Hirota via email: hirota@ms.naist.jp

Dr Lim (left) exchanging tokens of appreciation with Prof Hirota (right)