We are conducting applied glycomics research to identify disease-associated glycans for the purpose of developing disease biomarkers and therapeutics.  Prof. Taniguchi is the leading investigator of the 21st century Center of Excellence program in Osaka University that is entitled “Integrated functional analyses of disease-associated sugar chains and proteins”.  He also participates as a founding chair in HGPI (Human Disease Glycomics/Proteome Initiative), which is an initiative group in HUPO (Human Proteome Organization).  HGPI has organized an international research project involving 21 institutes throughout the world that aims to normalize glycan analyses.