Japan StoreHouse of Animal Radiobiology Experiments （J-SHARE）

Overview of J-SHARE

Objective

　The National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Institute for Radiological Science (NIRS) has been conducting large-scale animal experiments to analyse the risk of life-shortening and cancer induction caused by ionising radiation. In addition, in order to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of radiation-induced carcinogenesis, analyses of genetic and epigenetic changes in tumours are also being carried out. Due to the financial and practical limitations of repeating such large-scale experiments, as well as ethical considerations, it is important to preserve and share pathological data and biological samples linked to the experimental conditions so that they can be used in the future. To maximise the results of radiation effects research by making effective use of historical collections, Japan Storehouse of Animal Radiobiology Experiments (J-SHARE) was established. By using new analytical techniques such as advanced molecular biological analysis techniques, mathematical model analysis, and quantum life science approaches, J-SHARE provides a valuable resource for obtaining new knowledge about the biological effects of radiation.

Contents

　J-SHARE is a system that allows you to view information such as experimental conditions, necropsy records (body weight, organ weight, macroscopic findings, etc.), images of organs at the time of necropsy, histopathological images using virtual slides, information on stored samples, and pathological necropsy reports. Researchers from Japanese and foreign research institutions can access the database via the Internet to search for and view registered information on available data.

Available materials

   Studies using mice and rats have been conducted on the cancer risk and life shortening from exposure to gamma rays, carbon ions and neutrons during the fetal, childhood and adult stages. The articles and numerical data from these studies are available or will be made available sequentially from the lists below.

   Pathology records (including slide images) and biosamples from approximately 10,000 animals have also been accumulated (see Table below). These samples will be made available sequentially after relevant papers are published. To access these records and biosamples, please contact the J-SHARE office below (see “How to apply for use”).

User manual

　Please refer to the user manual, which provides a simple summary of how to use J-SHARE [LINK].

How to apply for use

　To use J-SHARE, you must be a collaborate researcher affiliated with an institution that can enter into a collaboration research agreement with QST. For more information, please contact the J-SHARE office below (for foreign researchers, under consideration).

J-SHARE office

jshare[at]qst.go.jp（Please replace [at] with @）

References

• Morioka et al. Establishing the Japan-Store house of animal radiobiology experiments (J-SHARE), a large-scale necropsy and histopathology archive providing international access to important radiobiology data. Int J Radiat Biol 2019;95(10):1372-1377 [LINK]
• Ishikawa et al. Sharing of data archive of radiation exposure animal experiments in QST and IES. Rad. Pro. Dosi. 2024 Nov 13;200(16-18):1651-1655 [LINK]

Related links

• STORDB : A global database of experimental and sample information for radiation biology researchers）
• Northwestern University Radiobiology Archives (NURA) : An archive consisting of data and paraffin tissue samples from animal experiments conducted in the past at eight research institutes in the United States.