Faculty

Anatomy

Mechanisms of cerebral cortical development

We are interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how the cells in the central nervous system, in particular the cells in the cerebral cortex, are born, migrate to their final destinations, develop unique structures such as layers, and finally form such a complex network to enable the various higher brain functions. We are also investigating how these developmental processes are disturbed by various perturbations.

Anatomy

Understanding the Formation of Vascular Networks

Unlocking the mysteries of the dynamics of how the blood vessel network is able to reach remote locations of the body using the latest imaging techniques. On this foundation, developing completely new molecular targeted treatments for cancer and ischemia, etc.

Anatomy

Three dimensional vascular anatomy of human body

Clarification of three dimensional structure of arteries and veins by investigating radiographically various organs of fresh cadavers injected systemically with radiopaque. The objective of the research is development of new surgical methods based on the three dimensional anatomy.

Physiology

CNS development and regeneration

Elucidating the clinical states of neurological disorders, and research into regenerative medicine of the CNS using neural stem cells and iPS cell technology. Development of genetically modified primate techniques, creation of new models of neurological and mental disorders, and the elucidation of the mechanisms of brain development and higher level brain function.

Physiology

Synapse formation and plasticity as the basis of higher brain functions and neuropsychiatric disorders

Synapses are not only formed during development, but also continuously modified according to neuronal activities throughout adulthood. Synaptic plasticity is believed to be the basis of all higher brain functions, including learning and memory. Moreover, recent genetic studies have revealed that many neuropsychiatric disorders are caused by defects in genes encoding synaptic molecules. Thus, we aim to understand mechanisms by which synapses are formed, maintained and eliminated by neuronal activities using electrophysiological, molecular biological, and behavioral approaches.

Physiology

Synaptology toward an understanding of molecular mechanisms for learning and memory

Synapses, which connect neurons in the brain, dynamically change throughout life. We address the issues how synapses are formed and function, and how synaptic events affect behaviors, thereby uncovering the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory.

Physiology

Neural stem cell biology

Elucidating the mechanisms of spatio-temporal regulation of the self-renewal and differentiation potential of neural stem cells which provide the basis for the central nervous system histogenesis.

Physiology

Specialization trait acquisition mechanism of nervous system/neural cells

Clarification of the maintenance and acquisition mechanisms of CNS cell group differentiation from an epigenetic expression regulation mechanism perspective; development of cell lineage regulation techniques.

Pharmacology

Water Biology and Medicine: understanding of in vivo water dynamics and the roles of aquaporins

A double-sided analysis of the structure-function relationship of aquaporins (water channels) consisting of a biochemical approach and molecular dynamic simulations. Furthermore, researching aquaporin regulation mechanisms and high-order functions, and building a basis for drug development.

Pharmacology

Molecular pharmacology of Aquaporin

Investigating the molecular role of water channel ‘Aquaporin’ in pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, and propose a novel therapeutic strategy and target.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System, Imaging

Understanding the pharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology of the brain through pharmacological characterizations of drugs working on the central nervous system. Analyses on the pharmacological properties of non-neuronal cells are being undertaken by utilizing non-linear optical imaging techniques in addition to molecular and cellular biological methods.

Biochemistry

Gastroenterology, Cancer biology, Regenerative medicine

We develop organoid culture protocol for a variety of tissue cells and are study how tissue cell behaviour in a biological context. We particularly focus on applying organoid technology to cancer research and regenerative medicine.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology

On the basis of the functional magnetic nano-beads technology, I analyze the biological regulation via identification of receptor proteins for drugs, and the construction of novel biosensors.

Molecular Biology

RNA biology

Understanding molecular mechanisms underlying genomic quality control in light of stem cell formation and maintenance through characterizations of molecular pathways leading to transposon silencing including RNAi. In addition, understanding diseases caused by defects in RNAi and its related pathways.

Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Preventive medicine; environmental and occupational medicine

To achieve primary prevention for all in every community, my main research topic is tailor-made preventive medicine based on epidemiology with population-based cohort studies, combining multi-omics technologies, metabolomics in particular. Furthermore, pursuing social prevention efforts through establishing environmental and occupational standards for protecting population and workers' health through a scientific risk assessment process.

Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Public health; lifestyle-related disease; epidemiology; nutrition; community medicine; international collaborative research

We are seeking to identify new biomarkers that predict incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, and also developing novel lifestyle modification (diet, etc.) that will prevent various diseases through large-scale cohort studies and international collaborative studies. Also we are performing regional intervention research through health training and community education, health policy making studies (Health Japan 21, Data Health), and establishing clinical guidelines based on epidemiologic evidence.

Infectious Diseases

Clinical Infectious Diseases. Respiratory Infections. Infection Control

Searching for disease mechanisims or biomarkers to evaluate disease activity of respiratory infectious diseases sucjh as penumococcal pneumonia, pseudomonas aeruginosa pneunonia, influenza, mycobacterial infectious diseases including non-tuberculous mycobacterium and HIV infection. Evaluating the PK−PD evaluation of pulmonary antimicrobial drugs in the lungs by obtaining respiratory tract fluids using bronchoscope. Promotiom of PK/PD based appropriate usage of newly-develpoed antibiotics. Developing, evaluating, and examining the clinical importance of ART in HIV management.

Pathology

Pathology; Cancer epigenetics; Integrative disease omics analysis

To participate in genome medicine and preventive/pre-emptive medicine by understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases, therapeutic and diagnostic targets are explored based on integrative disease omics analysis, especially epigenome analysis, in human cancers derived from various organs, histopathologically-recognized precancerous lesions and cancer-prone metabolic and/or inflammatory disorders.

Pathology

Pathology

Analysis of molecular genetic abnormalities of cancer, particularly in pediatric tumors and sarcomas in order to ascertain their development and progression mechanisms, with the goal of developing molecular diagnosis and treatment methods.

Microbiology and Immunology

Molecular immunology; understanding disease centered around cytokines and infllammation

1. Analysis of immune regulation mechanims by CIS/SOCS family genes and cytokines.2. Analysis of cytokines and their signl transduction in various inflammatory diseases.3. Functional analysis of Spred/Sprouty protein family.4. T-cell reprogramming.

Microbiology and Immunology

Immunology; microbiology; intestinal microbiota

Clarifying effects of the intestinal microbiota on the host physiology. Also investigating the mechanisms of host response to pathogens.

Microbiology and Immunology

Mucosal immunology, Intestinal microbiology

We have identified the specific intestinal bacteria which can affect the host immune system. The aim of our research is to understand the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of several human diseases associated with an altered gut microbiota. We also aim to understand the gut microbiota more deeply through analysis of their interaction with each other.

Legal Medicine

Forensic pathology; sudden death study

Investigating the pathogenesis and predisposition of sudden unexpected death syndrome in young Asian males by performing genetic and comparative epidemiological studies. Establishing objective diagnosis methods in forensic medicine.

Health Policy and Management

Health policy and management; Quality of healthcare; Epidemiology; Evaluation; Social science method

Health policy research and clinical research for i. Quality improvement initiative, ii. Healthcare technology/diagnosis/treatment innovation , iii. Sustainable, optimal healthcare system.

Biostatistics

Biostatistics Genetic epidemiology

Focusing on clinical research practices and methodologies, we are actively involved in the study of data collection, evaluation, and the development of statistical methods. Furthermore, through the analysis of human genetic information and the development of statistical methodologies, our goal is to elucidate diseases and establish personalized medicine.