Name Keiji Kuba, M.D., Ph.D.Affiliation Medical Top Track (MTT) Program
Title Junior MTT Fellow
Subjects of Research
1. Identification of novel gene targets for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases
2. Elucidation of molecular pathogenesis of SARS receptor ACE2-associated acute lung failure
Research Summary
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a newly identified ACE family molecule and is shown to negatively regulate renin-angiotensin system and control cardiovascular functions. We recently identified ACE2 as an in vivo SARS coronavirus receptor and demonstrated that ACE2 plays a crucial role in SARS pathogenesis. To further dissect the mechanisms, we generate knockout mice for Apelin, a novel ACE2-regulated cardiovascular peptide and analyze them with in vivo cardiovascular and pulmonary disease models. Furthermore, we will try to elucidate molecular pathogenesis of ACE2-associated acute lung failure and identify novel target genes for cardiovascular diseases.
Publications
1. Kuba K*, Imai Y and Penninger JM*: J Mol Med. 84:814-820 (2006) *shared correspondence author
2. Kuba K, Imai Y, Rao S, Gao H, Guo F, Guan B, Huan Y, Yang P, Zhang Y, Deng W, Bao L, Zhang B, Liu G, Wang Z, Chappell M, Liu Y, Zheng D, Leibbrandt A, Wada T, Slutsky AS, Liu D, Qin C, Jiang C, Penninger JM: Nat Med 11: 875-879 (2005)
3. Imai Y, Kuba K, Rao S, Huan Y, Guo F, Guan B, Yang P, Sarao R, Wada T, Leong-Poi H, Crackower MA, Fukamizu A, Hui CC, Hein L, Uhlig S, Slutsky AS, Jiang C, Penninger JM: Nature 436:112-116 (2005)
Experimental techniques
1．In vitro cell culture-based disease models.
2．Generation and analyses of knockout mice.
3．Genetic and interventional mouse disease models.