Advanced Pathophysiological Science
- Biomolecula Pathogenesis
- Biodefense Research
- Cellular Dynamics
- Immune Regulation
- Neuroinflammation and Repair
- Integrative Stress Science
Biomolecula Pathogenesis
Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms how the disruption of various functional molecules in cell leads to intractable diseases. As a leading study in our laboratory, we have studied how PINK1 and Parkin lead damaged mitochondria to autophagic degradation via ubiquitylation (called mitophagy), and we propose that the disruption of this process predisposes to the hereditary Parkinson's disease. We would like to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of intractable diseases such as Parkinson's disease from the perspectives of membrane trafficking, ubiquitin-dependent autophagy, post-translational modification of amino groups, and organelle quality control.
Biodefense Research
Our research projects focus on understanding the dynamic maintenance and transfiguration of homeostasis in the living body. Our goal is to define the homeostasis mechanism under conditions of health and disease. To accomplish this goal, we are trying to clarify the molecular basis of induction and failure of homeostasis by focusing on immune cells in particular mononuclear phagocytes (dendritic cells and macrophages), tissue stem cells, and their functional interplay in the immunological and non-immunological organs, such as skin and intestine. On the basis of our findings, we will further pursue our research in the hope of developing new rational therapies for prevention and treatment of disease.
Cellular Dynamics
In multicellular organisms, various types of cells interact with each other to maintain cellular community and tissue homeostasis. Our lab aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of cellular dynamics and cell-cell communication. In particular, we focus on cellular dynamics during cancer progression and organogenesis, with the goal of elucidating the behavior of cellular communities that contribute to these processes.
Immune Regulation
Our research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of differentiation and function of immune cells and mesenchymal cells that are responsible for the maintenance and breakdown of immune homeostasis. By focusing on pathogenic T cell subsets, tissue-specific mesenchymal cells and their interactions, we are aiming to understand molecular pathogenesis of intractable diseases including autoimmune diseases for the development of new therapies.
Neuroinflammation and Repair
Stroke and dementia are major causes of shortening healthy life expectancy worldwide, and their prevalence is expected to increase. The current development of therapeutic drugs for these conditions is insufficient, leading to a lack of effective means to restore lost brain function. Thus, stroke and dementia are classified as intractable diseases. Although brain injury triggers inflammation, it also activates reparative programs in the brain, resulting in the spontaneous recovery of brain function in brain-damaged patients. Our goal is to develop treatments that can enhance and sustain these spontaneous recovery mechanisms of the brain.