- Professor
- Naoya HASHIKAWA
- Research Field
Molecular biology, Neuroscience
- Keyword(s)
Brain function, Gene expression, Protein misfolding
- Research theme
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- Research on mechanisms of mental disorders
- Roles of molecular chaperones in various disease
- Role of molecular chaperones in memory and sensation
Proteins exert their functions by adopting specific three-dimensional structures. Molecular chaperones are known to be involved in the process of achieving proper protein folding, which is crucial for the formation of these three-dimensional structures. We are focusing on a specific molecular chaperone known as heat shock protein and investigating its role in the brain. Through our research, we have revealed a connection between heat shock protein and depressive-like symptoms. Currently, we are further expanding this research to explore the relationship between depression and protein misfolding abnormalities.
Additionally, we are studying the impact of heat shock protein expression on memory, sensation, as well as its effects on allergies such as rhinitis.

- Desired cooperation
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- Evaluation of the physiological and molecular biological effects of novel substances
- Development of novel therapeutic approaches using disease model mice
- Gene expression analysis