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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Yasuhiko OKAMURA
- Research Field
Comparative oncology, Small animalsurgery
- Keyword(s)
Reconstructive surgery, Tumor marker, Chemotherapy
- Research theme
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- Reconstructive surgery for bone tumors
- Study of the availability of a new tumor marker
- Study of the anti-tumor effects of xanthine derivatives
Outline of research activitiesOne out of two Japanese will be suffering malignant tumor in their lifetime, there to not be an exaggeration to say that national disease. Dogs and cats as well as humans suffer from malignant tumor. I am conducting research with the goal of applying it to the treatment of human malignancies as well as animal malignancies by treating and researching naturally occurring malignancies in animals.
- Desired cooperation
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- Comparative oncology
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Yasuhiro KAMBAYASHI
- Research Field
Preventive Medicine, Environmental Health, Oxidative Stress , Epidemiology
- Keyword(s)
Chemicals, Ambient Dust, Allergy, Oxidative Stress, Earthquake, Psychchiatric Effect
- Research theme
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- Involvement of oxidative stress in exacerbation of bronchial asthma by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Psychiatric effects of earthquake on the elderliy
- Relationship between parabens contained in household goods and allergic diseases
Outline of research activitiesThe health effects of transboundary pollution such as Asian dust and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have become a public health problem. We have focused on its constituents such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We are also conducting research on the involvement of oxidative stress in exacerbation of symptoms of bronchial asthma caused by PAH using cultured cells.
The eldery are reported to be more susceptible to the psychiatric effects of earthquake. We are analyzing epidemiological surveys data on the psychiatrioc effects of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (2007) on the elderly who lived in temporary housing or in areas where damage was severe.
We are investigating the relationship between parabens, which are contained as antibacterial agents in household goods such as shampoos and cosmetics, and allergic diseases. We reported on the association of parabens and allergic disease in population over 40 years of age and in infants. I am participating in a cohort study (lifestyle and health, etc.) that has been ongoing for more than 10 years in Noto, including this study.- Desired cooperation
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- Research on oxidative stress (especially lipid oxidation) and diseases
- Research on environmental chemicals and allergic diseases
- Epidemiological study
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Yasuhiro YOSHIKAWA
- Research Field
veterinary medicine, zoonosis control, microbiology
- Keyword(s)
primate, chyroptera, fishes, virus, bacteria
- Research theme
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- Zoonosis control
- Development of new aquaculture methods
- Eradication or symbiosis of wildlife
Outline of research activitiesSince zoonoses were involved in the Infectious Disease Law, I have studied how zoonoses could be managed. In particular, I am investigating how to clarify the behavior of pathogens in wildlife, the ecology between wildlife and vectors, and construct a surveillance system. In addition, I am studying from multi-standpoints whether wild boars can be exterminated or symbiotic to make a model of the island of Imabari City. I started research on the development of new aquaculture methods, because Ehime Prefecture keeps the top position for aquaculture of some kinds of fishes in Japan.
- Desired cooperation
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- Epidemiology of zoonoses (wildlife, viruses, bacteria).
- Safe breeding of fry after hatching of fish, and development of new vaccines
- Extermination of wild boar, or symbiosis and effective use of them as Gibier.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Yasunori SHINOZUKA
- Research Field
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
- Keyword(s)
dairy cattle, mastitis, 16S rRNA
- Research theme
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- Exploring the possibility of new prevention and treatment of mastitis using milk microbiota
Outline of research activitiesOur laboratory has established a technique to examine the composition of the mammary flora by comprehensively analyzing the bacterial DNA (16S rRNA gene) contained in milk. Using this technology, we clarified that the relationship between SCC and mammary flora composition of healty cows (left figure). It has also become clear that there is a possible relationship between the composition of the mammary flora and the amount of the immune substance (lactoferrin) contained in milk (right figure). We are conducting research not only for the development of new treatments for bovine mastitis, but also for the application of new mastitis prevention methods using intramammary innate immunity.
- Desired cooperation
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- Accumulation of basic knowledge on milk microbiota
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Yumi UNE
- Research Field
Veterinary pathology
- Keyword(s)
Infectious diseases, wild animals, exotic animals, zoonosis, Disease ecology
- Research theme
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- Study and surveyh on emerging infectious diseases in amphibians
- Study of infectious diseases of captive wild animals and exotic animals
- Study of the pathogenesis of protein misfolding diseases in animals, etc.
Outline of research activitiesPathology is an academic field that endeavors to elucidate the causes and mechanisms of disease and death in animals.
Animals die from a variety of causes. Among them, infectious disease is a critical battle between an animal (host) and a pathogen, where various factors other than the strength of each side are involved in the ultimate outcome.
By dissecting and examining the animal, our investigation will clarify the origin of the host-pathogen relationship. We will protect human and animal health, as well as contributing to the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Protein misfolding diseases are caused by abnormalities in the three-dimensional structure of amino acids constituting a protein; well-known examples include bovine transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Clarifying the pathogenesis of protein misfolding diseases in animals will contribute to the establishment of a method for the prevention and treatment of protein misfolding diseases in humans and animals.- Desired cooperation
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- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular biology, ecology, etc.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Akihisa HATA
- Research Field
Medical technology, Environmental hygiene
- Keyword(s)
Antimicrobial resistance, Enterobacteria, Arsenic, Analytical technique
- Research theme
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- human and animal clinical testing technologies
- Research on antimicrobial resistance bacteria based on the One Health Concept
- food safety and functionality
Outline of research activitiesWe not only analyze the health status of humans, animals, the environment, and food, but also develop new testing methods to evaluate them.
In recent years, we have been conducting joint research with local governments and companies to develop processing methods to reduce food loss and add value to food ingredients, to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of functional ingredients in foods, and to develop new testing methods for inflammation markers.- Desired cooperation
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- blood test
- bacteriological test
- food testing
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Akira Goto
- Research Field
Farm Animal Veterinary Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Theriogenology, Preventive veterinary medicine
- Research theme
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- Evaluation of production problems using production records.
- Improving reproductive performance of cattle
- Bovine clinical case study
Outline of research activitiesProspective veterinary medicine for farm animals should endeavor to augment productivity by incorporating strategies to combat production maladies, all the while actively contributing to the prevention and containment of infectious diseases. Through a focused emphasis on theriogenology and herd health management, our aim is to undertake research endeavors that elucidate the etiology, mechanisms, and pathogenesis of diseases in both individual animals and populations, with the overarching objective of advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies.
- Desired cooperation
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Akira MATSUDA
- Research Field
Veterinary internal medicine, Dermatology
- Keyword(s)
Skin barrier, Cutaneous immunology, Drug resistance
- Research theme
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- Development of new topical agents for animals
- Skin pH and skin barrier
- Sebocytes in canine atopic dermatitis
- Drug resistance in canine mast cell tumor
Outline of research activitiesIn recent years, the importance of skincare in veterinary medicine has become widely recognized. However, it is known that the epidermis of dogs is much thinner compared to humans. As a result, it remains uncertain whether applying the same skincare practices as humans is appropriate for dogs. In our research laboratory, we are conducting studies on various factors that regulate skin barrier and skin immunity using Beagle dogs and cultured cells. Our goal is to apply the research findings to the field of veterinary clinical practice.
- Desired cooperation
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- The development of drugs and supplements targeting animal skin diseases
- Analysis of the skin microbiota in dogs
- Analysis of the skin barrier
- Product development in veterinary medicine
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Fumiyo SAITO
- Research Field
Toxicology, Molecular biology, Risk analysis
- Keyword(s)
Hepatotoxicity, Gene expression analysis, Omics analysis, Molecular pathways
- Research theme
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- Mechanism analysis of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity
- Mechanism analysis of inter-organ coordination on energy metabolism
- Biomarker Search in Canine Frailty
Outline of research activitiesDespite being primarily developed for industrial purposes and not intended for direct human consumption, many chemical substances still come into contact with the human body and organisms in the environment through various pathways, such as water, air, and other environmental factors. Ensuring a safe and secure society requires a thorough evaluation of the toxicity of pharmaceuticals and chemical substances.
In our laboratory, we conduct research on the toxicity of chemical substances through comprehensive gene expression analysis and obtain omics data to elucidate the molecular-level mechanisms, a field known as toxicogenomics. In addition to utilizing omics technology for understanding the inter-organ coordination of energy metabolism in vivo, our research also focuses on elucidating pathological processes in both humans and dogs.- Desired cooperation
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- Data science (machine learning, data mining, etc.)
- Various disease models (genetically engineered animals, clinical samples, etc.)
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Hidekazu TAKAHASHI
- Research Field
Environental health, Public health
- Keyword(s)
Environmental Microbes, Pollutants, Data analysis
- Research theme
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- Microorganisms and pollutants in water and soil etc.
- Analysis of disease data, public data, etc.
Outline of research activitiesWe mainly conduct research related to environmental health. We are working on microorganisms, viruses, contaminants, etc. that exist in water and soil. We also aim to search for useful microorganisms that can contribute to solving environmental problems. We also conduct research using epidemiological and informatic methods.
- Desired cooperation
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- Instrumental analysis
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Kohei SAEKI
- Research Field
Veterinary oncology, Bioinformatics, Veterinary surgery
- Keyword(s)
Mammary gland tumor, Bladder cancer, single cell seq
- Research theme
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- Development, homeostasis, and carcinogenesis of the mammary gland
- Molecular biology of canine urothelial carcinoma
- Surgical oncology and perioperative care
Outline of research activitiesRecently, cancer is a major cause of death in companion animals, which leads to a strong need for more advanced and personalized oncological care. At the same time, naturally occuring cancers in genetically heterogenous companions animals draw significant attention in oncological research to untangle the comlexed mechanism of carcinogenesis in mammals. I have been working on carcinogenesis and malignant progression of cancer using traditional molecular biological approaches and advanced next-generation analyses including bioinformatics. I am also interested in veterinary oncologycal surgery and perioperative care.
- Desired cooperation
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- Tumors in companion animals
- Bioinformatic analysis (R, python)
- Surgical oncology, perioperative car
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Koji HAYAKAWA
- Research Field
Epigenetics
- Keyword(s)
Chromatin, DNA and histone chemical modification
- Research theme
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- Studies on interaction between nutrition and epigenetic regulation
- Studies on the function of histone O-GlcNAc modification
- Studies on cell- and disease-type specific gene regulation
Outline of research activitiesSince the Human Genome Project completed sequencing the 3 billion bps that make up human DNA, it became clear not only that we are able to read nature’s complete genetic blueprint, but also that the information stored in the sequence of the DNA is not enough per se to completely explain development, physiology and disease. The field dedicated to decipher the heritable features that complements the genetic information stored in the DNA sequence is termed “epigenetics”.
Epigenetic regulation provide a possible link between the environment and long term alterations in gene function that might lead to disease phenotypes. Most diseases are related in some way to the loss or gain in gene functions. To reveal the cause and mechanism of chronic disease (e.g. diabetase and hypertention), we mainly focus on the interaction between nutritional condition and epigenetic alteration.- Desired cooperation
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- Studies on Chronic diesase
- Bioinformatics
- Developmental engineering
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Kosei NAKAJIMA
- Research Field
Comparative Orthopedic Surgery
- Keyword(s)
Bone reconstructive surgery, Bone microenvironment
- Research theme
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- Bone reconstructive surgery of extremity and spine
- Analysis of microenvironment
Outline of research activitiesTo provide sophisticated treatments as seen in human medicine to animal patients, I have strived to conduct researches in the medical institutions of orthopedic surgery.
First, clinical orthopedic researches are ongoing. The clinical image is an example of bone reconstructive surgery after removal of malignant bone sarcoma. Thus, human surgical techniques are applicable to animal patients.
Second, in musculoskeletal tumor field, the multidisciplinary treatments including particle radiation and a novel target therapy for hard-to-treat cancers are ongoing in cooperation with National Cancer Center, Ehime University Orthopedic Surgery, Hyogo Ion Beam Medical Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute. The results can contribute to the animal patients of musculoskeletal tumors with no choice of therapy.
Third, translational researches are also ongoing. The analysis of microenvironment have been complicated because millions of molecular interactions are possible. Hence, using bioinformatics technologies, a software has been constructed to visualize these numerous interactions.- Desired cooperation
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- Clinical application of a novel orthopedic implants
- Microenvironmental analysis of various biological tissues
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Noritaka MAETA
- Research Field
Tumor Pathology, Surgical Oncology, Immunotherapy
- Keyword(s)
CYR61, MMP, Metastasis, T-LAK
- Research theme
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- Protein to become the prognostic index of the cancer in the animal
- Mimally invasive surgery
- Influence of the immunotherapy on dog
Outline of research activities1. We investgate protein with the possibility to become the prognostic index of the cancer in the animal. We especially focus on CYR61, and investigate the mechanism of the metastasis and relations with CYR61 and tumor invasion, and usability as prognositicindex of CYR61.
2. We will study methods to maintain the quality of life of postoperative animals, by dveloping new surgical methods and assisting the functions with artificail materials.
3. We will research the effect on living organism, in addition to the antitumor effect of immunotherapy.- Desired cooperation
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- Research on the tumor marker and mechanism of metastasis
- Research on function recovery and function meintenance after surgery using artificial materials
- Research on immunotherapy
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Ryusei KUWATA
- Research Field
zoonosis, infectious diseases,
- Keyword(s)
zoonosis, wild animal, viruses
- Research theme
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- Epidemiology for zoonotic diseases
- Transmission mechanisms and molecular biology of zoonotic diseases
- Ecology of wildlife and disease vectors
Outline of research activitiesAmong infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, we are studying zoonoses, which are infectious diseases between animals and humans. In recent years, with the increasing distance between animals and humans and the improvement of diagnostic techniques for pathogenic microorganisms, it has become clear that a variety of zoonoses exist in the world and pose a significant threat to us and human society. Our research contributes to the prevention and control of these zoonotic diseases by clarifying how these pathogenic microorganisms are actually maintained in the field and the degree of risk they pose to humans and animals. We also conduct molecular biological studies using actual pathogens and various types of cultured cells to evaluate pathogenicity and elucidate the mechanisms of pathogen transmission.
- Desired cooperation
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- Biotechnology (for vaccine development and diagnosis)
- Pathology
- Reserch on wildlife
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Shumpei WATANABE
- Research Field
Virology, Immunology, Evolutionary Biology
- Keyword(s)
Paramyxovirus, Bat, Fusion, Biosafety Level 4, Quasispecies
- Research theme
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- Study of highly pathogenic zoonotic viral diseases
- Mechanism of paramyxovirus infection in the CNS
- Development of attenuated vaccine using codon optimization technique
Outline of research activitiesWe aim to reveal the mechanism of pathogenicity on highly pathogenic viral zoonoses, using our Biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory, as well as BSL4 facility in the foreign country (as a coolaborative research with Australian Animal Health laboratory, CSIRO).
So far, through a collaborative research with AAHL, we had established the reverse genetics system for nipah virus or hendra virus. By introducing mutations into the viral genome with the system, we are trying to rescue or make mutant virus and characterize the mutant virus. This approach would find or characterize nature of the original virus. Moreover, we would like to develope effective and safe vaccines for the viruses using recombinant mutant viruses.
- Desired cooperation
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- Pathological researches
- Development of anti-viral drugs using bioinfomatics and synthetic chemistry
- Epidemiological researches on wild animals
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Takako SHIMOKAWA
- Research Field
Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Hemodialysis, Blood Purification Therapy, Acute Kidney Injury
- Research theme
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- Blood purification therapy in small animal practice
Outline of research activitiesThere are numerous diseases that are difficult to diagnose and refractory to conventional treatments. I have special interests in acute kidney injury, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and refractory immune-mediated diseases. Currently, I am conducting researches on blood purification therapy to establish the means of treatment of these diseases.
- Desired cooperation
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- Researches on blood purification therapy
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Takuya MURATA
- Research Field
Reproductive Physiology, Endocrinology
- Keyword(s)
Estrogen, Estrous Cycle, Vitamin D receptor, Oxytocin receptor
- Research theme
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- Regulatory mechanisms of oxytocin receptor expression
- Effects of vitamin D on reproductive function
- Regulatory mechanisms of pituitary hormone expression
Outline of research activitiesMost female mammals have an estrous cycle in which they ovulate periodically. During the estrous cycle, ovarian follicles develop and blood levels of estrogen secreted by the developing follicles increase. This increased estrogen induces ovulation, promotes the proliferation of the endometrium to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg, and induces sexual behavior by acting on the central nervous system. In addition, estrogen is known to have a wide range of effects, including effects on bone formation, central effects such as memory, and effects on the cardiovascular systems. This means that a wide range of cells are affected by estrogen, and these effects fluctuate during the estrous cycle. In our laboratory, we are investigating the factors and functions affected by estrogen during the estrous cycle, especially in tissues related to reproductive functions such as the pituitary gland and uterus. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland and is involved in milk secretion and uterine contractions. Recently, its central effects, such as the ability to trust others more easily, have been attracting attention. Vitamin D is considered to be a hormone and is known to have many actions, just like estrogen. We are currently investigating the regulatory mechanisms of oxytocin receptor and vitamin D receptor expressions, which are involved in the expression of these hormones’ actions.
- Desired cooperation
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- Studies on the reproductive physiology of female mammals
- Research on diseases specific to female mammals
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Tohru MEKATA
- Research Field
Fish pathology, Comparative Immunology
- Keyword(s)
Aquatic pathogens, Disease prevention, Innate immunity
- Research theme
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- Exploring pathogenic factors in fish and shellfish
- Disease control of farmed fish and shellfish
- Shrimp immunity
Outline of research activitiesTwo major research themes have been addressed. The first is the identification of novel pathogens and the development of disease control methods for fish and shellfish. In aquaculture farms, mortality caused by unidentified diseases is often observed. The causative factors are quite complex including deterioration of the environment, nutritional disorders, and outbreak of infectious diseases. With recent advances in aquaculture technology, the targeted species for aquaculture have expanded, and new infectious diseases have been reported one after another. Therefore, we are exploring the pathogens using a comprehensive genetics approach to develop the diagnosis methods and control the diseases. Second, we are also studying the unique immune system in shrimp. As invertebrates, shrimp have no adaptive immune system like vertebrates. However, they show some resistance to re-infection of particular pathogen, like a phenomenon known as “immunological memory”. We hope to elucidate the mechanism of this phenomenon and propose new disease control measures to improve productivity.
- Desired cooperation
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- Histopathological research on emerging diseases
- Molecular epidemiology of aquatic pathogens
- Development of advanced aquaculture techniques
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Toshiyasu MATSUI
- Research Field
Neuroanatomy, Veterinary Anatomy
- Keyword(s)
Nervous System, Olfaction, Neuroanatomical Tracing, Cholinergic Neuron
- Research theme
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- Neuronal connections of the reticular formation
- Morphology of cholinergic interneurons
- Comparative anatomy of the amphibian olfactory system
Outline of research activitiesMastication and swallowing are patterned movements that are essential for the vital activities of animals including humans. These movements require coordinated activity of orofacial muscles, and interneurons in the brainstem control the activity of motor neurons in the orofacial motor system. Among brainstem interneurons, we are focusing on cholinergic interneurons and studying their cell morphology, neural circuits, and neurotransmission. By elucidating the neural circuits between interneurons and motor neurons, we aim to gain knowledge that will lead to an understanding of orofacial movement disorders.
We are also studying the histology of the olfactory organ and its center, the olfactory bulb, of urodele amphibians. By comparing the olfactory system between urodelan species, we are investigating the relationship between the adaptation to water and land environments and the olfactory evolution.- Desired cooperation
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- Histological analysis of animal tissues
- Evaluation and development of medical devices using animal anatomy