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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Tei-ichi NISHIKI
- Research Field
Neuroscience, Neurophysiology
- Keyword(s)
Calsium Ion, Synaptic Vesicle, Exocytosis, Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitter Release
- Research theme
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- Molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release
- Podocyte glutamatergic signaling in renal glomerular function
Outline of research activitiesOur research group is interested in molecular mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release from nerve cells. In the brain, nervous system function is founded on the transmission of information from one nerve cell to another at a unique and highly specialized structure, synapse. This information transfer at the synapse is mediated by chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which are stored in small organelles called synaptic vesicles and exocytosed by fusion of synaptic vesicles with plasma membrane. To explore how neurons release transmitters, we combine molecular biological and electrophysiological techniques, especially focusing on protein-protein interactions. We are now trying to examine how the calcium signaling is converted into neurotransmitter release.
- Desired cooperation
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- Neurotoxin research
- Podocyte research in renal glomerular function
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Teppei KANDA
- Research Field
Veterinary Anesthesiology, Veterinary Nursing
- Keyword(s)
Veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, α2-adrenergic receptor agonists, Veterinary perianesthesia nursing
- Research theme
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- Veterinary anesthesia and pain management
- α2-adrenergic receptor and its agonists
- Application of ICT technology in veterinary medicine
Outline of research activitiesIn order to realize more safe and more comfortable anesthesia for animals, we are working on research focusing on veterinary anaethesiology and veterinary perianesthesia nursing. In particular, we are actively pursuing studies on α2-adrenergic receptor agonists, which are often used for sedation and analgesia in veterinary medicine. So far we have published the paper regarding the influence of α2-adrenergic receptor agonists on tear production, intraocular pressure, and pupil size, the application to total intravenous anesthesia, and the sedative or anti-anxiety effects by ophthalmic adminstration.
In addition, we are conducting research in cooperation with veterinary nurses about the practice of veterinary perianesthesia nursing such as temperature management under anesthesia and management of anxiety before/after anesthesia.- Desired cooperation
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- Pharmacological analytics for Total intravenous anesthesia research
- Histlogical, molecular biological and cell biological knowledge and technology to detect the Alpha2-adrenoceptor and analyse its function
- ICT technology targeting veterinary medicine
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Tetsuo KUNIEDA
- Research Field
Animal Genetics
- Keyword(s)
Gamategenesis, hereditary disorder, Native domestic animal
- Research theme
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- Research on meosis and gamategenesis
- Genetic investigation of hereditary disorders of animal
- Origine and dstribution of native domestic animals
Outline of research activitiesWe are investigating the functions of genes associated with various traits and disorders, as well as the genetic diversity of animals. In particular, meiosis are important biological phenomena, and their abnormalities can cause infertility in humans and livestock. We are investigating the function of genes involved in meiosis by using the mice. Also, a number of hereditary disorders have been reported in animals. We are investigating the causes of these hereditary disorders to prevent the incidences of disorders. Various native domestic animals are currently raised in the world. By investigating their genetic characteristics and relations, we are clarifying how these animals were domesticated and spread throughout the world.
- Desired cooperation
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- Improvement of reproductive perfomance by investigation on gamategenesis procedure
- Genetic diagnosis for hereditary disorders of Animals
- Genetic diversity and propaty of native domestic animal
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Tohru FUKASE
- Research Field
Epidemiology, Parasitology, Animal Pharmaceutical Science
- Keyword(s)
Infectious Disease, Parasite, Drugs for Animals, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacoepidemiology
- Research theme
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- Epidemiological research on infectious diseases of animals
- Treatment and prevention of parasite infections in animals
- Efficacy and side effets of drugs for animals, etc.
Outline of research activitiesI am working for epidemiological research on infectious diseases in animals, especially dirofilariasis and ectoparasite infections in dogs and cats, to aim at contribution to prevention. Furthermore, I am working for development of new drugs for animals. And I am also expanding the appropriate use of drugs in animals through pharmacoepidemiological research on usage survey, re-examination of efficacy and incidence of side effects of already-existing drugs.
Photos are a cat flea and a tick. Cat fleas are mundanely detected on dogs as well as cats, and also on humans in recent years in Japan. Ticks have gotten a lot of attention recently as vectors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). I am working for development of ectoparasiticides.
- Desired cooperation
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- Epidemiological survey of various diseases of animals
- Research on parasite infections in animals
- Usage survey of drugs in animals, etc.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Toshio INABA
- Research Field
Theriogenology, Veterinary Regenerative Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Animal, in vitro fertilization, Cell therapy
- Research theme
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- In-vitro fertilization in the animal
- Production of animal stem cells and clinical application
- Cancer immunotherapy in the animal
Outline of research activitiesRegenerative medicine is expected to be an efficient method for replenishment of lost cells in many intractable diseases. However, for applying pluripotent stem cells, there are many issues to be solved such as the risk of tumor formation. I am currently conducting researches on the establishment of the embryonic stem cell lines and the induced pluripotent stem cell lines and in-vitro fertilization technology in the dog for the regenerative medicine.
I expect that this translational research may be a step for clinical application in human regenerative medicine.- Desired cooperation
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- Researches on canine in vitro fertilization
- Researches on animal regenerative medicine
- Researches on animal cancer immunotherapy
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Toshiro KUROKI
- Research Field
Protozoology, Bacteriology, Public health
- Keyword(s)
Cryptosporidium, Legionella, water supply system, bathing facilities, zoonosis
- Research theme
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- Chlorine-tolerant organisms in the source and potable water
- Legionella colonization in the water supply systems and bathing facilities
- Prevalence of Salmonella in reptiles
Outline of research activitiesIt is important to elucidate source of contamination of Chlorine-tolerant organisms: Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and fecal indicator bacteria in the source and potable water to ensure the biological water safety. We evaluate the test methods and assess contamination of these organisms in the source and potable water.
Legionella colonizes in water environment and causes human pneumonia. Colonization of Legionella in the cold and hot water supply systems and bathing facilities poses a risk of human infection. We assess the prevalence of Legionella colonization in these facilities, and evaluate control measures to be taken to prevent pneumonia.
Pet owners are recommended to understand zoonotic infection risk from their pet animals. It is well-known that reptiles frequently harbor pathogenic organisms including Salmonella. We study the prevalence of Salmonella in reptiles to elucidate risk of human infection.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of control measures to prevent Legionella colonization in water supply system and bathing facilities
- Evaluation of test methods for chlorine-tolerant organisms in source and potable water
- Assessment of contamination of water sources with chlorine-tolerant organisms
- Hygiene education on reducing risk of zoonotic infection from pet animals
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Professor
- Toshiyuki SHIBAHARA
- Research Field
Parasitology, Medical Zoology, Laboratory Animal Science and Technology
- Keyword(s)
Helminthic Zoonoses, Trematoda, Paragonimus, Laboratory Animals
- Research theme
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- Investigation into actual conditions of parasite infection in some animals.
- Taxonomy, ecology and epidemiology of trematoda, with special refference to Paragonimus.
- Survey on low pathogenic parasite and protozoa in laboratory small animals.
Outline of research activitiesThe trematode, Paragonimus westermani is distributed widely throughout the Asia, and has been well-known as one of the important causative agents of helminthic zoonoses, I have been strongly interested in its taxonomy ,ecology and epidemiology and am conducting research work through a steady fieldwork. Especially in recent years, many peaple’s eyes are forcusing on the wild boar’s meat as a “gibier” in order to promote the development of local area. However, many juvenile worms of P. westermani sometimes harbor in the meat through ingesting the second intermediate host, the fresh water crab. Therefore, special attention must be paid to cook and/or preserve the meat. From the parasitological view point, I would like to play a part in risk management of game meats. Besides, I have been guiding the staffs of the national/private university’s laboratory animal facilities at their requests in the extermination of mouse/rat host-specific pinworms and/or protozoa, of which infections are of frequent occurence and do damage to experiment.
- Desired cooperation
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- Cooperative research work on the taxonomy, ecology and epidemiology of trematoda.
- Consultancy on risk management of game meat.
- Consultancy on the extermination of rodents such as mouse and/or rat specific pinworms and/or protozoa.
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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