-
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
-
- 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
-
- Research on the tumor marker and mechanism of metastasis
- Research on function recovery and function meintenance after surgery using artificial materials
- Research on immunotherapy
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Biotechnology (for vaccine development and diagnosis)
- Pathology
- Reserch on wildlife
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Pathological researches
- Development of anti-viral drugs using bioinfomatics and synthetic chemistry
- Epidemiological researches on wild animals
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Researches on blood purification therapy
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Studies on the reproductive physiology of female mammals
- Research on diseases specific to female mammals
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Histopathological research on emerging diseases
- Molecular epidemiology of aquatic pathogens
- Development of advanced aquaculture techniques
-
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
-
- 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
-
- Histological analysis of animal tissues
- Evaluation and development of medical devices using animal anatomy
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Tsuneyuki MASUDA
- Research Field
Animal health and hygiene
- Keyword(s)
Livestock chronic infection, Bovine viral diarrhea, Enzootic bovine leukosis
- Research theme
-
- Effect of chronic infection on productivity
- Establish a model to prevent the spread of BLV and BVD
- Study of insect pest-control using natural maerials
Outline of research activitiesInfectious livestock diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza recognized as acute infection that cause tremendous damage to the livestock industry. Acute infections develop relatively early and have significant clinical symptoms, making outbreaks easily recognizable. Conversely, chronic infections that decrease livestock productivity, such as enzootic bovine leukosis (BLV) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), have become problematic in recent years. Generally, eradication of chronic infections is extremely difficult and requires considerable time and effort.
I want to sutdy the Effect of these diseases on the livestock industry using field cases, and want to resarch the viable approch of preventing the spread of BLV and BVD. I also study environmentally friendly insect pest-control using natural materials, such as commercially available diatomite product.- Desired cooperation
-
- Veterinary epiemiology
- Virology
- Theriogenlogy
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Yayoi IZU
- Research Field
Bone bioiologylogy, Musculoskeletal science, matrix b
- Keyword(s)
collagen, osteoblast, mechanical stress, Age-related disesases
- Research theme
-
- Elucidation of collagens regulatory mechanisms in musculoskeletal organs.
- Elucidation of osteoblastic bone formation mechanisms.
- Identification of biomarker in osteoprosis.
Outline of research activitiesCollagens are classified based on the strcucture and have been identified 28 types so far. However, most of collagens functions have not been uncovered yet. I have been working on collagens 6 and 12, that are highly expressed on musculoskeletal tissues, and clarified the regulatory functions of these collagens in bone, muscle and tendon. Moreover, we clarified that these collagens cooperatively function on cell shape and cell-cell communication thereby regulating musculoskeletal volume and strength. However, the regulatory role(s) of these collagens in precise molecular mechanisms, and functions in pathilogical condition including osteoporosis and sarcopenia have not been uncovered yet. I will proceed further study to solve these questions with genetics. Furthermore, I will study whether these collagens are useful as regenerative medical materials or as a biomarker for osteoporosis, sarcopenia, anterior crucient ligament tear using cat and dog patients.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Material engineering aiming for regenerative medicine, Medical engineering research
- Mathematical analysis of collagen orientation
- Bioimaging analysis
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Associate professor
- Yoshiki ITOH
- Research Field
Veterinary Ophthalmology, Electrophysiology of Vision
- Keyword(s)
Vision, Cornea, ERG, VEP, Glaucoma, Ophthalmic Disease
- Research theme
-
- Development of visual evaluation method of animals by electrophysiological examination of vision
- Research of animals' vision: the influence of diseases and treatments
- Pathophysiological analysis of ophthalmic diseases using higher order image analysis equipment
Outline of research activitiesVision is indispensable sense “veterinary ophthalmology”, as visual information obtained by seeing the objects is important for us.
However, the “visual acuity” examination using the Landolt’s ring like a human (mark like “C” in the alphabet) is impossible in dogs and cats and other animals. So how do you determine the animal’s visual acuity?
One method is to measure brain waves called “visual evoked potentials (VEP)” and evaluate whether the brain recognized the targets.
We are developing “Visual Evaluation Methods of Animals” using “electrophysiological exams of vision”, including VEP measurement.
We suppose that highly accurate visual assessment of animals will allow us to better diagnose and treat ophthalmic disorders in areas essential to constitute the vision of the cornea, lens, retina, etc. in the eye.In addition, our laboratory uses ophthalmologic examination equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which has developed remarkably in recent years, in clinical veterinary ophthalmology, and is conducting research on the pathophysiological analysis and treatments of ophthalmologic diseases.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Reseaches on comparative ophthalmology
- Pathophysiological analysis and Treatmetns of Ophthalomic diseases, especially Glaucoma and Retinal diseases.
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Borjigin LIUSHIQI
- Research Field
Veterinary Animal Hygieiology, Animal Genetics, Zoonotic Disease, Viral Epidemiology
- Keyword(s)
Cattle, Horse, Burkholderia mallei, Mycobacterium bovis, Bovine leukemia virus (BLV)
- Research theme
-
- Control of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection using bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) alleles
- The project for control of tuberculosis and glanders
- Genetic analysis of Asian native horses
Outline of research activitiesWe have identified the bovine major histocompatibility gene complex (BoLA) alleles resistant and susceptible for BLV in five tethered house farms in the Kanto region of Japan, and we have conducted the BLV control strategy using resistant and susceptible cattle. In the future, I would like to conduct the strategy utilizing resistant and susceptible cattle in more tethered farms and futhermore in free-ban and free-stall farms.
In the project for control of tuberculosis and glanders, we focused on tuberculosis and glanders, zoonotic bacterial infections prevalent in Mongolia, and the veterinary and medical researchers in Japan and Mongolia are collaborating on this project to conduct epidemiological surveys and develop rapid diagnostic methods for these both diseases.
In addition, I will conduct a study for genetic diversity of Asian native horses.- Desired cooperation
-
- Research for Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV).
- Research for the epidemiology on livestock infectious.
- Research for horses genetic diversity.
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Kei HAYASHI
- Research Field
Parasitology, Veterinary Parasitology, Phylogeny
- Keyword(s)
Parasite, Trematode, Cestode, Nematode, Helminth
- Research theme
-
- Relationship between the parasite evolution and their host.
- Parasite dynamics, pathogenesis and morphological and molecular characters.
- More usuful diagnosis and identification methods for parasites.
Outline of research activitiesI analyze influences of biogeographic phenomena such as evolution and migration of host animals on parasite distribution or population using molecular phylogenetic analyses. I’m also conducting research on the mechanisms of migration and pathology of helminths in their host.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Experimental biological research of parasitic helminths.
- Biogeographic study of host livestocks and wild animals.
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Keisuke SUGIMOTO
- Research Field
Cardiology
- Keyword(s)
Veterinary Medicine
- Research theme
-
- Mitral valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
Outline of research activitiesIn dogs and cats, morbidity of heart disease is very high. My research are investigation of the pathology, examination of new therapy and the methods of early diagnosis.
- Desired cooperation
-
- regenerative medicine
- development of new device
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Kenji KUTARA
- Research Field
Computed Tomography. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Ultrasound
- Keyword(s)
Computed Tomography. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Ultrasound
- Research theme
-
- Image diagnosis by contrast computed tomography
- Image diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging
- Image diagnosis by ultrasound
Outline of research activitiesIn Imaging diagnosis of veterinary, The development of diagnostic imaging apparatuses is remarkable. Cntast CT and contast ultrasound were applied to the differential diagnosis of lhepatic and splenic tumors. In MRI, various special methods are used for the application of diagnosis tiool of various disease. I study the new image diagostic tool and determining the most suitable imaging method of various diseases.
- Desired cooperation
-
- study using Imaging diagnostic tool
- study of correlation between image and histopathological finding
- develop,ment of the new image diagnostic tool
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Kohei MURAKAMI
- Research Field
Immunology, Bone metabolism,
- Keyword(s)
Polyarthritis, WNT signaling
- Research theme
-
- Pathogenesis of canine idiopathic immune-mediated polyarthritis
- Roles of WNT signaling on bone metabolisms
Outline of research activitiesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease based on chronic inflammation in synovium. Since RA is a relatively common disease in human, there are many studies on its pathogenesis, and recently we can control RA with biological drugs or small molecular compounds. Dogs may develop a disease similar to that of human, also known as canine rheumatoid arthritis (cRA). However, since there are few studies on its pathophysiology, most dogs with cRA take only symptomatic treatment, and joint structures are irrevocably destroyed. I am studying to elucidate the inducer of inflammation in cRA, identification of early diagnostic marker, and development of new therapeutic drug.
I am also studying the Wnt5a antagonist Sfrp5. Sfrp5 is an adipokine that regulates the metabolism of adipocytes. We already found that Sfrp5 regulates not only adipocytes but also osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In other words, fat tissue may control bone. I am studying the mechanisms how Sfrp5 regulates bone.- Desired cooperation
-
- Study of rheumatoid arthritis
- Development of new drugs
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Kosuke TAKEYA
- Research Field
Biochemistry, Physiology
- Keyword(s)
Smooth Muscle, Cell Signaling
- Research theme
-
- Regulatory mechanisms of smooth muscle contraction and relaxation
- Regulatory mechanisms of renal microcirculation
- Development of highly sensitive phosphorylation analysis
Outline of research activitiesSmooth muscle composes a muscular layer in various organs, such as blood vessels, gastrointestinal tracts, bladder, uterus, etc. in the vertablate body. It plays important roles in many life stages from birth to death. To achieve different roles in different locations, each smooth muscle has unique regulatory mechanisms of contraction and relaxation. For example, renal arteriolar smooth muscle, which regulates blood flow in the kidney, contracts in response to a vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II by activating molecular motor in the cells. On the other hand, another vasoconstrictor, endothelin 1, induces abnormal contraction in the arteriole by excessively activating the motor. I hve been studying the molecular mechanisms of smooth muscle contractions, especilly in the renal arterioles.
- Desired cooperation
-
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Masashi MUKOHDA
- Research Field
Pharmacology, Molecular biology, Vascular biology
- Keyword(s)
Circulation, Hypertension, Arterial Stiffness, Microbiome
- Research theme
-
- Exploring outbreak and molecular mechanisms of hypertension
- Exploring mechanism of arterial stiffness
- Research on microbiome and inflammatory disorder
Outline of research activitiesTo explore my interest using a molecular biology approach, we employ novel transgenic animal models and ex vivo or in vitro systems such as isolated vessel and cell culture.
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality. In particular, the prevalence of hypertension is high and increasing (American Heart Association). To understand the mechanism of outbreak and molecular alterations in hypertension, we examine how genes regulate organ function related to regulating blood pressure including vessel, heart, kidney and brain using transgenic model.
Gut microbiome research is becoming the key to better understanding physiology and pathology. Clinical evidence is accumulating for a role of the microbiome in contributing to aging and inflammtory disorder. We try to find how microbiome affects body.- Desired cooperation
-
- Drug development
- Cardiovascular disease research
- Gut microbiome research
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Nobuyuki FUJIWARA
- Research Field
Veterinary pharmacology, Cell biology, Tumor biology
- Keyword(s)
Protein phosphatase, Autophagy, Colon cancer, Cancer stem cell
- Research theme
-
- Elucidation of autophagy regulatoryl mechanism by protein phosphatase
- Elucidation of role of protein phosphatase in cancer stem cell of colon cancer
- Development of a new treatment strategy for colon
Outline of research activitiesAbout 1/2 of Japanese people develop cancer, and about 1/3 of them are said to die from cancer, and overcoming cancer is a human task. Especially, colon cancer is increasing in Japan. In order to improve the prognosis of colorectal cancer, it is necessary to clarify the detailed mechanism of onset and malignancy of colorectal cancer and to identify new therapeutic targets. I am focusing on cancer stem cells as a target for that purpose. We aim to clarify the role of protein phosphatases in the control mechanism of cancer stem cells and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for colon cancer.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Development of new anticancer agents
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Shin-ichi NAKAMURA
- Research Field
Veterinary Pathology, Toxicologic Pathology, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Veterinary Forensic Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Diagnostic Pathology, Experimental Pathology, Veterinary Forensic Medicine, Investigation of the cause of the death
- Research theme
-
- Pathological analysis of spontaneous diseases in various animals
- Pathological evaluation of studies using various animal models of disease
- Investigation of the cause of the death in animals
Outline of research activitiesVeterinary pathology is the study of the causes of animal diseases and the study of their mechanisms. The results revealed by veterinary pathology are returned to clinical practice to help diagnose and treat animal diseases. Although our research targets all kinds of animals other than humans, we also contribute to the human medicine through basic research using laboratory animals.
I have experience in pathological diagnosis in a variety of animals, including companion animals, industrial animals, laboratory animals, wild animals, exotic animals, zoo and aquarium animals, fish, and invertebrates. I aim to identify issues from spontaneous diseases seen in various animals and to conduct research that can be fed back to clinical practice. At the same time, I will develop basic research using experimental pathological methods.- Desired cooperation
-
- Investigation of the cause of the death in animals
- Research on elucidating the mechanisms of various animal diseases.
- Studies on the isolation and identification of pathogens and the analysis of trace elements.
-
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Lecturer
- Timothy CURTIS
- Research Field
Foreign Language Education (English)
- Keyword(s)
English, Foreign Language, Education, Vocabulary, Grammar
- Research theme
-
- English vocabulary and grammar
- Extensive reading
- Content-based language acquisition
Outline of research activitiesI am interested in finding ways to make the acquisition of English and other foreign languages easier for Japanese learners. Therefore, my research focuses on acquisition of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and effective methods of education, including extensive reading and content-based instruction.
- Desired cooperation
-
- English vocabulary and grammar
- Extensive reading
- Content-based language acquisition