Our 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.

Mastication 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.

The 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.

Our 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.　　

In 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.

Despite 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.

We 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.

Changes in the global environments have increased incidence of infectious diseases. Most of these diseases are zoonoses which are transmitted from animals to humans. It is an urgent task to control and prevent of zoonotic disease outbreaks. However, it is not simple and straightforward, since the natural reservoir animals and the transmission routes of the causative agents are not elucidate in all zoonoses. From a glocal perspective, the objective of this project is to forestalling outbreaks of zoonotic infection on the basis of epidemiological investigations in Shikoku.
Host specificity of infectious agents are interested because the mechanism is different for each infectious agent. Adenoviruses are believed to be co-evolved with their specific hosts, and usually infect one particular or several, closely related host species. However, certain bat　adenoviruses exhibited a broad range of in vitro cell tropism. We try to elucidate its host-range determinants.

For neruvous system to function properly, each component cell must be produced in adequate numbers, placed in the correct position, and correctly networked with each other. Any failure in any of these processes can impair neurological function and cause neurological and psychiatric disorders. Through the generation and analysis of animal models of neurological and psychiatric disorders, I am working to elucidate the pathogenesis of these diseases and to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development of neural tissue, especially the process of neural network formation.

Mastitis is the most devastating economic burden in dairy farms. We have studied the epidemiology of acute mastitis caused by coliforms, the relationship between clinical symptoms and cytokines and acute phase proteins, and the relationship between symptoms and prognosis, and found a link. In addition, in the treatment of mastitis, it was found that the application of a lotion with antibacterial activity (Ceramella) to the inflamed udder, in addition to conventional antibiotic treatment, decreases breast induration and somatic cell count. Studies have shown that the shorter the milk is cultured, the more causative organisms are detected in bacteriological tests of milk. As for prevention of mastitis, administration of a leptospirosis vaccine has been shown to reduce clinical forms of mastitis. It was also found that the severity of symptoms of acute mastitis caused by Escherichia coli was related to the level of ionized calcium in the blood at the time of initial examination. We are studying prevention, treatment, and prognosis of mastitis in dairy cows. It was found that there is a relationship between blood physiological changes in dairy cows in response to climatic changes and stress. Based on the results of this research, we would like to further our research on improving milk productivity.

Allergic diseases affect a large proportion of the population and represent a major public health concern. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset and exacerbation is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. My research focuses on these mechanisms from two perspectives.
1. Regulation of IgE production by intracellular adaptor molecules
I have shown that mice deficient in a specific adaptor molecule in B cells exhibit a significant reduction in IgE production. Since IgE plays a central role in allergic diseases, this approach may provide insight into their regulation.
2. Cytokine-mediated mechanisms of allergic diseases
Immune responses are regulated by complex interactions among cells, in which cytokines play key roles. Using genetically modified mouse models, we investigate how cytokines regulate allergic and other immune-related diseases.

To 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.

Due to improvements in breeding methods and advances in veterinary medicine, the average lifespan of pets has increased dramatically. Unlike humans, animals often do not show their illness even when they are sick, and by the time they notice it, it often progresses and is difficult to treat. Advanced diagnostic imaging such as CT and MRI and various “cancer markers” are used in human medicine, but there are no “cancer markers” that can be used in veterinary medicine, and advanced diagnostic imaging requires high cost and general anesthesia. If there is a disease marker that accurately reflects the pathology of “cancer”, it will be possible for owners and patient animals to avoid the burden of anesthesia and examination, and to objectively judge the need for continuous treatment. Therefore, in recent years, we have focused on a technology called liquid biopsy, which has been attracting attention in medicine, to detect genes circulating in the blood, and we are researching its application to pet cancer. Specifically, we are investigating the usefulness of tumor pathological evaluation and diagnostic markers by measuring the amount of genes released from the tumor itself and detecting specific mutations.

Japanese people sleep less than most developed countries, and one out of every four to five adults has some kind of sleep problem. Sleep deprivation is known to increase the risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, obesity, and diabetes. My research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects of sleep deprivation on the body and mind. In addition, by studying the effects of physical, chemical, psychological, and social stress on sleep homeostasis using mouse models, I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying stress-induced sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders and to contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic methods.

There are many types of chemical compounds in our environment, and some of them have negative effects on our bodies. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for various diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertention, COPD, and cancer. However, there are no clear information which chemical compounds in the cigarette smoke have negative effects on our bodies and cause these diseases. I have previously identified unsaturated carbonyl compounds as stable cytotoxic factors in the gas phase of cigarette smoke. The unsaturated carbonyl compounds are also contained in the smoke from combustion of organic materials such as woods, oil, coal. Thus, the unsaturated carbonyl compounds are regarded as environmental pollutants. The purpose of my study is elucidation of the molecular mechanisms for cytotoxicity of environmental pollutants including unsaturated carbonyl compounds.

Infectious 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 study the Effect of these diseases on the livestock industry using field cases, and want to research the viable approach 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.

I am studying the effects of radiation therapy in veterinary medicine. We are also investigating the possibility of using sensors to detect animal behavior and applying this to clinical practice.

More than 200 herpesviruses have been discovered and most of them have very limited host range. Therefore, there are many herpesviruses which have not established cell culture system to replicate or system to evaluate the pathogenicity of the virus using experimental animals. Without these systems it is impossible to analyze the precise mechanism of viral replication and pathogenicity. Thus, I aim to unveil the determination mechanism of host specificity of herpesvirus by analyzing the interactions of virus and host factors by using recombinant viruses. In addition, I also study epidemiology of herpesviruses.

As SFTS virus seems to be spread in Ehime, our lab focuses on SFTS virus. I compare the pathogenicity of SFTS virus and its related virus, Heartland virus and analyze which factor causes the difference.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule is a glycoprotein expressed on cell surface. MHC molecule plays important role for inducing acquired immunity by presenting self or non-self peptides to T cells. it is known that MHC genes encoding MHC molecules are highly polymorphic genes. In human, various report shows these polymorphisms are related with the risk for graft rejection, tumor and development of autoimmune diseases. However, the correlation between MHC polymorphisms and various diseases in small animals such as dog and cat were unclear so far.
I study about the polymorphisms and functions of MHC in animals and relation of MHC with various diseases. Through these studies, I want to incarnate the regenerated medicine with stem cell transplantation in veterinary medicine and the elucidation for mechanisms of development of autoimmune diseases.

I 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.