Discipline of Biomedical Science

In our laboratory, three faculty members (Ishida and Shigeoka) are collaborating to conduct research on the physiological functions of genes that play important roles in the immune and nervous systems, as well as their involvement in human diseases.

In the Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, we study innate immune responses to viruses and bacteria. Innate immunity is a gateway to immune responses and is a biological defense necessary for induction of inflammatory responses and acquired immunity. By elucidating the mechanisms of innate immunity, we hope to develop vaccines and treat inflammatory diseases caused by the breakdown of innate immunity.

We study the construction of cells that takes place as a result of the combination of proteins and lipids and the formation of diseases by their disruption.

Our goal is to understand the mechanism of gene expression regulation using RNA as a keyword. This is an important field that can lead to the elucidation of the mechanisms by which genetic abnormalities cause diseases. In addition to classical biochemistry and genetics, we combine various techniques such as bioinformatics analysis, and students play a leading role in our research.

Stem cell differentiation experiments require careful and detailed work, diligent cultivation of cells with a keen eye for observation, analysis of gene expression, and so on. If you are able to do this, it is a very enjoyable research field. Tissues are also very beautiful and impressive when viewed under a microscope.

We study how animal organs are formed and maintained throughout life. Using models such as genetically modified mice and stem cells, we elucidate how they develop and how their function starts to degenerate at the cellular level. Based on these fundamental insights, we aim to develop new treatments for intractable inherited neurological diseases.

Chimeric animals, in which cells with different genomic information are mixed together in one individual, is one of the animal models artificially created by developmental engineering technology. Such chimeric animals have contributed to the development of life science research, including the analysis of gene function. In our laboratory, we use chimeric animals to study the mechanisms of individual development and organogenesis, which can lead to regenerative medicine.

The Laboratory of Biosystem Dynamics investigates life phenomena from cells to whole organisms by conceptualizing them as “Biosystem Dynamics.”Using live imaging as a core methodology, we visualize and quantitatively analyze spatiotemporal changes in biological systems. By integrating experimental approaches and data analysis with mathematical and computational methods, we aim to uncover the fundamental principles underlying complex living systems.