research content

We are analyzing the effects of external environmental factors (food, chemicals, relaxation, exercise, stress, etc.) on brain development in newborn and juvenile mice within the first month of life using a wide range of techniques, including molecular biology, functional morphology, and behavioral science. Furthermore, through research using our own independently developed pathological mouse models of developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorders), we aim to elucidate the neuropathology of developmental disorders and develop new treatments. These studies are being conducted in collaboration with other laboratories within the Department of Biosciences and the Department of Human Information Systems, as well as with laboratories at other institutions, such as the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science.

Education

We provide education to undergraduate and Graduate School through lectures on animal-related subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, animal physiology, and neurobiology (Graduate School), as well as experiments and practical training such as animal physiology experiments, biochemistry experiments, and anatomy training (bullfrogs).

Research on elucidation of neurological pathology of developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorders)

Our research group focused on SHANK3, a gene related to autism spectrum disease (ASD), and created knockout mice and transgenic mice for SHANK3 using gene modification technology. In this research project, through histology, molecular biology, and biochemical analysis, we will analyze the expression of functional molecules important for neural signal transduction during brain development and morphological analysis of the developmental process of nervous system cells. , Aiming to elucidate the neurological pathology of ASD. We also approach from mother-to-child communication of newborn mice and behavioral analysis based on social and motor functions of juvenile mice. Furthermore, we are aiming to elucidate the neurological pathology of developmental disorders by using not only genetically modified mice of SHANK3 but also pathological model mice that exhibit symptoms similar to ASD and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to drugs.

Studies on the effects of environmental factors on brain development

We are analyzing the effects of environmental factors (drugs and stress) on brain development from the perspective of epigenetics. In particular, in order to investigate the effects of drug intake during pregnancy regarding DNA methylation, we comprehensively analyzed the changes in methylation of genes in the brain of newborn mice over time, and genes important for healthy brain development. I am aiming to identify. The findings obtained from this research project are extremely useful for deepening the understanding of the brain with developmental disorders and for considering the target genes for drug discovery research aimed at the onset mechanism of developmental disorders and the development of fundamental treatment methods.