医学科研究紹介_2017-2018_英語版

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9Study of synapse genes to elucidate etiology of psychiatric disordersSummary of ActivityIn our laboratory, we are studying functions of genes that regulate formation and function of synapse, a site connecting neurons each other in the brain. Recent years, impairment of synapse has been suggested to be a cause of neuropsy-chiatric disorders. We are trying to address questions; “how do those genes work in synapse?” and “how do they induce neuropsychiatric disorders?”, by using genetically engineered model mice. Our research will help advancing a development of new therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.・To study synapse function in mental disease model mice.・To elucidate the mechanism by which synaptogenic factors regulate synapse function.・To develop genome editing technology in neurons.・Etiology of mental disorders may be elucidated.・Novel drugs targeting synapse may be developed.・Gene therapy for mental disorders may be developed. ・Become a biomedical researcher. ・Work in foreign countries with foreign researchers. ・Become a faculty in universities or research institute.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationMolecular and Cellular Physiology（Chief: Prof. Katsuhiko Tabuchi）Deficiency of synaptogenic factor Neurexins (TKO) in mouse cerebellum results in cerebellar hypotrophyTransfection of genes in neurons in mouse brain.-duced in neurons in mouse cerebral cortex Research of Muscle Ion ChannelsSummary of ActivityWe are investigating the cardiac, vascular-smooth and skeletal muscles. Cells constructing these muscles are surrounded by the cell membrane, a lipid bilayer. Although ions such as Na+ and Ca2+ cannot permeate the lipophilic membrane, transmembrane proteins called ion channels mediate the movement of ions across the membrane. This movement generates electrical and chemical reac-tions in cells to cause muscle contraction. We are seeking for development of new therapeutics for diseases through investigating muscle ion channels.・ Research on L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCC) in heart failure・ Research on inotropic effect of angiotensin II in immature heart・ Research on functional alteration of LTCC in atherosclerosis・ Research on the mechanism of intracellular localization of LTCC in skeletal muscleFunctional alteration of muscle ion channels causes various diseases such as arrhythmia, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, muscle paralysis, malignant hyperther-mia. We are seeking for new method of treating these diseases by using drugs acting on muscle ion channels.Because every cell in a body possesses ion channels, what you learn in this laboratory helps understanding pathophysiology of different diseases and developing new therapy in any clin-ical field. If you desire, we can also help you study abroad.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationMolecular Pharmacology（Chief: Prof. Mitsuhiko Yamada）A new inotropic mechanism in immature cardiac myocytesInhibition of migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by LTCC inhibitionJunctophilin and muscle con-traction