医学科研究紹介_2017-2018_英語版

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37From birthto the end of lifeSummary of ActivityObstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) encompasses 4 major academic fields: Obstetrics, Gynecologic On-cology, Reproductive Medicine, and Woman’s healthcare (Fig. 1). ObGyn is the medical field that supports women throughout their lifetime, from birth to the end of life. The uterus and ovaries, which are specific to females, markedly change throughout their lifetime. Pregnancy and delivery are the most dramatic chang-es, in which normal and abnormal conditions may sequentially occur. We want to obtain a clearer under-standing of these changes and diseases specific to women and also perform medical examinations using not only ObGyn, but also, for example, embryology, pathology, and diagnostic imaging.Although medical technologies have rapidly advanced, many issues have yet to be resolved. Among gy-necologic cancers, the morbidity and mortality of endometrial and ovarian cancers are rapidly increasing in Japan. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying endometrial and ovarian carcinogenesis/progression need to be elucidated and new treatment and preventive methods developed based on these mecha-nisms. Due to advances in perinatal medicine, Japan has become the safest country for pregnancy and delivery. However, the onset mechanisms of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which markedly affect perinatal outcomes, remain unclear. Although advances in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) have also been achieved, many issues, such as increases in the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and malformations, have to be overcome in the future.Each of our divisions are actively conducting research to address these issues. ▶Professor: Tanri Shiozawa, M.D., Ph.D.▶Divisions: 1. Gynecologic Cancer Group 2. Placenta Group 3. Reproduction GroupObstetrics and GynecologyProf. Tanri ShiozawaMembers of our Departmentand developing a new therapySummary of ActivityHearing loss affects about over 300 million people worldwide and is the most common sensory deficit. Genetic factors account for at least 60% of child-hood sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Recent advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) tecqnology have made the sequencing of many causative genes simultaneously possible. We address genetic analysis in hearing loss for investigating novel causative genes, molecular mechanisms and new therapeutic options. ・ Comprehensive genetic analysis using NGS technology・ Whole genome or exome sequencing for novel gene discovery・ Developing disease specific iPS cell line for pathological analysisThe pathogenic mechanism of SNHL remains unclear, because something happens in the invisible small inner ear. Now, in patients with SNHL a genetic etiology can be identified us-ing NGS. We will move on to the next step, which creating a new therapy as genetic-cause specific treatment. You must consider what cause hearing loss, when you could chose a therapeutic option for the patient. Research for hearing loss is now getting wider and deeper, so you can join us for the challenges. Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationOtorhinolaryngology（Chief: Prof. Shin-ichi Usami）Genetic analysis instruments, including NGS are avail-able. Cell culture experiment for the patho-logical analysis.