8Study 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.A gene expressing a uorescent protein is intro-duced in neurons in mouse cerebral cortex Drug for Pediatric Heart FailureSummary of ActivityHeart failure is the condition in which heart dysfunction results in insufficient distribution of oxygen and nutrients to peripheral organs. Pediatric heart failure is an important cause of death in children. Especially overt heart failure presenting in the infant period are malignant and fulminant. Surprisingly, however, there are no specific drugs available for them. We are seeking for drugs that enable these children to survive safely through the long waiting time for cardiac transplanta-tion.・ Pharmacological treatment of pediatric heart failure・ Mechanisms supporting the circulatory transition before weaning・ Pharmacological prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome・ Pharmacological differentiation of low-birth-weight infants’ kidneyThere are few drugs specific for pediatric diseases because most of them are rare and not suitable for large clinical trials. However, children are not ‘miniature adults’ and can suffer from serious adverse effects of adult drugs. Our research would shed light on this inconvenient fact.You can learn multidisciplinary approach including molecular biology to comparative integra-tive physiology in this laboratory. This will help you to win the competition in getting your next good scientific position.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationMolecular Pharmacology（Chief: Prof. Mitsuhiko Yamada）Kashihara, T., Kawagishi, H. et al. (2020) JACC: BTS 5: 1057-69
元のページ ../index.html#10