Faculty of Medicine

STAFF

Research Projects

• Molecular mechanism of cytokinesis
• Super resolution microscopy; Structure and formation mechanism of the contractile ring
• Effects of changes in lipid homeostasis on neuronal responses and their mechanisms
• Activation, exitus and reconstitution of intra-epithelial lymphocytes in small intestine
• Role of intra-epithelial lymphocytes in the defense system of the small intestinal epithelium in vivo

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Research Projects

• Histological research using PCR, northern blot hybridization, Southern blot hybridization, and in situ hybridization
• Chemical sensation such as taste and olfaction
• Relationship of brain-gut interaction and taste and TRP receptors
• Mechanism of pruriceptive and nociceptive processing in the nervous system.
• Searching antipruritic drug candidate from novel bioactive small compounds.

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Research Projects

• Functional analysis of lymphatic morphology and physiology
• Analysis of gene expression affecting lymphatic recanalization after lymph node resection
• Investigation of the effect of shear stress stimulation on blood and lymph vessels
• The effects of the GATA gene family on wound healing
• Characterization of lymphatic endothelial cells and fibroblasts of various genotypes

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Research Projects

• Neural mechanisms of cognitive behavioral control by primate prefrontal cortex and higher order cortical motor areas.
• Self-organizing dynamics in neural network underlying higher brain functions
• Molecular mechanism of cerebral cortex development

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Research Projects

• Development of novel imaging probes for in vivo visualization of misfolded proteins and astrogliosis in neurodegenerative diseases
• Investigation of the mechanism of action and pharmacology of general anesthetics
• Elucidating the mechanisms of itch transmission

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Elucidating the pathogenesis of adrenal tumor
• Research on the relationship between castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and steroid receptors
• Study on the role of steroid receptors in refractory bladder cancer
• Pathologic image analysis of colorectal cancer
• Pathologic analysis of inflammatory diseases

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Research Projects

• Elucidation of epigenetics and genetic gene regulatory mechanism in inflammation, allergy and infectious diseases.
• Development of new therapeutics for allergic and inflammatory diseases.
• Pathophysiological implications of GATA transcriptional factors.
• Regulatory mechanism of Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis pathway.

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Studies of human tumor viruses, mainly focusing on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• Elucidation of the mechanisms by which EBV exerts its pathogenicity in various diseases
• Investigation of EBV strain variation in East Asian countries
• Elucidation of molecular mechanisms governing EBV-mediated carcinogenesis

English version website

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Identification of physiological ligand(s), which initiates molecular functions, of an immunoregulatory receptor
• Dissection of the roles of a receptor and its ligand interaction in autoimmune and allergic disorders
• Comprehensive understanding of the functions of an inhibitory-type C-type lectin receptor in the immune system and bone metabolism
• Elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying virus-induced encephalomyelitis
• Implication of serine protease inhibitors in allergic diseases

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Research Projects

• Role of DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair in developing neural tissue.
• Evaluation of DNA damage foci formation and cell-cycle stage using AI-based imaging analysis.
• Overcoming radioresistant cancer cells and analysis of radiation-induced cell death.
• DNA repair and mutagenesis.
• Evaluation of the environmental and social influence of Fukushima Nuclear-power Disaster.

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Research Projects

• Healthcare research for sustainable and resilient communities

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Research Projects

• Observational study on the risk of cerebral and cardiovascular disease in the general population (Ohasama Study).
• Life course epidemiology (the BOSHI study, the JECS study, the TMM Birthree Cohort study).
• Real world data research based on large scale databases (JMDC database, DeSC database).
• Research on the relationship between dental disease and cardiovascular disease (Ohasama Study).

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Research Projects

• The examination and diagnosis of individuals who have died because of unusual situation, external or unnatural causes such as poisoning, assault, suicide and other forms of violence.
• Forensic pathology: Determining the cause of death by examining a corpse.
• Forensic toxicology: Using of toxicology and disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use.
• Other examination: Judgment of the traumatic mecanism, the child abuse, sexual crime and the other crime.
• Correspondence to a disaster: Forensic correspondence to an earthquake, a tsunami, and the other disaster, and social feedback.

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Research Projects

• Development of efficient method of catheter ablation therapy based on dominant frequency for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
• Development of efficient method of catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia
• Development of diagnosis and treatment for unstable plaque in coronary artery diseases.
• Multidisciplinary treatment of congestive heart failure.

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Research Projects

• Elucidation and control of pathophysiology of peripheral airways in intractable chronic airway inflammatory diseases
• Search for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for refractory sarcoidosis
• Dynamic and multifaceted study for optimization of immunotherapy for lung cancer
  (IOB-LC1 study)
• Study of resistance to PD-1/L1 inhibitors by secretory PD-L1 production from cancer cells
  (ICAM-2 study)
• Development of novel strategies for preventing aspiration pneumonia in older frail subjects
• Clinical study of prognostic factors and physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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Research Projects

• Identification of novel therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal diseases, focusing on factors associated with pathogenesis and prognosis
• Establishment of an early diagnostic technique for pancreatic carcinoma with artificial intelligence (AI)
• Genome-wide analyses of molecules involved in invasion and metastasis of gastrointestinal cancers
• Metabolome analyses of metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in cancer metastasis
• Investigation of novel mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinoma growth via functional RNAs and exosomes associated with anti-cancer drug sensitivity
• Analysis of intracellular and extracellular viral transcripts for the development of novel therapies for hepatitis B infection

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Long time remission of advanced diabetic nephropathy with overt proteinuria as the effect by means of the multifocally intensive combination therapy.
• Development of a simple test for glucose oxidation and hepatic glucose disposal capacity using carbon-13 glucose breath test.
• A study on the relationship between lipoprotein fractions and vascular complications in diabetic patients.
• A study on the effect of COVID-19 pandemic to glycemic control in diabetic patients.
• Research on a simple method of teaching dietary therapy tailored to the patient's living environment.

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Research Projects

• Molecular mechanisms of renal interstitial fibrosis
• Pathophysiological roles of renal congestion in cardio-renal syndrome
• Mechanisms of peritoneal membrane protection in peritoneal dialysis
• Functional relationship between muscle, bone and kidney
• Effects of V2 receptor antagonists against autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Treatment algorithm for rheumatoid arthritis in aged patients
• Epidemiologic study of polymyositis/dermatomyositis
• Exploration of molecules involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Exploration of molecules involved in iron-dependent ferroptosis in blood cells
• Development of educational methods for students’ academic questioning skills

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Research Projects

• Clinical interventions and cohort research of the health conditions and medical environments in tsunami-survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
• Revitalization of the community medicine in the Tohoku area.
• Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress.
• Education and training of general practitioners with extended roles.
• The roles of the social capital and the community development in the super-aged society.

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Research Projects

• Imaging and cognitive disfunction in multiple sclerosis
• Autoimmune mechanisms of demyelinating diseases
• Autoantibody in autoimmune encephalitis
• Higher brain function analysis in neurodegenerative disorders and cerebral infarctions

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Functional evaluations for assessing significance of variants in cancer associated genes
• Development of screening system for finding novel molecules to prevent genomic instability
• Exploration for novel targeting molecules for cancer treatment.
• Exploration for novel biomarkers for cancer drug therapy.
• Genetic analyses of familial cancer syndrome.

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Safety of drug administration: Based on the data from the PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) and Japanese Alliance of Bipolar Disorders, we have engaged in studies concerning safe administration of mood stabilizers including lithium and lamotrigine. We are emphasizing the importance of the concept of recovery from mental disorders.
• Anatomical and functional basis of resilience and vulnerability in mental health: MRI imaging and statistical analyses enables us to detect the specific regions related to psychiatric resilience affected by stressful experiences and psychiatric interventions. Longitudinal and sectional studies participating healthy volunteers and outpatients have been undertaken.
• Molecular basis of resilience and vulnerability in mental health: In addition to the involvement of neurotrophins in process of neuronal plasticity, we are also interested in cellular mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy, and synaptic pruning of neurons. Using animal models of depression and stress related disorders, researches focusing on functional proteins in the brain are in process.
• Mental Health after the 2011 Disaster on the Children and their Family:We have run a small cohort which is named Michinoku Children’s Cohort after the Great East Japan Earthquake (MiCCa GEJE Study). We have followed the subjects who were the children who were born during the year after the disaster, and their family members. We focused on their development and psychological symptoms, the attachment between their parents and them.

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Analyses of water and ion transports in each renal tubular segment
• Establishment of precision medicine for brain diseases
• Elucidation of pathogenic mechanism of pediatric food allergy. Establishment of prevention and treatments for pediatric food allergy

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Research Projects

• Investigation of surgical treatment for hepatobiliary pancreatic malignancies
• Aggressive multidisciplinary treatment with neoadjuvant therapy
• Development of new surgical treatment incorporating 3D endoscopic system and ICG fluorescent endoscopy in laparoscopic surgery.
• Prehabilitation for major surgery

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Research Projects

• Surgery for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer
• Expression of VEX2 and prognosis of colorectal cancer
• Palliative care
• Preoperative nutritional intervention and postoperative complication of esophagogastric cancer

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Research Projects

Our department actively conducts clinical research on primary lung cancer, addressing rapid advances introduced by molecular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cases once considered unresectable may now be eligible for surgery after pharmacotherapy, widening treatment options. We continuously evaluate these interventions, optimizing efficacy and timing based on extensive data on post-operative recurrence. By maintaining comprehensive databases and actively participating in multicenter trials—e.g., the Japan North East Thoracic Surgeon Study Group (JNETS)—we aim to lead nationwide studies and deliver optimal care. With roots as a pharmacy-focused institution, we excel in new drug development and interdisciplinary pharmaceutical research, thus furthering personalized medicine and effective management of adverse events.

Concurrently, we are establishing treatment strategies for refractory pneumothorax. Drawing on long-term outcomes from both primary spontaneous and secondary pneumothorax, we propose multidisciplinary approaches in areas lacking clear guidelines. Our overarching goal is to enhance quality of life through a long-term perspective, incorporating therapeutic courses and recurrence risks while collaborating with facilities across the country to strengthen clinical evidence.

In addition, our experience with ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP)—where donor lungs are perfused outside the body for preservation, re-evaluation, and therapy—underpins our cooperative research with institutions including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tohoku University, Tokyo Science University, and Kyoto University. We conduct large-animal experiments with Tohoku University, and organ-based studies at our own medical school. Our efforts aim to preserve pulmonary function and reduce injury under various conditions, ultimately improving transplantation techniques, decreasing postoperative complications, and advancing therapy for severe respiratory failure, thereby promoting progress in thoracic surgery.

Japanese version website

STAFF

Research Projects

• Clinical research on personalized treatment of breast cancer
• Research on improving the accuracy of breast cancer screening
• Studies on the involvement of BACA mutations in the development and progression of breast cancer
• Effect of Arylhydrocarbon Receptor on Cancer Stem Cell Regulatory Mechanism of Breast Cancer

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Research Projects

• Evaluation of autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular diseases.
• Development of novel diagnostic method for infected cardiovascular diseases．
• Application of artificial intelligence for patient management in intensive care unit.

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Pathological analysis and treatment of spinal cord disorders caused by acute and chronic compression
• Pathology and treatment of spinal deformity in the elderly
• Epidemiological study and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures
• New development of diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumors
• Pathophysiology and treatment of osteoarthritis

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Research Projects

• Intraoperative monitoring (motor evoked potential, visual evoked potential)
• Spinal cord intramedullary tumor and spinal vascular surgery
• Development of new treatment for malignant spinal cord tumor
• Regenerative medicine for spinal cord injury and stroke

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Research Projects

• Treatment design and synthesis of vitiligo and melanoma using a new in vitro approach for generating iPS cell-derived human melanocytes which were higher in proliferation and melanin production rates.
• Searching new drug candidates and development for atopic dermatitis and perforating disease using μ-opioid receptor overexpression keratinocyte.
• Treatment design and synthesis of cutaneous vasculitis using clinical data and sample, and development of vasculitis model rat.
• Treatment design of sunscreen lotion based on synthesis of fibroblasts attacked by Ultraviolet rays.

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Research Projects

• Exploring minimally invasive and safe surgical treatment for vitreo-retinal disorders.
• Exploring of minimally invasive and safe surgical treatment for glaucoma.
• Early diagnosis techniques and therapeutic methods for glaucoma.

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Research Projects

• Searching new candidates for evaluation of immunotherapy for Japanese cedar pollinosis
• Development of novel conservative treatment for head and neck cystic diseases
• Establishment of novel and safe surgical treatments for salivary gland tumors
• Searching new drug candidates for chronic rhinosinusitis
• Investigation about the role of periostin in otolaryngological diseases

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Research Projects

• DNA mismatch repair function in gynecologic malignant tumors
• Mechanisms of resistance to antitumor agents for gynecologic malignant tumors
• Molecular biology of uterine sarcomas
• Correlation between PIH and angiogenetic activities
• Clinicopathological features of ectopic pregnancy
• Minimal invasive treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

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Research Projects

• Intraoperative electrical stimulation assessment to confirm nerve distribution for urinary and sexual functions
• Liquid biopsy for urological cancer
• Tumor volume assessed with whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging
• Glyco-chain expression on urological cancer

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Research Projects

• Clinical research into pathophysiology of diabetic gangrene
• Analysis of hemodynamics of tissue transplant flaps
• Study of aging eyelid: mechanism and pathophysiology of involutional blapharoptosis
• Development of therapeutic method for adverse sequelae of long-standing facial paralysis
• Application of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of refractory ulcers and imaging diagnosis of facial bone fractures

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Research Projects

• Differentiation between intraligamentous leiomyomas and subserosal leiomyoma on MRI.
• Outcome and adverse effects of proton beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer
• Retrospective comparison of adverse effects between conventional fractionation and hypofractionated irradiation for post-operative breast cancer.
• The feasibility of using Glasgow Prognostic score, a systemic nutritional evaluation, to predict the prognosis of the patients

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Research Projects

• Acute kidney injury associated with cardiopulmonary bypass
• Coagulopathy after cardiac surgery
• Microcirculation of skin
• Acute pain management after laparotomy
• The effects of glucose on immune cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential and the analysis of its mechanism by which glucose might modulate the immune functions.
• The effects of anesthetics on anticancer chemotherapeutic agents-induced immune cell apoptosis and analysis of its immunosuppressive mechanism.
• The analysis of the mechanisms by which anesthetics enhance the glucocorticoid-induced lymphocyte apoptosis.

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Research Projects

• Clinical and basic research on cardiac diseases and rehabilitation
• Clinical and basic research on renal diseases and rehabilitation
• Clinical research on stroke rehabilitation
• Clinical research on pulmonary rehabilitation
• Clinical research on dysphasia rehabilitation

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Research Projects

• Out-of Cardiac Arrest Registry of Japanese Association of Acute Medicine
• Efficacy of simulation education for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Establishment of disaster information management and command system among local medical facilities
• Multicenter Registry of COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Establishing efficient therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.
• Identifying better markers for diagnosis and prognosis.
• Improving the quality of clinical laboratory examinations and laboratory management.

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Research Projects

• Analysis of pathogenesis of severe and refractory infectious diseases
• Development of the novel diagnostic tools, anti-microbial agents, and vaccines.
• Management of infectious diseases in the rural and aged societies
• Construction of medical networks for infectious diseases clinicians
• Practice of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship

Japanese version website

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Research Projects

• Development of fool-proof equipment
• Prevention of errors in the electronic order entry
• Improving the performance of medical teams
• Education: to understand issues of quality and safety in healthcare

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Research Projects

• Functional development of system applications for hospital information systems
• Secure and high available information network for hospital information system
• Application of automatic identification by RFID technology to patient safety and operational efficiency
• Application of video/audio transmission technology to inter-medical communication and telemedicine

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Research Projects

• Observation of tumors and tissues through stereomicroscopy
• Analysis by 3D construction of tumors and tissues
• Comparison of endoscopic findings and radiological images with histopathological images
• Relationship between treatment sensitivity and histopathology
• Analysis using a new notation system for immunohistochemistry

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Research Projects

We all in the Center for Medical Education are widely in charge of medical education such as medical lectures and trainings of both basic medical sciences and clinical medicine. Through these educational experiences, we are generally responsible for coordinating the medical education of all grades. Also, based on a PDCA cycle system, we plan to improve the curriculum of medical education in cooperation with members in Faculty of Medicine. To make a cornerstone of under- and postgraduate education, we promote research in the medical education with analysis of data from educational action. In addition, we have our own original research background; and conduct our research as well.

• Functional analysis of SNPs in m-opioid receptor gene in the pathogenesis of psychological stress-induced exacerbation of allergic asthma
• Immunological analysis of female-dominant severity of bronchial asthma
• Impacts of respirology and allergy classes in the lower grade of medical school on students’ carrier prospects
• Research on the function of galectins, especially Gal-9, in immunity and development
• Research on membrane trafficking of glycosyltransferases
• Investigation of the role of sphingomyelin in T cell development
• Incumbent education for nurses, simulation-based education

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Research Projects

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Research Projects

• Guidance, management and implementation of community-based medical education in the Ishinomaki area
• Dispatch of doctors to the Ishinomaki area.
• Contributions to the medical activities in the Ishinomaki area.
• Cohort studies after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
• Multidisciplinary collaborations with public administration, nursing, pharmacy and elderly care.