Department of Molecular Pathology

Welcome to visit the website of our laboratory

Our laboratory focuses on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our purpose is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these diseases and find a clue for the translational medicine.

We study both human (specimens) and animals using interdisciplinary methodologies including molecular biology, pathology, cell culture and biochemistry. One of the major features in our laboratory is that we are able to develop a novel genetically modified (transgenic and knock-down/knock-out) rabbits that express human genes by which to perform many unique researches.

In fact, we, along with our collaborators (Saga University and Kobe University) are the only laboratory in the world that can generate, breed and perform cardiovascular disease research using these models. Now, we have established apo(a), apoAII, apoE, apoB, hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, MMP-12, VEGF, apoB mRNA editing protein transgenic rabbits and a new strain of WHHL rabbits, which show high incidence of myocardial infarction. These rabbits are available for researchers who are interested.

 

Department of Molecular Pathology,
Division of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine,
Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, Graduate School,
University of Yamanashi
1110 Shimokato, Chuo-City,
Yamanashi, 409-3898
Japan

 

Education Programs

Our department is responsible for several educational programs in our university, including General Pathology for MedicalSchool students (M3). We are also in charge of Pathological lectures in Teikyo Nursing School.

Ph.D. Programs and MD/Ph.D. Programs

Student acceptance is currently suspended.

Research Programs

Our research has been focused on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our purpose is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these diseases and find a target for the translational medicine.
We have two research aspects: Basic research and Translational Research.
For research, we use both human (autopsy and surgical specimens) and animals combined with interdisciplinary methodologies including molecular biology, pathology, cell culture and biochemistry. One of the major features in our laboratory is that we are able to develop a novel genetically modified (transgenic and knock-down/knock-out) rabbits. We arethe only laboratory in the world that can generate, breed and perform cardiovascular disease using these models. Our research interests are in lipoproteins (apo(a), apoAII, apoE, apoB, and CIII), lipid related enzymes (hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, and endothelial lipase), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-12, -1, -9), VEGF, PPAR, C-reactive proteins, inflammation, and macrophages in the development of cardiovascular disease. In collaboration with KobeUniversity, we are investigating myocardial infarction of WHHLMI rabbits. These rabbits are available for researchers who are interested.

Collaborative research programs (including past results)

Domestic collaborations:

Saga University
Kobe University
Miyazaki University
University of Occupational and Environmental Health
Kumamoto Health Science University
Tsukuba University

International collaborations:

University of Michigan
University of California San Francisco
University of Connecticut
Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Mainz (Germany)
Agricultural Biotechnology Center (Hungary)
Peking University
Dalian Medical University
Xi’an Jiaotong University
China Medical University