MembersProf. Assoc. Prof. Assist. Prof. |
Research FocusDopamine is thought to play an important role in motor control, memory, learning and motivation. We focus on Parkinson's disease (PD), which is one of the most common neurological diseases, and as a PD model animal, we develop genetically modified mice for dopamine receptors and their related molecules. By analyzing animal behavior and neural circuit activities of the PD model mice, we aim to clarify the role of dopamine signaling on motor control, learning and memory, leading to develop a new therapeutic approach for PD. We are also studying RNA-binding proteins that are responsible for neural circuit formation and functions. In addition, we are analyzing the effects of in vitro culture of early-stage mouse embryo on individual development. In collaboration with the Department of Animal Model Development, we are also working on the regeneration of defective organs by blastocyst complementation and the development of a new embryo manipulation system by using xenotransplantation of marmoset germline tissues.Our department is in charge of the management and operation of the University-wide animal experimentation facility, which provides an animal experimentation environment using mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, pigs, Japanese macaques, marmosets, and killifish for advanced animal research. We also support research using reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, embryo and sperm cryopreservation. In addition, we create genetically engineered animals using rapidly advancing genome editing technology. These techniques are used to maintain the animal experimentation facility in a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) environment, and contribute to efficient research through systematic animal production. |
Lab members, May 2023
