General description of the department and course
The theme research for the Department of Molecular Signaling is
to molecularly explain how living organisms detect changes of their
internal and external environment, how they transit that information
inward and reflect them into their dynamic state. Furthermore, our
ultimate goal is to artificially formulate an intravital system
(biosensor) to mimic a biologic signaling system by using genetic
engineering technology, and apply it into apprehension and treatment
of disease.
Introduction of the faculty (area of research)
Professor (Masanori Kitamura)genetic engineering,
cell engineering, gene transfer/gene therapy, intracellular signal
transduction, apoptosis, inflammationAssociate Professor
（Jian Yao）cellular physiology, cell-cell interaction, cell-matrix
interaction, hemodynamics, nephrology
General Description of the Research Activities
Development of a group of intravital biosensors
We work on the development of a superior vector system for the
purpose of gene transfer/therapy, the establishment of a system to
regulate foreign gene expression using medical agents, and the development
of a gene transfer system with sensor functions (biosensor). Making
a lesion-responsive gene sequence into a molecular sensor to detect
pathologic changes in the body and controlling foreign gene expression
accordingly are particularly essential concepts for persistent monitoring
of the local disease activity in the body and establishment of more
sophisticated gene therapy. We are currently conducting research to
develop a group of intravital biosensors to monitor inflammations
such as glomerulonephritis, metabolic diseases including diabetes
mellitus, the rejection of organ transplants, and environmental hormones'
influences on the human body.
Analyses of the intracellular signaling system involving in apoptosis
With what kind of molecular mechanism does oxidative stress,
which is believed to be involved in various pathologies, generate
cellar interference (apoptosis)? With what kind of molecular mechanism
do certain types of medical agents inhibit that process? We aim for
the establishment of a treatment method for diseases which have apoptosis
as a major factor in their pathologic condition.
Signaling mechanisms in the control of integrated vascular functions
- Cell-cell communication via gap junction
Our previous works addressed; 1. construction of the gap
junction communication-network in renal glomeruli; 2. gap junction-mediated
signaling mechanisms in the syncytial function of mesangial cells;
and 3. altered gap junction communication in renal pathology.
Current projects are focused on identifying factors that regulate
expression and function of gap junction in mesangial cells and
on examining effects of gap junction-mediated interaction between
glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells on the control of mesangial
cell behavior.
- Regulation of vascular function by vasoactive substances
We are investigating how the `ying` and `yang` balance is
achieved in the glomerular vasculature, focusing especially on
the positive and negative signaling pathways trigged by vasodilative
and vasoconstrictive materials. These studies are for understanding
vascular pathophysiology and for developing novel therapeutic
strategies for the treatment of renal diseases.
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