研究室紹介

Functional Genomics and Metabolism

1. Functional genomics analysis of serine deficiency knockout mouse models and cells. 2. Characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying growth retarded phenotypes and neurological abnormalities exhibited by serine deficiency. 3. Development of in vivo bioassay system for screening food components enhancing brain function.

Research Interests

1. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of developmental defects and higher brain dysfunction in mice with defective L-serine synthesis.
2. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which L-serine deficiency leads to lethality of individual mice and cells.
3. Molecular mechanism of schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities induced by protein restriction during development.
4. Molecular mechanism by which soy peptides improve brain function.

Our laboratory aims to elucidate the essentiality and the physiological mechanism of action of the nonessential amino acid "L-serine" in individual development and higher brain functions, and the mechanism of action of food proteins and their peptides in the brain, and to use the results to promote brain health. The main analytical methods include behavioral studies of genetically engineered disease models and nutritional intervention models (individual mice), molecular expression analysis: metabolite analysis, protein expression analysis, gene expression analysis, and dynamism analysis in living cells (cultured cells). We are engaged in daily research activities to contribute to people's health through the creation of results.

Keyword of Research Area