Basic Research

Degeneration and loss of cardiomyocytes are the most important factors in the decline of cardiac function. Therefore, it is expected that supplementation of cardiomyocytes derived from iPS cells can improve cardiac function. We have reported the treatment of bradycardia by transplantation of ES/iPS cell-derived pacemaker-like cardiomyocytes and long-term tracing of transplanted iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes by nuclear medicine imaging. Further research is needed as there are still improvements that need to be made in order to achieve effective cell transplantation therapy.

Heart failure is an amazing area of research! It occurs when the heart undergoes a process of altered contractility, size, metabolism, and electrical properties, in response to mechanical overload or ischemia. We use heart failure patient specimens and animal models to look into the causes of heart failure. We use the latest single-cell and omics analysis techniques, as well as physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and systems biology. Additionally, our research group is committed to translating the findings from our studies into the development of effective heart failure therapies.

The aorta is another key player in the circulatory system, alongside the heart. In addition to atherosclerosis, aortic dissection and aneurysm are critical conditions that can lead to sudden death. Unfortunately, despite remarkable progress in medicine, there are still many challenges in understanding and regulating the pathogenesis of these life-threatening diseases. Our team is dedicated to researching the fundamental mechanisms of aortic diseases using model mice and developing groundbreaking treatments. If you're deeply passionate about science and aspire to pioneer cutting-edge medical solutions for aortic diseases, we enthusiastically invite you to connect with our laboratory!

We are conducting extensive research using a wide range of methodologies to elucidate the pathophysiology of various arrhythmias. These methodologies span from patch-clamp studies on single cardiomyocytes to optical mapping techniques that visualize the electrical activity and intracellular calcium dynamics of Langendorff-perfused hearts. Additionally, we are investigating the relationship between arrhythmia disorders and autonomic nervous system activity. Building on the findings from previous basic and clinical research, we are currently exploring novel methods for assessing autonomic nervous system activity that can be easily implemented in routine clinical practice. Furthermore, we aim to leverage these studies to drive drug discovery and develop innovative therapies targeting autonomic nervous system activity.

Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome at the single-cell level (ScRNA/SnRNAseq analysis) using diseased tissues has enabled us to find
disease-specific cell populations and understand intercellular interactions. With the expanding potential for gene therapy, the demand for medical research through the analysis of gene expression data is expected to continue to grow. We are utilizing this technology to identify disease-specific molecules and cells in the heart and aorta, aiming to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and develop innovative treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

Advancements in genetic testing and analysis technologies have led to the identification of causative genes and their variants in many cardiovascular diseases. The ultimate goal is to develop gene therapy to repair these abnormal genes. The first human gene therapy was conducted in 1990, but research stalled due to safety and efficacy issues. However, recent advancements in nucleic acid drugs, viral vectors, and genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the spread of safe and effective gene therapies, expanding the range of treatable conditions. In particular, cardiovascular diseases have shown promising results in animal experiments, and innovative treatments for severe heart failure and other conditions are anticipated. We are conducting daily research utilizing genome editing technologies and nucleic acid drugs to develop cardiovascular disease models and provide new treatment methods.