Research Activities

Our Medical Research Center has 21 laboratories.

  • Director：Osamu KIMURA
  • Senior Fellow：Setsuya FUJITA
  • Research Director：Seong Wook OH
  • Research Scientist：Jung Hyun IM

  • Interferon ＆ Host-defense Research Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Kazuko UNO
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Kazuo SUZUKI
    Project Researchers
    Leeja RUSSELL, Ukan KOU

    The Interferon & Host-defense Research Laboratory provides valuable information for early detection, prognostic prediction, and treatment of cancer through independently developed immune function tests, including assessment of interferon production ability. This laboratory is also investigating the usefulness of immune markers for early cancer detection and pathological evaluation. In addition, ongoing studies aim to identify markers of disease and disease exacerbation by measuring cytokines and chemokines in several categories, including autoimmune diseases, such as vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Castleman’s disease, COVID-19, and atopic dermatitis, as well as infectious diseases.
    Since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011, we have focused on the effects of low-dose radiation exposure, providing support for the optimal lifestyle for Fukushima residents, and investigating the best methods for risk communication during emergencies in the age of social media. Here is a website that has been created for this purpose.
    What Scientists Can Do in the Society of Social Media: https://radiation-sns.com/

  • Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Yuko YASUDA
    Research Scientist
    Setsuya FUJITA

    This laboratory's research is centered on the central nervous system, the molecular mechanisms of neuronal glial switches, and the molecular evolution of matrix cell systems in the human brain. In addition to doing research in the above areas, this laboratory is also examining the role of glial cells in brain function and the morphology and function of microglia.

  • Laboratory of Clinical Pathology

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Yasunari TSUCHIHASHI

    We developed a telepathology system by digitizing patients' pathological diagnostic records. Along with providing medical institutions with pathological diagnosis, the laboratory is also developing operational guidelines for remote pathological diagnosis and cytology. Additional activities of this lab includes conducting clinical pathological case studies.

  • Laboratory of Health & Sports

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Toshikazu TAKANAMI
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Yukari KAWAI, Wataru AOI

    The laboratory is focused on establishing effective methods to prevent ageing, metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-related diseases using scientific evidence obtain from the areas of exercise, nutrition and sleep.

  • Sick Building Syndrome Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Iwao UCHIYAMA

    This laboratory conducts basic research on the disease pathology of Sick Building Syndrome and chemical hypersensitivity and creates diagnostic guidelines for these conditions. We also conduct research on brain function, immune function, genetic factors, and the psychological effects related to these diseases.

  • Free Radical Chemistry Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Hiroshi ICHIKAWA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Yukiko MINAMIYAMA,
    Liu XiangHong

    We use magnetic resonance (ESR) and chemiluminescence devices to measure free radicals and free radical scavenging capacity in vitro and in vivo. We then study the effects of medicine, foods and other substances on free radical production and scavenging.

    Our research activities will extend to investigating the efficacy of various foods and antioxidants by administering them to rat models with various diseases and senescence (age)-accelerated mice.

  • Laboratory of Advanced Particle Therapy

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Naruhito TAKAHASHI
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Jun HATAZAWA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientist
    Taro KATSUMATA

    This laboratory acts as an umbrella organization for clinical trials and at the same time conducts research for new cancer therapy. Charged particle radiotherapy that uses protons, neutrons, and other charged particles, is being used as a more high-precision cancer treatment. However, this type of treatment is done with large devices that have many restrictions in how they can be used; as such, charged particle radiotherapy is not yet widely available.

    This laboratory is working to create a new generation of particle radiotherapy that is more compact. Using state-of-the-art technology, we are developing a miniaturized boron neutron complementary therapy (BNCT) device. Our goal is to create a very compact design that requires little space, has emits low levels of radiation and has excellent safety features.

    At the same time, comprehensive research is underway to develop new boron agents that accurately target and accumulate in cancer cells and will lead to safer and more effective therapies for BNCT.

  • Cell Therapy Laboratory

    Director and
    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Osamu KIMURA
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Taizo FURUKAWA,
    Shigeyoshi AOI,
    Tomoki TSUDA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Kaori TAKADA,Yuki MASUDA,
    Taichiro OGAWA,
    Kiminori SEKIMOTO

    Despite recent advances in basic and clinical studies on cell-based therapies, including regenerative medicine and cancer immunotherapy, the therapeutic effects and the reproducibility of results remain generally low. At the CA Clinic Group, where we operate, we have conducted detailed immunological analyses of the condition known as “cancer,” which have led to dramatic results in the treatment of advanced cancer and have enabled the development of highly reproducible therapeutics. In regenerative medicine approaches using mesenchymal stem cells, it has become increasingly clear that therapeutic effects are achieved in the presence of the M2 polarization of innate immunity. With this in mind, our laboratory will utilize cutting-edge approaches, such as next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq. to further enhance the efficacy and reproducibility in both cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. In addition, we aim to elucidate the relationship between treatment effects and changes immune responses at the single-cell level.

  • Laboratory of Cancer Pharmacology

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Yoshiko YASUDA
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Yasushi KONDO
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Megumi YASUDA,TANG Miao,
    ZHUANG Xiaotong

    Since 1993, we have made important discoveries about the role of a red blood cell growth factor, erythropoietin, in the growth and differentiation of early mouse embryos. It also is apparent that this signaling system is expressed in nearly all cancer cells.

    Subsequently, we discovered EMP9, a peptide that disrupts this erythropoietin signaling system and established the company EpoMed Ltd. to use EMP9 to develop an anti-cancer drug. Since then, we have become independent of that company and have created this drug discovery laboratory as a separate entity; in this laboratory we are now focusing on creating treatments for keloid tumours.

  • Laboratory of Environmental Infection Control

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Kenji KIKUCHI
    Senior Research Scientist
    Seong Wook OH
    Research Scientist
    Jung Hyun IM
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Hirotaki TAKAGI,
    Kazuhiko INOUE,
    Kotaro FUJIMAKI,
    Koichi FUJIWARA,
    Kunimoto HOTTA,
    Masahiro KONO,
    Morimasa YAGISAWA,
    Tadashi HATTORI,
    Tomofumi KAWAKAMI,
    Tsutomu SATO,
    Yasuhiro SAIHARA, Yoko AOKI

    This laboratory has been further advancing its research on very pure electrolysed hypochlorite water with low coexistent ion concentrations. This work was first initiated by our predecessor, the Functional Water Laboratory, and we are currently deepening our understanding by delving into the mechanisms and effects of this solution inactivates various pathogens.

    The laboratory is equipped to perform large-scale testing in a simulated space environment, and has BSL3 functionality to explore more effective disinfection methods in space using hypochlorite water. the laboratory recognizes the importance of proper storage and management of pathogen resources such as bacteria and viruses in future infectious disease control, and is therefore poised to launch a Pathogen Resource Bank. By collaborating with various companies, universities and research institutions, this laboratory aims to lead research on functional water and infection control.

  • Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Advanced Medical Science

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Mao TAKAGAKI
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientists
    Noriko KAGAWA,
    Tomoko SAOTOME
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Haruko INOIE,Takuji OKADA, Kazuhito NAKAMURA,
    Masako BANDO,
    Satoshi MIYAMOTO,
    Keiko YONEZAWA

    By criticizing the expert authoritarianism that often exists between the public and the scientific community, which is associated with increasing challenges in understanding science in the setting of fast-paced progress, and by achieving a mutually participatory form of science and technology governance, we aim to achieve a better understanding of science and technology in the public sphere between the increasingly difficult-to-understand cutting-edge medical science and the general public. In today’s world, where the relationship between science and technology, and society is getting increasingly closer, this is an increasingly important perspective for building a mutually beneficial relationship.

  • International Medical Cooperation

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Masahiro TAKASHIMA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientist
    Katsuhiro NISHINO

    With the internationalization of medical care, there is an urgent need to accept patients from overseas, dispatch medical personnel overseas, and provide technical support for medical devices and operations. However, before this can be achieved, there are language, financial, institutional and other problems that need to be addressed.

    In order to help solve these problems, we create textbooks and do practical exchanges to promote research on international collaboration in medical care.

  • Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Hisakazu YANO

    This laboratory is currently active in three main areas. First, our main research focuses on drug-resistant bacteria, including (1) uncovering their mechanism (2) developing methods to detect drug-resistant bacteria, and (3) monitoring the emergence of new resistant bacteria.

    Second, the laboratory analyses microorganisms in general, including (4) how pathogenic microorganisms cause infectious diseases, (5) the relationship between humans and bacteria in the environment, and (6) the relationship between intestinal flora and various diseases.

  • Laboratory of Anti-Aging Science

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Hidekazu YAMADA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Kazuko ICHINOMIYA,
    Masahiro TAKASHIMA,
    Sawako HIBINO,
    Sho WATANABE

    In the second half of 2024, epigenetic clocks testing became commercially available in Japan.
    Longevity clinics and anti-aging medical clinics are emerging globally, with epigenetic clock testing being utilized worldwide. These clinics aim to extend a health span and achieve true rejuvenation. Rather than targeting conventional diseases, the goal of these establishments is to slow down aging. Epigenetic clock testing evaluates biological age using DNA methylation. At the Laboratory of anti-Aging Science, we applied epigenetic clock testing to support the XPRIZE HEALTHSPAN project. Through the Aging Clocks Study Group, we will introduce initiatives for exercise, nutrition, psychological health, and the environment factors based on the “information theory of aging,” which states that aging is caused by the obscuring of epigenetic information.
    Assessment of DNA methylation is not only a measure of aging but an emerging approach that can predict future health conditions by measuring the aging clock and well-being score using a method called Episcore. Assessment of biological age, which differs from chronological age, is important for promoting anti-aging medicine. The biological age will also be an important theme at EXPO 2025 OSAKA. The Laboratory of Anti-Aging Science disseminates information with the aim of treating aging.

  • Agro-Medical & Food Environment Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Izumi SAWADA
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientists
    Shigeki ODA,Tomokiyo TANAKA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Yoko SAWADA,
    Susumu FUJIKAGE,
    Masaki ODA,Toshiyuki YAMADA

    In recent years, it has become clear that the diverse functional nucleic acids contained in many foods have positive and negative impacts on human health. Based on the idea that we consume not only nutrients but also functional information from the foods we eat, we are actively promoting the exchange of information between the medical and agricultural scientific communities.

    We are conducting research to find scientific evidence on measures that will enable Japan, the world's largest food importer, to secure a stable supply of safer and more health-enhancing agricultural products.

  • AI ＆ e-Sports Medicine Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Hiroaki SUGINO
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Hiroaki SUGINO,
    Masaki TERUOKA,
    Michiyoshi BUNYU,
    Yugo MAEKAWA

    In close collaboration with the International Society of e-Sports Medicine, we are conducting an international literature survey using the latest generative AI, aiming to “systematizing e-sports medicine.” Additionally, we are investigating a less painful “electrical stimulation technique for improving swallowing ability,” utilizing multiple types of interference waves. In a new project, we have initiated trials to “create objective indicators using electroencephalography etc.” to enhance brain function through improved posture and participation in senior e-sports. We have also initiated research into understanding the stress and health status of e-sports players through “continuous electrocardiogram data.

  • Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Ping DAI
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Yoshinori HARADA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Masatoshi EGOSHI,
    Toshihiro KURAHASHI,
    Yukimasa TAKEDA,
    Junichi MATSUMOTO

    This laboratory is currently developing a technology that can directly induct and differentiate different types of somatic cells using only small molecule compounds and without using gene transfer technology. The aim is to further elucidate the mechanism of somatic cells so as to establish novel regenerative medicine technology and provide a source for the cells needed for regenerative treatment.

  • Antioxidant Research Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Haruhiko INUFUSA
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Fukka YOU

    The antioxidant Research Laboratory conducts basic and clinical research on the efficacy of Twendee X and Twendee Mtcontrol antioxidants, which are being explored for the prevention and treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress.
    For further information：kousanka@antioxidantres.jp

  • Applied Biodefense Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Yujiro KAWADE,
    Moriaki KUSAKABE,
    Kenji GOTO

    In order to extend healthy human life expectancy, this laboratory conducts basic and clinical research focused on the environment, diet, intestinal bacteria, sleep, and life rhythms. In addition to allergies and lifestyle-related diseases, we are also focusing on how to prevent other common everyday diseases.

  • Laboratory for Human Diseases Models

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Yoichiro IWAKURA

    Many genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and allergic diseases.
    Clarifying the role of these individual genes will enable us to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms, leading to the development of new therapeutics. This laboratory has produced more than 200 strains of gene modified mice in which specific external genes have been introduced into their DNA (transgenic mice) or in which gene functions have been silenced (knockout mice). Through these activities, we have identified a plethora of genes involved in disease development and have clarified their pathogenic roles, mainly of genes implicated in autoimmune diseases and allergies. These areas are specifically important as there are many patients worldwide who are depending on the development of effective treatments. We are committed to helping to find meaningful cures for autoimmune and allergic diseases, and as such, we offer our mouse models to scientists who want to use them in their research. If you are such a scientist, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  • Next-generation Adjuvant & Vaccine Development Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Sumiko IHO

    The Next-generation Adjuvant & Vaccine Development Laboratory has developed G9.1, a safe and highly effective TLR9 agonist that activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. In collaboration with the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Niigata University School of Medicine, industry partners, Vietnam National Lung Hospital, and the Interferon & Host-defense Laboratory in our research center, we are currently developing an adult tuberculosis prevention vaccine that incorporates G9.1 as an adjuvant. Our future plans include leveraging the immunostimulatory properties of G9.1 for drug discovery research, and exploring its potential applications in various therapeutic contexts.