Research Activities

Our Medical Research Center has 20 laboratories.

  • Director：Osamu KIMURA
  • Senior Fellow：Setsuya FUJITA
  • Deputy Director：Hirotaka TAKAGI

  • 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 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

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

    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
    Hirotaki TAKAGI,
    Seong Wook OH
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Hiroshi MIYAMURA,
    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,
    Masako BANDO,
    Keiko YONEZAWA

    We promote interdisciplinary medical research that integrates medicine and life sciences with the humanities and social sciences. Advances in medical technology, such as artificial intelligence in medicine, genomic medicine, and regenerative medicine, also raise new social challenges, including medical ethics, legal frameworks, social acceptance, and medical resource allocation.
    Our laboratory aims to develop "integrated medical science" by combining medical research with social science analysis grounded in public anthropology methodology. Our main research themes include: (1) long-term local community studies after nuclear accidents, (2) reproductive medicine and population/low birth rate issues, (3) practical application of advanced radiation therapies (e.g., boron neutron capture therapy, BNCT), (4) medical and social support for gender dysphoria, and (5) food production technologies in space environments. Our goal is to establish a new foundation of knowledge that supports the harmonious development of science, technology, and society.

  • 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

    As the secretariat of the “Aging Clocks Research Group,” we aim to create a nationwide multicenter collaborative network of medical institutions and research facilities. Since 2024, we have been advancing the societal adoption phase of the epigenetic clock, and our activities center on the following three pillars:
    　
    1. Multicenter validation of aging indicators using multi-omics approaches:
    In addition to DNA methylation-based biological age, we will integrate life-logging and clinical data collected from multiple centers to enhance the accuracy of the Japan-specific, standardized aging metric.
    　
    2. Controlling the rate of aging and personalized interventions:
    Using the “information theory of aging” proposed by Professor David A. Sinclair, we will conduct a multicenter study on how exercise, nutrition, mental health, and environmental factors affect epigenetics. We will then present the scientific basis for personalized programs that optimize health and slow aging.
    　
    3. Societal deployment of next-generation wellness metrics:
    To achieve the “Future Society Where Life Shines” envisioned at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, we aim to build a social infrastructure that extends healthy life expectancy by encouraging the widespread use of metrics, such as EpScore that visualize pre-disease conditions.

  • Agro-Medical & Food Environment Laboratory

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Shigeaki ODA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Katsuki NAKAI,Masaki ODA,
    Susumu FUJIKAGE,
    Tomokiyo TANAKA,
    Toshiyuki YAMADA

    Through collaboration between medicine, agriculture, and food science, we conduct comprehensive research on human health and sustainable food supply mechanisms. Recent studies demonstrated that functional nucleic acids and other food components have multifaceted effects on the human body, promoting a re-evaluation of food as a source of nutrients and diverse functional information. Based on these findings, we integrate knowledge from medicine and agriculture to establish a new framework for understanding the relationship between food and health.
    From the perspective of the collaboration between medicine and agriculture, we are re-evaluating the value and supply mechanisms of agricultural products while advancing research in agricultural economics and management. Specifically, we are developing cost-accounting methods for agricultural products and determining appropriate price levels, creating a model to assess the management maturity of new farmers, and conducting comparative studies of new-farmer support systems in Japan and France. We are also studying biodiversity and cultural heritage associated with local festivals and sacred forests, preservation of traditional vegetable varieties, and food culture in disaster recovery. Furthermore, through international collaborative research and academic exchanges, we are conducting interdisciplinary research that bridges medicine, agriculture, and agricultural economics.

  • 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 collaboration with the International Society of Esports Medicine, we are advancing esports medicine research with a focus on two primary themes: “Preventing frailty in older adults through esports” and “Preventing physical and mental disabilities in young people through esports.” As a new initiative, we aim to leverage recent remarkable advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the simulations of interference signals and the analysis of brain microstates via electroencephalography using Transformer models, which are key components of generative AI. We are also continuing to collect data on differences in nerve innervation across the fingers and their relationship to physiological and psychological factors.

  • Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine

    Specially-appointed Chief Research Scientist
    Ping DAI
    Specially-appointed Senior Research Scientist
    Yoshinori HARADA
    Specially-appointed Research Scientists
    Toshihiro KURAHASHI

    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 Chief Research Scientist
    Yukiko MINAMIYAMA
    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

    Our laboratory has developed G9.1, a safe and highly effective TLR9 agonist that activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells, the key players in linking innate and adaptive immunity. In collaboration with Japanese and international research institutions, companies, and our center's Interferon & Host-defense Research Laboratory, we are developing an adult pulmonary tuberculosis vaccine that incorporates G9.1 as an adjuvant. Looking ahead, we plan to leverage G9.1's immunostimulatory properties for new drug development, exploring its potential applications across diverse therapeutic contexts.