Schizophrenia Research Project
A novel approach to the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia: Understanding the Role of Glycation and Oxidative Stress in Adolescence
Makoto Arai has been the leader of the schizophrenia research project since April 2015. After obtaining his master’s degree from the Department of Biological Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science, he obtained his Ph.D. in engineering from Tokyo University of Science in 2002. He then shifted his research focus to molecular mechanisms causing schizophrenia as a postdoctoral fellow in 2002 and has been working on how genetic and environmental factors are involved in schizophrenia. Currently, he is interested in mechanisms of glycation and oxidative stress associated with phenotypes of psychiatric disorders during life stage. Advancement of studies made using specific biomarkers will highlight the innovative ideas underlying recovery from psychiatric disorders.
Backgrounds
Profiling of the peripheral metabolic system is a viable schizophrenia research strategy that can lead to earlier diagnostic methods, elucidation of molecular mechanisms, and novel strategies for prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. We focus on developing individualized medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia, investigating factors involved in disease onset, and understanding molecular pathology using biomarkers to overcome the barrier of heterogeneity. Our research results will be applied to drug development by establishing a new biomarker-based research field in molecular psychiatry. Data from metabolomics, genomics, cellular models, animal models, post-mortem brain analysis and neuropsychological research will be consolidated to elucidate the genetic and environmental factors relevant to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Objectives
- To reveal biomarkers that will help diagnose the treatment of schizophrenia
- To work with metropolitan hospitals to develop methods for early diagnosis
- To elucidate the cause of schizophrenia and develop new methods of prevention and treatment
Members
Project Leader Makoto Arai
- Kazuya Toriumi
- PARIDA IsabellaSupardi