Research interest

Metabolic profiles in carbonyl stress, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products.

The profiling of the peripheral metabolic system is a viable schizophrenia research strategy that can lead to earlier diagnostic methods, elucidation of its molecular mechanisms, and novel strategies for the prevention and treatment. We focus on 1) developing individualized medicine for treating schizophrenia, 2) investigating factors involved in disease onset, and 3) understanding the molecular pathology by using biomarkers to overcome the barrier of heterogeneity. Our research outcomes will be applied to drug development by establishing a new biomarker-based field of research in molecular psychiatry. Data obtained from metabolomics, genomics, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell models, animal models, post-mortem brain analyses, neuropsychology, and genetic counseling research will be consolidated to elucidate the genetic and environmental factors relevant to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

“The correlations between the clinical features of patients exhibiting biomarkers and cell biology/animal model data could create new ways to improve patients’ quality of life.”

This biomarker-based approach is anticipated to become an innovative and creative strategy for elucidating the metabolic system of schizophrenia disease expression independently of conventional pathological hypotheses. Verification in cellular and animal models can shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the utility of naturally-derived substances, and is expected to lead to the future development of much safer treatments and prophylactic methods.

Characterization of the Etiology of Schizophrenia and Development of Treatments and Preventative Measures

• 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