Investigate the mechanisms of aging with the aim of suppressing and reversing the aging process.
Background and purpose of the division
Aging control is influenced by changes in environmental and stress-related factors. Our division focuses on lipids, water-soluble metabolites, the epigenome, mitochondrial function, and immune function, all of which dynamically change due to external factors. By understanding the essence and fundamental principles of aging, we aim to develop preventive and intervention methods against aging. To achieve this goal, we conduct interdisciplinary research in collaboration with outstanding researchers from the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Research Institute for Biomedical Science, as well as leading external researchers. This unique and powerful approach enables Tokyo University of Science to advance aging research.
Research Organization and Members
In our research division, we collaborate closely with four groups and experts from diverse fields to advance research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of aging and regulating aging processes.
Lipid and Water-Soluble Metabolites Group
(Yoshikazu Nakamura, Kyohei Higashi, Kaori Kanemaru, Masahiro Komeno, Yuhei Mizunoe, Atsuo Sasaki, Takehiko Sasaki)
The aging hallmarks that indicate characteristics of aging include features related to nucleic acids and proteins. However, features related to lipids and sugars, despite being major constituents of cells like nucleic acids and proteins, are not included. Therefore, the Lipid and Water-Soluble Metabolites Group aims to demonstrate that lipids and their metabolic pathways constitute novel factors regulating aging. The group strives to develop new aging intervention methods targeting lipids. Additionally, the group conducts research focusing on aging regulation through water-soluble metabolites such as sugars and polyamines.
Epigenome Group
(So Maezawa, Motoshi Hayano)
Epigenetic changes occur in response to various external factors such as environment and stress. Recently, it has become evident that epigenetic changes are involved in aging regulation. Therefore, the Epigenome Group aims to identify epigenetic modifications relevant to aging control and develop aging intervention methods targeting these modifications.
Mitochondria Group
(Yoshikazu Higami, Yuka Nozaki, Shigeru Yanagi, Masaki Kobayashi)
Mitochondria are the energy factories of cells, but aging and improper lifestyle factors can impair mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species and induce oxidative stress, thereby promoting aging. Thus, maintaining mitochondrial quality and function is a crucial challenge for aging suppression. The Mitochondria Group focuses on the homeostatic maintenance mechanisms of mitochondrial proteins and aims to develop methods for maintaining mitochondrial quality and activating mitochondria to suppress aging.
Immune Group
(Tomokatsu Ikawa, Akihiko Yoshimura, Hiroshi Haeno)
Aging of the immune system leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body and accumulation of senescent cells, accelerating systemic aging. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of external factors such as stress and environment in immunosenescence. However, detailed mechanisms regulating immunosenescence remain unclear. Therefore, the Immune Group aims to elucidate the mechanisms of immunosenescence and develop methods to control immunosenescence by targeting these mechanisms. The group also aims to develop aging suppression methods utilizing immune cells with enhanced senescent cell clearance capabilities.
In addition to these groups, we also include outstanding researchers specialized in bone (Tadayoshi Hayata, Naoyuki Wada, Yukihiro Kohara), brain (Teiichi Furuichi), trachea (Tomoko Masaike), oncology (Mahito Sadaie, Shunsuke Kon, Masahiro Takikawa), and primate aging models (Rafael de Cabo).
