Our research group aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of brain formation using brain tumors as materials. Brain cell division and differentiation are strictly regulated by genetic programs, but disruption of these programs can lead to abnormal proliferation of brain cells, dysregulation of the brain microenvironment, and malignant brain tumors. Therefore, “elucidating the mechanisms of brain tumor formation” and “understanding the mechanism of normal brain formation” are two sides of the same coin in our research field.

We are particularly focused on pediatric brain tumors, and aim to contribute to basic research in both neurogenesis and oncology. We hope our work may lead directly to the development of treatments for patients.

The key to understanding the mechanism of brain tumor development lies in its genome. Recent advances in genome sequencing technology have led to the discovery of many cancer-specific gene mutations, and brain tumors are no exception. How these genetic mutations are cause cancer and their specific functions remain largely unexplored.

Our research is focused on elucidating from multiple perspectives how genetic mutations found in humans cause normal cells in the brain to become cancerous and what signals lead to tumorigenesis in this process. In addition to various research methods such as mouse genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry, we have recently applied new technologies in neuroscience to investigate the mechanisms of brain tumorigenesis. We are also actively engaged in pharmacological experiments using mouse models of tumors to verify whether the carcinogenic mechanisms we have discovered can be applied to therapy.

I have led research teams at the German Cancer Research Center (2013-2019) and the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (2019-2024), and in April 2024 I have established a new laboratory at Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medicine. Although the scale of brain tumor research in Japan is still small, we are collaborating with many laboratories in Japan and abroad, sharing the latest research information and promoting research from an international perspective.

Taking full advantage of the research environment in Japan, we will continue to challenge ourselves at the forefront of brain tumor research together with young researchers such as graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and in cooperation with our staff. If you are interested in our research, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or phone. We are also willing to consult with young researchers who are considering studying abroad for brain tumor research in the future.

Together, we will shape the future of brain tumor research.

As Japan enters a hyper-aged society, the number of dementia patients continues to increase. In particular, there is an urgent need to establish prevention and treatment methods for Alzheimer’s disease, which is estimated to account for around 60% of all dementia cases. Our team is conducting research to elucidate the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, and to discover preventive and therapeutic methods by intervening in the molecular mechanisms.