TOKAI UNIVERSITY Researchers Guide 2020

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After spinal cord injury (SCI), OPCs residing in the spinal cord have been shown to actively proliferate, but many of these cells succumb to apoptosis instead of dierentiating into functional oligodendrocytes. Therefore, we have been searching for a treatment that inhibits the apoptosis of OPCs in the injured spinal cord, which would decrease the expansion of secondary injury and improve function through increased remyelination. One of the factors involved in neural cell apoptosis is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our research is focused on the potential interventions of ameliorating secondary injury by modulating the ER stress response.ResearchAreasMedicine, dentistry, and pharmacyKeyword■endoplasmic reticulum （ER）stress■Spinal cord injury■Oligodendrocyte precursor cells （OPCs）■Second injury■RegenerationRelatedresearchSDGThe enhancement of endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the injured spinal cordProfessorMasahiko WatanabeUndergraduate School of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Surgical Science CourseWe are developing transbronchial cryoablation as a novel local treatment for malignant peripheral lung lesions such as early stage lung cancer. We are also conducting research to apply artificial red blood cells that can be used regardless of blood type, have no risk of viral infection, and can be stored for a long time at room temperature in case of acute massive hemorrhage during lung resection. In lung transplantation performed for advanced intractable lung diseases such as interstitial pneumonia, we are also conducting research on microsampling technique for analyzing the state of the transplanted lungs.ResearchAreasMedicine, dentistry, and pharmacyKeyword■Lung cancer■Cryoablation■Minimally invasive surgery■Organ transplantation■Articial red blood cellsRelatedresearchSDGHow can we treat lung diseases gently and safely?Associate ProfessorMitsutomo KohnoUndergraduate School of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Surgical Science CourseResearch focuses on understanding the homeostasis maintenance of the intervertebral disc through intrinsic stem cell system and transcriptional regulation. He has also been studying the feasibility of stem cell therapy for degenerative disc disease. His current clinical interest is in management of spinal deformity including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult spinal deformity and functional rehabilitation. In this eld, he has particular interest in three to four-dimensional evaluation of spinal deformity and exploration of new device materials for deformity surgery.ResearchAreasMedicine, dentistry, and pharmacyKeyword■Orthopedics■Spine■Regenerative Medicine■Stem Cells■ScoliosisRelatedresearchSDGBiological and Clinical Development of Spinal DiseaseAssociate ProfessorDaisuke SakaiUndergraduate School of MedicineFaculty of Medicine Surgical Science Course116