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Research Projects |
- A comprehensive analysis of molecular targets of drug therapy showed that the largest subgroup is cell membrane receptors (45%), and the next is enzymes (28%), while membrane-transport proteins account for only 5% of all current drug targets; however, the drugs targeting membrane-transport proteins are strong, effective and frequently used in the therapeutic treatment. On the other hand, 6650 predicted proteins of potential drug targets are composed of 30% cell membrane receptors, 53% enzymes, and 15% membrane-transport proteins (see the below panel). Consequently, it is considered that membrane-transport proteins will be the promising molecular targets of drug development.
In our Department of Molecular Pharmacology, membrane-transport proteins, especially ion channels and transporters in the central nervous system, are focused on, and a variety of studies are in progress as follows:
- Study on the role of TRP channels involved in the aggravation of cerebral stroke: Cerebral infarction and intracranial hemorrhage are the pathological processes in which generation of reactive radical moieties and inflammatory responses cause neuronal death and abnormal activation of glial cells after excessive overflow of neurotransmitters. On the other hand, TRP (transient receptor potential) channel is a family of nonselective cation channels, which may have important roles in nonexcitable cells, such as glial cells. Therefore we focused on the mechanisms of abnormal glial activation that are involved in the chronic pathogenesis of cerebral stroke. So far, we have identified the primary role of TRPC3 in the thrombin-induced activation of astrocytes (see the below panel) and the roles of TRPM2 and TRPV4 channels in the activation of microglia using genetically modified animals.
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Study on the roles of TRP channels and transporters involved in the chronic pain: Injury of sensory neurons and surrounding inflammatory lesions cause chronic pain that is not always responsive to conventional analgesics. Since the mechanism underlying chronic pain is now well understood, we focused on the roles of glial cells and immune cells in the interaction with sensory neurons that aggravate pain sensation. We have clarified the role of astroglial glutamate transporter GLT-1 in the generation of neuropathic pain, and are investigating the algesic roles of TRPM2 expressed in monocytes/macrophages and microglia. In addition, we are analyzing the involvement of TRP channels in the grave peripheral neuropathy induced by several kinds of antineoplastic agents such as oxaliplatin.
- Study on the action mechanisms of antidepressants and addictive drugs: We have established an in-vitro chronic experimental system in which midbrain and limbic slices are cocultured for the study of addictive mechanisms of psychostimulants, narcotic analgesics, other addictive drugs such as MDMA on dopaminergic neuronal networks. We also developed an in-vitro raphe slice culture for the study of chronic effects of antidepressants such as SSRI, SNRI and tricyclic antidepressants on serotonergic neuronal networks.
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History of the Departments of Pharmacology |
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Originally, the Department of Pharmacology was established in 1962 by Professor Hiroshi Takagi. Upon his retirement in 1987, Professor Masamichi Satoh succeeded the Chairman, who founded the Department of Molecular Pharmacology in 1993. After his movement, the Department of Pharmacology was succeeded by Professor Akinori Akaike from 1994 up to the present. In 1997, Dr. Shuji Kaneko became the head of a new sub-department of Neuropharmacology, who succeeded the Department of Molecular Pharmacology in 2004, when Professor Satoh retired from Kyoto University.
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Facilities and Equipments |
- The 2nd floor of the Main building: Professor's office, Main office, Biochemistry laboratory, Cell biology laboratory, Culture room
- Fluorescent imaging system
- Online neurotransmitter analyzer
- P2 level biohazard safety space
- The 4th floor of the Main building: Patch-clamp laboratory, Oocyte electrophysiology laboratory
- Brain slice patch clamp system
- Isolated cell patch clamp system (x 2)
- Xenopus oocyte voltage-clamp system (x 2)
- The Basement of the Main building (communal): SPF Animal laboratory
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Collaborations |
- We welcome research collaboration with universities and institutes of any countries. Buisiness-Academia collaboration will be supported by Kyoto University International Innovation Center (KU-IIC). Please contact Prof. Kaneko for the procedures.
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