Clarification of the biological actions of trace metals and development of physiologically active metal complexes

Trace metals present in our body are not only essential for homeostasis and various physiologic functions, but are also involved in many pathologic conditions. For example, zinc, copper, and iron have been suggested to be involved in cerebral ischemia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes mellitus, but the mechanism of their involvement remains mostly unknown. Therefore, we are studying the relationships of zinc with physiologic functions and their mechanisms, to relate the physiologic actions of metals to the develop- ment of therapeutic agents, and developing zinc complexes that may be useful for neuro-protection under cerebral ischemia and the treatment of type-2 diabetes. This research is expected to open a new field in drug development.