Department of Integrative Bioanalytics
Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University
Research Introduction
We aim to understand complex biological phenomena across multiple scales through multi-omics and integrative bioanalysis.
Our research spans cancer-induced host pathophysiology, enhancer-mediated gene regulation, circadian and immune responses, aging, and human–robot interaction.
cachexia
In Japan, more than 370,000 people die from cancer each year. Although cancer treatment has advanced considerably, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death. When cancer cannot be cured, controlling the systemic disorders caused by cancer is essential for maintaining quality of life and treatment tolerance.
We study how cancers affect the host beyond the tumor itself. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying cancer-induced host dysfunction and to develop strategies to alleviate these systemic effects.
aging
Experimental perturbations used in biology are often extreme. For example, whole-body gene knockout does not occur in ordinary life.
In reality, organisms are exposed to much milder physiological stresses, such as circadian disruption, inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and environmental changes. Although each stress may be small, their cumulative effects can gradually impair biological homeostasis, promote disease, and accelerate aging.
We aim to understand how such mild but chronic stresses affect living systems over time. To this end, we develop experimental approaches that mimic physiological perturbations and use enhancer genetics, multi-omics, and computational analysis to reveal their long-term effects.
Enhancer Genetics
enhancer
Enhancers are non-coding DNA elements that regulate when, where, and how strongly target genes are expressed. They serve as regulatory platforms where transcription factors and other proteins bind to control gene expression.
We study the physiological and pathological roles of enhancers in living organisms. By analyzing enhancer function in contexts such as circadian rhythms, immunity, and aging, we aim to understand how precise gene regulation shapes biological homeostasis. We also seek to develop approaches for designing gene expression programs artificially.
Human biology
Digital technologies, including wearable devices, robots, avatars, and virtual communication tools, are becoming part of everyday life. These technologies are changing how we communicate, work, learn, and interact with others.
However, their effects on human physiology remain poorly understood. How do our bodies and minds respond to these new forms of interaction?
We address this question by integrating biometric measurements, physiological monitoring, multi-omics, and computational analysis.
