Research

Main Research Theme (Daichi Maeda)

Gynecological Surgical Pathology

We are conducting research with the aim of obtaining useful information for pathological diagnosis of various tumors that occur in each gynecological organ (uterus, ovary, fallopian tube). At the same time, in order to understand the origin of tumors, we are searching for background genetic abnormalities using next-generation sequencing. We also focus on genetic abnormalities that occur in non-tumor areas (normal epithelium) and strive to elucidate their clinicopathological significance.

Identification of a novel fusion gene in endometrial stromal nodules

CTNNB1 mutant cell clumps in the fallopian tubes are named "β-catenin signature"

Elucidation of the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis

Not only neoplastic diseases but also inflammatory diseases are targeted for research. Interstitial cystitis is an intractable disease of unknown cause characterized by bladder pain and frequent urination. We have clarified that Hanna's interstitial cystitis is a unique disease characterized by epithelial desquamation and inflammatory cell infiltration, mainly B cells, and that the infiltrating B cells have clonality. I have been reporting. We are currently conducting research to clarify the cause of interstitial cystitis.

Clonal B-cell expansion in Hannah-type interstitial cystitis

Establishment of next-generation pathological anatomy

Pathological anatomy forms the basis of pathology, and its academic value is universal. We are actively conducting research using autopsy specimens. Specifically, we have a track record of evaluating tumor heterogeneity using next-generation sequencing and analyzing cfDNA in cadaver blood, and we would like to introduce new approaches, including single-cell analysis, to pathological anatomy research in the future. I'm here.

Main Research Theme (Masashi Horie)

Comprehensive epigenome analysis of various diseases

Conventional techniques such as MNase-seq, DNase-seq, and ChIP-seq have been used for epigenome analysis, but they have many problems such as the large number of cells required, complexity, noise, and high analysis costs. My research was not progressing as expected. In recent years, an analysis method using the Tn5 transposase has been proposed, and these problems have been solved at once. Focusing on this new epigenome analysis technology, we have worked on improving and establishing experimental systems for chromatin structure analysis by ATAC-seq and histone modification analysis by CUT&Tag, and performed comprehensive epigenome profiling using pathological specimens of various diseases. We are here. In addition, by utilizing pathological autopsy specimens, we are also working to elucidate the epigenome of diseases for which it is difficult to obtain specimens during life.

Elucidation of the epigenome by ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag

Elucidation of disease pathology using single-cell analysis

Recent technological innovations in next-generation sequencing have enabled genome-wide gene expression profiling and open chromatin analysis at the single-cell level. Along with this, the identification of new cell groups and disease-specific cell groups is progressing, and the understanding of diseases is progressing. We conduct single-cell analysis using human pathological specimens and mouse disease models to elucidate the details of cell heterogeneity and the process of differentiation.

Single-cell analysis using respiratory disease mouse model (ACO)

Main Research Theme (Ito Yukinobu)

Cardiovascular Surgical Pathology

We are conducting research on comprehensive gene mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing for malignant tumors in the cardiovascular area, and pathology of cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathy, aortic disease, and vasculitis.

Pathological and genetic analysis of endocardial sarcoma

Angiogenesis studies using in vivo angiogenesis models

We are conducting research on angiogenesis by patch transplantation of arterial tissue fragments into veins, which I discovered when I was a medical student. In addition to morphological observation, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of this phenomenon by combining gene expression analysis and mass spectrometry.

Gene expression analysis using rabbit angiogenesis model