Molecular Gerontology

Masafumi Ito, M.D., Ph.D.

Researcher : Yasunori Fujita, PhD

Oxidative stress, Neurotrophic factor, Muscle atrophy, Screening of functional compounds, Phytochemical, MicroRNA, Prostate cancer, Chemoresistance, Molecular hydrogen

1. Search for functional components that contribute to improvement of QOL in the elderly

We aim to identify compounds that could help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease via activation of several key molecules including antioxidant enzymes, neurotrophic factors and sirtuins. We also search for compounds that are effective in preventing and treating muscle atrophy for the purpose of the improvement of locomotive syndrome.

2. Molecular genetics of longevity-related genes and analyses of tissue-specific SOD-deficient mice

We generated tissue-specific SOD-deficient, Clk-1-deficient, and insulin receptor mutant mice. SOD-deficient mice exhibited typical phenotypes of age-associated disorders.

3. Molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of resistance to anti-androgen and anti-cancer drug therapies in prostate cancer

We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms by which prostate cancer acquires resistance to anti-androgen and anti-cancer drug therapies. Based on global gene expression analyses, we also search for genes that could serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

4. Molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

We are also studying the mechanism involved in the pathological aggregation and neurotoxicity of amyloid beta proteins in Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of molecular hydrogen on health and diseases

Although molecular hydrogen has been shown to be effective for a number of disorders, the underlying mechanisms of hydrogen effects have not yet been fully understood. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms and identify target molecule(s) of hydrogen.