Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology

Development of novel diabetes treatments with enhancing quality of life for healthy longevity

Our laboratory studies the pathophysiological mechanisms of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a lifestyle-related disease. In Japan, there are 10 million people with diabetes and 10 million people with suspected diabetes. Diabetes is often associated with microvascular complications (such as diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney disease) and macrovascular complications (such as cerebral and myocardial infarction). Moreover, diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer disease and depressive disorders. The goal of our research is to elucidate the mechanism behind the development of T2DM and diabetes-related disorders, and to provide a novel strategy for prevention and treatment of these diseases. We are moving toward the goal by clarifying the mechanism of peripheral and central insulin resistance and by examining novel drug effects in in vitro and in vivo experiments using several transgenic and knockout mice.


Research Topics

1. Analysis of mechanisms underlying the development of obesity and systemic insulin resistance:
Our laboratory studies the involvement of an angiogenic factor PDGF, a lipid phosphatase SHIP2 that we identified, adrenal and sex steroid hormones, and the immune system in the development of insulin resistance.

2. Analysis of central actions of insulin and hypothalamic neuropeptides for energy homeostasis:
We are investigating how glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism are regulated by the brain via the central actions of insulin, hypothalamic neuropeptides (such as orexin), and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor system.

3. Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetes-related neurological disorders:
We are investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms behind diabetes-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimerfs disease and major depression, from the view point of central insulin resistance and sleep disturbances.

4. Analysis of mechanisms underlying changes in metabolic functions during pregnancy and after menopause:
We are conducting studies to reveal the influences of pregnancy and menopause on glucose, lipid and energy metabolism to develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders in menopause.


Lab Staff

Professor Toshiyasu Sasaoka. M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor Tsuneki Hiroshi. Ph.D.

Lecturer Tsutomu Wada. M.D., Ph.D.