Education and Research

Aim of our department is to contribute to global health and welfare from basic research. Main target of our research is energy metabolism, which is essential for the survival, continued growth and reproduction of living organisms. From the standpoint of biological adaptation, we have been studying on the molecular mechanism of energy transducing systems such as mitochondrial and bacterial respiratory chain and drug discovery and development targeting them.
Our research has been focusing on human mitochondria, parasitic nematodes such as Ascaris suum, parasitic protozoa (Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Cryptosporidium etc.). In addition, by using research information obtained from these studies, we are trying to develop a new strategy such as 5-aminolevulinic acid to combat against other pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. Studies on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has also been carried out and excitatory amino acids were found as candidates for the cause of the novel East African disease 'Nodding Syndrome'. Verification studies in endemic areas are planned for the future.