"Research in diagnosis and therapy of zoonosis"
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Research Group will develop novel strategies for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic methods, animal models for zoonosis research and technologies for the isolation and identification of pathogens.

"Study on the development of rapid diagnostic system of zoonoses"
Establishment of sensitive detection methods for mycobacteria and their application to the detection of mycobacteria from animal and human specimens
Development of rapid drug susceptibility testing for mycobacteria and its application to clinical isolates and clinical specimens
Development of novel genotyping methods for mycobacteria and the molecular epidemiologi cal study of mycobacteria transmission between human and animals
Establishment of sensitive detection methods for leptospiras and their application to the detection of mycobacteria of animal, human and environmental origin

Professor, Dept. of Global Epidemiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control

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E-mail address : suzuki@czc.hokudai.ac.jp

"Investigation of signal transduction and its application for therapy"
The PI3K-Akt network is activated by various cytokines or growth factors, and mediates intracellular signals to regulate a wide variety of cellular responses including anti-apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycling, protein synthesis, glucose metabolism and telomere activity. Genomic mutations (alterations of the PI3K-Akt regulatory network) underlie various human diseases including cancer, glucose intolerance (or diabetes mellitus), schizophrenia and/or autoimmune diseases. Recently, in addition to direct involvement in tumorigenesis through genetic alteration of human cancers, the PI3K-Akt network has also been found to underlie the clinical manifestation of various stages of viral infection. These include acute, latent or chronic infection from various sources such as the H5N1 virus, the Epstein-Barr virus, the Hepatitis C virus, the Hepatitis B virus and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We will investigate the PI3K-AKT network, which could underlie various phathological conditions of viral and/or bacterial infection. Directing anti-viral activity through the suppression of PI3K-Akt activity may provide opportunities to prevent viral infection, offering therapeutic potential in clinical usage.

Professor, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute for Genetic Medicine

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"Development of diagnostic methods and drugs for prevention and treatment of zoonoses"
Our work includes clarification of the mechanism behind infection and the proliferation of pathogens (or pathogenesis) in zoonoses. In particular, we aim to identify the host factors involved in the infection and proliferation of the influenza virus. In addition, we analyze the mechanisms and importance of apoptosis induction and cytokine production after viral infection, as well as host defense systems against pathogens. Finally, we aim to develop diagnostic methods and effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of zoonoses.

Professor, Dept. of Bioresources, Research Center for Zoonosis Control

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E-mail address : miyazaki@czc.hokudai.ac.jp

"Investigation of structure-activity relationship of molecules and their application for therapy"
Various mammalian animals are infected with bacteria of the Helicobacter genus, and such infection is thought to be associated with the development of intestinal diseases. H. pylori cagA-positive strains (which produce CagA proteins) are more virulent than cagA-negative strains, and infection with the cagA-positive strain greatly increases the risk of developing gastric carcinoma. We focus on the oncogenic mechanism of CagA proteins in terms of the mechanism of carcinogenesis initiated by H. pylori infection, and seek approaches for the prevention and treatment of cagA-positive H. pylori infection.

Professor, Dept. of Infection and Immunity, Research Center for Zoonosis Control(from Jan.1,2011)

E-mail address : hidea-hi@czc.hokudai.ac.jp