Our research focuses on understanding mechanisms and pathophysiology of diseases that develop in pediatric life with the non-linear time scale distinct from adult life. Using genetic, molecular and immunological approaches, we explore the dynamism of human growth and development after birth. These studies ultimately aim to cure intractable diseases in childhood, and to prevent the individual onset through extending the frontier of clinical science and translational medicine. Real-world studies have covered the projects of Japan Environmental and Children’s Study (“Eco-Chil”), human-specific immunological divergence, and medical ethics. We are engaged in these activities, asking ourselves about what the human being is; where we are from; and what the life might be.

1. Basic research for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
   Focus: Functional property of umbilical cord bloods and their-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells.
2. Elucidating the pathophysiology of immuno-hematopoietic and inflammatory disorders.
   Focus: Inborn errors of immunity and metabolism. Inflammatory diseases including Kawasaki disease and encephalitis/encephalopathy.
3. Clinical and basic research for the cure of pediatric-onset neoplasms.
   Focus: Genomic and molecular analyses on the tumorigenesis of pediatric malignancy to identifying the preventive and therapeutic targets to conquer leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumors, and cancer predisposition.
4. Analysis of brain function and genetic basis of brain diseases.
   Focus: Brain function and its resilience in preterm infants and pediatric patients.

   

The Department of Pediatric Surgery has both clinical and laboratory research interests. Our goal is to elucidate etiology and pathogenesis of pediatric surgical diseases and to develop diagnosis and treatment for them. We have active clinical investigations in the domestic and international fields of neonatal surgery, pediatric cancer (oncology), pediatric organ transplantation, gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders and endoscopic surgery. We also have interests in laboratory research including analyses of clinical samples and experiments using cultured cells and laboratory animals.

1. Molecular analysis of malignant potential and development of new treatment for refractory cases of pediatric solid malignant tumors.
2. Research of etiology and development of new treatment including fetal therapy for neonatal surgical diseases.
3. Clinical and laboratory research for pediatric intestinal and liver transplantation.
4. Development of new technique and devices for pediatric endoscopic surgery.
5. Nation-wide clinical and genetic investigation for gastrointestinal dysmotility disorders including Hirschsprung’s disease and allied disorders of Hirschsprung’s disease.
6. Basic and clinical trial for reproductive medicine of liver using stem cells.
7. Basic and clinical trial for reproductive medicine of enteric nervous system using stem cells.
8. Clinical investigation in developing countries.

   

1. Gynecologic Oncology

1. Gynecological cancer stem cell
2. Gynecological pathology
3. Mechanism of drug resistance and neovascularization in gynecologic malignancies
4. Molecular mechanisms of gynecologic cancer development and genomic drug discovery
5. Development of new cancer therapy

2. Reproductive Endocrinology/ Laparoscopy/ Women’s Health

1. Endometrial stem cell
2. Clinical research for infertility and its associated disorders
3. Clinical significance of laparoscopic surgery
4. Pathophysiology of climacterium and its treatment
5. Primordial germ cell

3. Feto/ Maternal/ Perinatal Medicine

1. Pathophysiology of PIH
2. Pathophysiology of fetal diseases and their treatment
3. Fetal CNS development
4. Mechanisms of villous trophoblast stem cell and differentiation

Research performed in the department includes topics associated with gynecological cancers, endocrinology and perinatology. Various topics are analyzed and dissected by methods developed from molecular and cell biology, pathology and medical electronics. Each topic focuses severe disorders involved in obstetrics and gynecology.