Gene therapy
molecular pathology
molecular regenerative medicine

Establishment of a next-generation gene therapy platform toward clinical translation
Development of target-specific gene therapy based on pathological mechanisms of cancer pain
Development of gene regulation-based tissue regeneration therapy for the restoration of oral function

The Society for Neuroscience
International Association for the Study of Pain
International Association for Dental Research
Japan Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
The Japanese Tissue Culture Association
Japan Prosthodontic Society
The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine

Disease onset and progression are determined by genetic (innate) and environmental factors (lifestyle and external influences), either independently or in combination. Genetic factors are related to the genetic material inherited from parents, whereas environmental factors are shaped by postnatal lifestyle habits and surroundings. Gene therapy serves as a therapeutic strategy to directly address underlying genetic causes or the resulting molecular abnormalities. This approach requires “vectors (carriers)” that stably deliver therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA) into diseased cells. These vectors are broadly categorized into two types: viral and non-viral.
I have developed a proprietary non-viral vector and established nucleic acid delivery technologies with higher efficiency and lower toxicity than conventional transfection reagents by optimizing cellular uptake pathways. Furthermore, I demonstrated that this technology enables precise control of gene function, turning expression up or down, using DNA, RNAi, and CRISPR/Cas systems. Concurrently, for more refractory diseases, I am conducting fundamental research to develop optimal gene therapy strategies leveraging the distinct characteristics of viral vectors.

Key Issues Under Investigation:
Elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying cancer pain and pain control by gene therapy
Approximately 50% of patients with cancer experience some form of pain, increasing to >70% in cases involving advanced cancer or metastasis. Current pain management strategies often face challenges, including drug tolerance, central nervous system side effects (e.g., drowsiness and dizziness), and systemic adverse effects such as respiratory depression, constipation, and dependence. Consequently, while alleviating pain, these treatments frequently compromise the patient’s quality of life. To overcome these challenges, I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer pain and to develop novel therapeutic approaches using gene delivery technologies for effective pain control.

Development of periodontal tissue regenerative therapy integrating stem cells and gene modification technologies
My goal is to reconstruct periodontal tissue—which is challenging to regenerate with standard methods—by combining stem cells with gene transfer and modification technologies. By precisely controlling the expression of genes involved in tissue formation in induced pluripotent and mesenchymal stem cells, I aim to enable the coordinated regeneration of alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, and epithelial tissues. This comprehensive research spans from verification using disease model cells and animals to preclinical studies to translate periodontal regenerative medicine into clinical practice.