Academics

Department of Animal Sciences

Last Update November 1, 2023

LAB. OF ANIMAL GENETICS AND BREEDING

Prof. SUMIYAMA, Kenta Ph. D.
Assoc. Prof. ISHIKAWA, Akira D. Agr.
Asst. Prof. YAMAGATA, Takahiro D. Agr.
Asst. Prof. TANABE, Akira D. Sci.

Area of Research:
Studies on the genetic basis of qualitative and quantitative traits in mammals and birds; evolutionary genetics research of animals using genetic engineering such as genome editing; evaluation, conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources; and development of new laboratory animal models for human disease and biological functions

Research Keywords:
qualitative (Mendelian) traits, quantitative traits, evolutionary genetics, developmental animal genetic engineering, livestock resources, poultry, laboratory animal models

LAB. OF GENOME AND EPIGENOME DYNAMICS

Prof. ICHIYANAGI, Kenji D. Sci.
Asst. Prof. OTANI, Hitoshi D. Sci.

Area of Research:
Epigenetic regulatory systems for transposons and genes in vertebrates. Epigenome regulation during germ cell development. Genome‐epigenome interactions during evolution. Mechanism of cancer cell growth inhibition by activation of transposons.

Research Keywords:
Epigenetics, Germ Cells, iPS cells, Transposable elements, Trangenerational Inheritance, Diabetes, Cancer

LAB. OF ANIMAL MORPHOLOGY

Prof. HONDO, Eiichi D.V.M.
Asst. Prof. IIDA, Atsuo D. Sci.

Area of Research:
Formation and deformation of the traits in vertebrates. Viral endogenization and the roles of the viral‐derived element in vertebrates. Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI).

Research Keywords:
morphology, molecular genetics, reproductive system, Vertebrates

LAB. OF ANIMAL INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY

Prof. YOSHIMURA, Takashi D. Agr.
Assoc. Prof. OHKAWA, Taeko D. Sci.
Des. Lecturer KON, Naohiro D. Sci.
Asst. Prof. TSUKADA, Akira Ph. D.
Des. Asst. Prof. NAKAYAMA, Tomoya D. Agr.
Des. Asst. Prof. CHEN, Junfeng Ph. D.

Area of Research:
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of circadian and seasonal rhythms in vertebrates. Development of transformative bio‐molecules that improve animal production and human health. Studies on physiological regulation of gene expression and release of growth factors in birds.

Research Keywords:
Seasonal Rhythm, Circadian Rhythm, Growth Hormone, Comparative Biology, Chemical Biology

LAB. OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

Prof. TSUKAMURA, Hiroko D. Agr.
Assoc. Prof. UENOYAMA, Yoshihisa D. Agr.
Assoc. Prof. INOUE, Naoko D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Basic studies on the neuroendocrinological mechanism regulating animal reproduction and its application to animal production and drug discovery.

Research Keywords:
Gonadotropins, GnRH, Kisspeptin, Gonads, Brain, Neuroendocrinology

LAB. OF ANIMAL NUTRITION SCIENCE

Prof. MURAI, Atsushi D. Agr.
Asst. Prof. FURUKAWA, Kyohei D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Studies on the metabolic properties of nutrients (amino acids and vitamin C etc.) and their physiological functions in avian and mammalian species. Analysis of the uptake mechanism of biomolecules into avian eggs and its application to production of valuable protein

Research Keywords:
Nutritional factors, Animal disease model, Metabolic diseases, Fatty liver, Egg production

LAB. OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE

Prof. OHKURA, Satoshi D. Agr.
Assoc. Prof. MATSUYAMA, Shuichi D. Agr.
Des. Assoc. Prof. NAKAMURA, Sho D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Studies on regulatory mechanism of physiological functions in ruminants and its utilization for animal production.

Research Keywords:
Reproduction, GnRH, Uterine function, Ovarian activity, Heat stress

LAB. OF AVIAN BIOSCIENCE

Prof. NISHIJIMA, Ken-ichi D. Agr.
Asst. Prof. OKUZAKI, Yuya D. Eng.

Area of Research:
Functional genomics‐based identification of genes that control useful phenotypes of birds. Production of genetically mannipulated birds for model animals and industrial use.

Research Keywords:
Animal model, Genetic resource, Biophrmaceutical production

LAB. OF FISH BIOLOGY

Prof. YAMAMOTO, Naoyuki D. Sci., D.M.S.
Assoc. Prof. ABE, Hideki D. Sci.
Asst. Prof. GOTO, Maki D. Agr.
Des. Asst. Prof HAGIO, Hanako D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Morphological, physiological, and behavioral studies of the brain, sensory receptors, motor systems, and peptidergic neurons in aquatic animals.

Research Keywords:
fish, nervous system, sensorimotor circuit, peptidergic neurons, behavior

LAB. OF SERICULTURE AND ENTOMORESOURCES

Prof. IKEDA, Motoko D. Agr.
Asst. Prof. HAMAJIMA, Rina D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Molecular mechanisms of baculovirus infection, baculovirus‐host interaction and antiviral responses in insects.

Research Keywords:
Insect pathology, Baculovirus infection, Antiviral response, Host range determination

LAB. OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY

Assoc. Prof. MINAKUCHI, Chieka D. Agr.

Area of Research:
Studies on the development of insect pest management methodology via physiological and molecular approaches.

Research Keywords:
Insect hormone and pest management