Professor.

      Shunji Ueno. D.V.M. Ph.D.

  The aim of our study is to understand the mechanism of a carcinogen production

in foods and of carcinogenesis in human. To achieve these, we mostly analyze the

effect of carcinogens in animals.

Associate Professor.

       Takashige Kashimoto. D.V.M. Ph.D.

Assistant Professor.

       Kohei Yamazaki. D.V.M. Ph.D.

  Both V.vulnificus and A. hydrophila, cause severe septicemia and wound

infections in humans. Over 50% of persons with septicemia die within one to two

days after onset of the first sign of illness. So-called “Flesh eating bacteria”. These

facts indicate that these bacteria apparently evade host innate immunity. To

development of a novel therapy that can be used with antibiotics together or

independently, we try to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of these organisms.

  So far, we have discovered that V. vulnificus induces apoptosis both in

macrophages and lymphocytes in vivo. Both V.vulnificus and A. hydrophila evade

neutrophils by their chemotactic ability. These ability important for the initiation of

infection and the development of its pathogenesis of these bacteria.

On going projects.

1. 1)Exploration and investigation of virulence genes using specific and random gene knockout systems.
   

2. 2)Analysis of wound infection mechanisms of opportunistic bacteria.
   

3) Development of animal model for V. vulnificus infection.