Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Translational Research

What is translational research?

New discoveries in drugs, treatments, or supplement candidates cannot immediately be put into use for the benefit of the patients who need them.

These discoveries first must undergo a long process toward clinical application. Covering this ground more quickly – that is, streamlining the process – would provide tremendous benefits.

Translational research (TR) is one way to realize this goal by “translating” research findings based on various data gathered on diseases in animals that can serve as models for humans. TR can quickly provide results that are more applicable to human clinical practice, so that these results can be put to use for society.

Research Themes

We study various diseases that affect both animals and humans to analyze pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments, using immunologic and molecular biological techniques in our laboratories. Our research focuses on allergies and tumors. We have recently been working on establishing treatment to restore corneas in dogs.

1) Pathological Analysis of Atopic Dermatitis

We have conducted analysis of the pathogenic mechanism of diseases and evaluation tests for new drugs using a spontaneous atopic dermatitis model (NC/Tnd mouse), as first reported by Prof. Matsuda, et al. (The NC/NgaTnd mouse was bred and maintained by the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), and was officially certified as NC/Tnd mouse in December 2010. The NC subline maintained by TUAT is referred to as the “NC/Tnd mouse”.) Our efforts have led to many achievements in the development of new allergy drugs, skin care products, cosmetics, supplements, foods, and more.

2) The Tumorigenesis Mechanism of Mast Cells

?We conduct studies on, genes and causal molecules that frequently appear in mast cell tumors in dogs and cats based on the actual results of basic mast cell research. The Animal Medical Center at TUAT manages a specialized outpatient clinic for mast cell tumors and provides a wide range of cutting-edge treatments that include surgery, drug therapy, and genetic testing. ?

3) Behavior analysis and pathological evaluation of animal models for human diseases

We have contributed to the development of effective drugs by developing new systems for pathological evaluation in order to quantify specific behaviors associated with disease, such as scratching associated with atopic dermatitis, abnormal gait from rheumatoid arthritis, and pain due to tumors and neurological disorders.

4) Work in corneal regenerative medicine for dogs

An effective treatment for intractable corneal disease caused by external injury in dogs and other animals has yet to be found. Our laboratory works in collaboration with the teaching staff of the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology and Life Science to develop a regenerative treatment for dog corneas using a self-generating epithelial sheet that does not trigger a rejection response. We are continuing our efforts to put this to clinical use.