Our research focuses on the diagnosis and causes of diseases in animals, with a particular emphasis on neurological disorders. By comparing disease mechanisms in humans and animals, we aim to uncover why diseases occur and how evolution shapes their development.
For example, in human Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β protein accumulates in the brain. Similar age-related amyloid-β accumulation is observed in many other mammals. In contrast, mice and rats show no such accumulation because their amyloid-β gene sequence differs greatly from that of humans. Members of the cat family (Felidae), on the other hand, possess slightly different amyloid-β gene sequences, leading to lesions unique to these species. Studying these species-specific differences in pathology helps us understand how genetic diversity acquired during evolution influences disease formation. Such research not only sheds light on why living organisms develop diseases but also contributes to elucidating the pathogenesis of genetic disorders in humans and to developing potential treatments. In addition, through our veterinary diagnostic services, we perform pathological examinations of domestic and wild animals to diagnose diseases and determine the causes of death.
Educational approach
Learning from Animal Diseases
We provide a systematic education on the micro and macro changes caused by diseases. Specifically, we train students to connect gross findings during necropsy to the cellular-level changes seen under a microscope and the invisible molecular-level changes. We emphasize not only acquiring knowledge from textbooks and papers but also honing observation and analytical skills through hands-on practice.
Our goal for undergraduates is to develop a comprehensive understanding of animal diseases, from the cellular to the individual level. We believe the fundamental skill in veterinary medicine is the ability to logically analyze what disease an animal has, how it affects each organ, and what the root cause is. For graduate students, we aim for them to develop the skills to design their own research plans, logically interpret their findings, and communicate them clearly to others. Through this, we train individuals who can contribute to society as specialists in veterinary pathology. Career paths in this field include roles in government, academia, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic companies.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
Veterinary Pathology
Main Research Themes
Elucidating the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on interspecies differences
Identifying genetic factors involved in tumor development associated with animal species and breeds
Clarifying the mechanisms of malignant skin tumor formation caused by papillomavirus infection
Investigating the safety of meat and genetic factors underlying neuromuscular lesions
Pathological diagnosis of companion animals, livestock, laboratory animals, zoo animals, and wildlife
