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We are primarily focusing on minor fish species in the following research projects.
Body Fluid Homeostasis
Body Fluid Homeostasis
During the long history of evolution, vertebrates have developed mechanisms to maintain internal homeostasis. Among various parameters (such as temperature, nutrients, and pH), we particularly focus on the water and ion balance.
In marine invertebrates, such as squid, octopus, and shellfish, their body fluid composition is almost equal to that in seawater (SW). On the other hand, the ions in the body fluid of most vertebrates, including humans, are maintained at roughly one-third of those in SW. This is mainly attributable to the functions of the gill and kidney and these osmoregulatory organs are under the control of various endocrine factors (hormones).
Hagfishes are the only osmoconforming group among the extant vertebrates, which means, their plasma osmolality and conposition is almost equal to SW, similar to invertebrates. Of course, hagfishes possess the gill and kidney, as well as the known osmoregulatory hormones; then, what makes hagfishes difference from other vertebrates? By solving this mystery, we hope to uncover the origins and evolution of vertebrate osmoregulatory mechanisms.
【Related Achievments（See "What's New?" at HOME）】
★2025.07.19 Presentation@19th ICCE, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
★2024.09.18 State-of-the-Art Presentation@10th ISFE, Baltimore, MD, USA
★2024.08.01 A paper was published
Diversity of evolution of endocrine systems
Diversity of evolution of endocrine systems
Endocrine systems control multiple organs both simultaneously and individually in response to changes in internal and external environments. What's underlying the complex and nuanced actions of endocrine system is the combination of hormones and corresponding receptors. For example, in human body over 100 hormones exerts numerous functions via, in most cases, multiple different receptor subtypes. Exploring the diversity in endocrine system is crucial for understanding how organisms make it in various environments.
We mainly focus on hormones secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain and their receptors. In addition to the study in hagfishes, we also try genetic engineering approach in medaka to elucidate the structure-function relationship of hormonal receptors.
【Related Achievments（See "What's New?" at HOME）】
★2025.06.04 A paper was published
★2023.05.15 A paper was published
CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIMATE CHANGE
Recent global warming has become a significant issue even in the oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth's surface. Understanding the effect of increased SW temperatures to marine life is one of the most crucial topics in biology. Such researches often focus on species of high market value or endangered species, while others has been paid little attention. However, in the aim of understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems as climate changes, it is essential to broaden the scope of research.
Hagfishes are marine scavengers, that contribute to marine biogeochemical cycles by consuming animal remains on the sea floor. Most of the extant hagfish species live in cold water in the deep sea; how the climate changes affect them? To address this question, we combine both lab works and field monitoring to elucidate the relationships between environmental temperatures and endocrine factors that regulate hagfish growth and reproduction.
【Related Achievments（See "What's New?" at HOME）】
★2025.07.19 Presentation@19th ICCE, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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