1. Study on endocrine hormone analysis and reproductive function control

Reproduction is an extremely fundamental phenomenon for organisms which creates the next generation. We are studying the fundamental principle of reproductive regulation by endocrinologically analyzing and comparing the mechanism of reproduction using various animals such as experimental animals, livestock, and wild animals. We have been conducting research on the improvement of reproductive function in humans and livestock by using hormone measurement as our specialty. Recently, we are also conducting research that responds to the need to suppress the reproductive function, such as "development of a sterilized vaccine targeting wild animals."


2. Study on the importance of intestinal flora from the viewpoint of DOHaD concept

The DOHaD concept is known for the effects of perinatal nutritional status and environment on post-growth health. We believe that if we can obtain a healthy intestinal flora during the lactation period, we can contribute to maintaining health after growth. We assume that breast milk contains factors that cause the infant to acquire a healthy intestinal microflora, and we are conducting research focusing on the functions of amino acid-metabolizing enzymes in milk.


3. Development of biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of various physiological functions and diseases

We are measuring hormones and low-molecular-weight metabolites in blood, feces, and tissues to find factors that contribute to health and disease.

＊Searching for factors related to breeding improvement and fertility of cattle that are less prone to mastitis
In order to eliminate mastitis, an occupational disease of dairy cows, we are also conducting research to create cows resistant to mastitis. A large amount of LAO, an enzyme that decomposes free amino acids to produce hydrogen peroxide, is present in the milk of mice, and it has been shown that knockout mice have weak mammary gland infectivity. Although unconfirmed, LAO expression is low in bovine mammary gland. Since LAO uses amino acids, it may have been judged as a useless gene in the selection for increasing milk production. We believe that if the expression level of LAO can be increased again, it will be possible to produce mastitis resistant cows.