Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory
Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases: towards the development of effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous group of incurable motor neuron diseases (MNDs) characterized by a selective loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.In 2001, we have identified ALS2 as a causative gene for a recessive type of familial ALS. The ALS2 gene encodes ALS2 (or alsin) that is implicated in axonal outgrowth, cytoprotection from oxidative stress, and proteostasis by regulating the autophagy-endlysoosomal system. However, our understanding of the intricate autophagy-endolysosomal system and its functional linking to other physiological systems in the CNS is still immature.
In our lab, to uncover the molecular mechanisms of a selective neurodegeneration, we are currently focusing on the autophagy-lysosomal and endocytic degradation systems, and implication of their dysfunction to the pathogenesis of ALS/MNDs. Ultimately, through these studies, we aim to develop effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of ALS/MNDs and other neurodegenerative diseases.
NEWS & TOPICS
- Updated on November 1st, 2024
- We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated graduate and undergraduate students who want to join our lab.
- New publication: Hadano, S. Neurology (JPN) 101 (2), 150-157. (September 3, 2024)
- New publication: Rossi Sebastiano et al. Drug Discov. Today, in press. (August 19, 2024)
- New publication: Oka et al. HELIYON, 10 (8), e28643. (March 26, 2024)
- New publication: Motosugi et al. PNAS nexus, 3 (3), pgae060. (February 8, 2024)
- New publication: Hadano, S. Dementia Japan 18 (1), 140-147. (January 15, 2024)
- New publication: Serizawa, S. & Hadano, S. The Japanese Society of Medical Networking for Intractable Diseases 10 (2), 75-88. (December 11, 2023)