ThemeElucidating the mechanisms of disease development based on naturally occurring cases in animals. Particularly, I am interested in central nervous system disorders and neoplastic diseases.
Diagnostic Pathology, Experimental Pathology, Neoplastic Diseases, Central Nervous System Disorders, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Pathology, Cell Culture
Introduction
Nowadays, advances in medicine and veterinary medicine have revealed that there are many diseases in both humans and animals. However, while the presence of various diseases has already been recognized, the underlying causes—the “why” behind the disease—often remain unclear. My goal is to uncover this “why,” and I am particularly interested in (1) diseases of the central nervous system and (2) tumors. (1) Central Nervous System Diseases: In livestock industry, some newborn calves exhibit neurological abnormalities or difficulty standing. Such conditions can result from viruses, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic mutations. However, many cases remain unexplained. I am currently working to identify the causes of these poorly understood neurological disorders in calves, as well as to investigate known diseases whose mechanisms are not yet fully understood. At present, my primary research focuses on hypomyelination in calves caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus. (2) Tumorous Diseases: I have been conducting research on brain tumors in dogs, particularly gliomas. Canine gliomas occur predominantly in brachycephalic breeds and are most commonly high-grade oligodendrogliomas. This pattern differs from that seen in humans, where high-grade astrocytomas are more frequent. In contrast, cats more frequently develop astrocytomas, resembling the situation in humans. I aim to explore the similarities and differences in tumor between humans and animals and to uncover the underlying reasons. In Obihiro, I hope to expand my research to include tumors beyond brain tumors, in both companion animals and livestock. In addition to the themes above, I am also involved in side projects related to infectious diseases and experimental pathology.
A case of spinal axonal degeneration in a heifer. The reddish-purple axons are swollen, and the surrounding blue-stained myelin sheaths are detached. High-grade oligodendroglioma in a French bulldog. Increased copy numbers of PDGFRA and EMC2 genes in cultured cells derived from a canine high-grade oligodendroglioma. Red signals indicate the PDGFRA gene, while green signals represent the EMC2 gene.
List of current research topics
Pathological studies of spontaneously occurring and diagnostically
challenging cases in animals
Research on central nervous system diseases in animals
Research on neoplastic diseases in animals
Related industries
Veterinary medicine, Livestock industry, Medical science
Affiliated academic society
The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science, Japanese College of Veterinary Pathologists
Academic degree
Ph.D.
License
DVM, DJCVP
Self introduction
I am from Nara Prefecture. I have lived in various places, including Nara, Obihiro, and Tokyo, before returning to Obihiro once again. Since childhood, I have loved nature and animals, spending my days exploring the mountains and forests. Eventually, this passion led me to observe animals and nature through a microscope. My hobbies include birdwatching and mountain climbing. I hope to contribute to research and education related to livestock and the rich natural environment at my alma mater, which holds a special place in my heart.
obihiro.ac.jp 
