Research

Membrane trafficking plays essential roles not only in secretion and nutrient uptake but also in various physiological processes such as those involving the endocrine system, metabolic system, and nervous system in animals. In our laboratory, we study the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of membrane trafficking in multicellular organisms by using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and mice as model systems. In addition, we study the molecular mechanisms underlying protein-misfolding diseases, in which abnormal membrane proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in order to discover new targets for the treatment of such diseases.

On-going projects

1. Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying trafficking of low-density lipoprotein and insulin
2. Analysis of physiological functions of membrane trafficking during development
3. Analysis of physiological roles of membrane trafficking during brain development

Keywords

Membrane trafficking, Secretion, Metabolism, Development, C. elegans, Mouse, Fertilization, Autophagy, Mitochondria, Endoplasmic reticulum

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