About the department

Department of Cellular Pathology

The Department of Cellular Pathology focuses on qualitative changes that occur in cells with aging and investigates how these changes contribute to the decline of tissue function and the onset and progression of age-related diseases. In particular, our research aims to clarify how senescent cells affect lung tissue repair mechanisms and disease development. Through basic research, we seek to generate new insights that may contribute to the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.

Cellular senescence is a biological process in which cells cease to proliferate while acquiring the ability to influence surrounding cells and tissue environments, for example through the secretion of inflammatory and tissue-modifying factors. Recent studies suggest that senescent cells do not simply accumulate with age, but may also contribute to chronic inflammation, impaired tissue repair, and organ dysfunction. Our department investigates how senescent cells alter tissue homeostasis and repair responses, with the goal of deepening our understanding of age-related diseases and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Research Overview

Elucidating senescent cell-mediated changes in tissue function

We aim to clarify how the accumulation and altered properties of senescent cells contribute to tissue dysfunction and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, particularly in the lung.

Investigating the relationship between tissue repair mechanisms and senescent cells

We investigate how tissue repair responses change with aging and disease, and how senescent cells affect stem/progenitor cells and their surrounding cellular environment.

Developing approaches to control senescent cells

We explore new strategies to regulate the accumulation, functions, and secretory factors of senescent cells, and examine their potential applications to age-related diseases.

Advancing research toward the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases

Based on findings from basic research, we aim to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases by targeting senescent cells.

Members

Professor	Masataka Sugimoto
Research Fellows	Mikako Hirose Nurmila Sari
Research Assistans	Yuko Tottori Rie Imura Yuko Ohta
Visiting Professors	Hirobumi Tada Hiromichi Kimura
Visiting Researchers	Hiromichi Tsushima Noboru Ogiso Yasunori Fujita
Students	Ayaka Yamamoto Rika Miyakoshi