Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases

We investigate proteinopathies associated with Aβ, Tau, TDP-43, and α-synuclein, as well as the propagation of pathological processes. Using disease models, we analyze protein quality control, RNA and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granule dynamics, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, and abnormalities in lipid metabolism to identify shared pathological mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

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Proteinopathies, protein and RNA homeostasis, phase separation, cellular organelles, lipid metabolism

Neuroimmune, Cerebrovascular, and Brain Clearance Mechanisms

We investigate interactions among neurons, glial cells, and immune cells, as well as cell type-specific vulnerabilities. By analyzing the blood-brain barrier, vascular endothelial cell metabolism, and glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic pathways, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, protein clearance, and neuroprotection.

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Neuroimmunology, blood-brain barrier, neurovasculature, glymphatic system, neuroprotection

Neurodevelopmental and Rare Disorders and Tissue Regeneration

We investigate the causes of neurodevelopmental and rare disorders and their shared mechanisms with neurodegeneration. We analyze cilia, exosomes, the secretome, transcriptomes, and proteomes, while developing brain tissue regeneration technologies using brain-clearing-based scaffolds and hydrogels.

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Neurodevelopmental disorders, rare diseases, cilia, exosomes, scaffolds, brain tissue regeneration

Neural Circuits of Psychiatric Disorders and Social Cognition

We investigate how neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, monoaminergic circuits, and glial cell functions regulate cognition, emotion, and social behavior. Using electrophysiology, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and behavioral analyses, we elucidate neural circuit alterations associated with psychiatric disorders and stress.

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Psychiatric disorders, social cognition, monoamines, synaptic plasticity, electrophysiology

Multi-Omics and AI-Based Precision Diagnosis

We integrate proteomic and genomic analyses of patient plasma and cerebrospinal fluid with single-cell, single-nucleus, and spatial transcriptomic data. Using generative AI, Bayesian models, and transformer-based models, we investigate disease progression and spatial microenvironments to identify targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and companion diagnostics.

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Multi-omics, plasma and CSF biomarkers, spatial transcriptomics, generative AI, precision diagnosis

Therapeutic Strategy Development and Translational Research

Using cellular and animal models, we investigate drug repurposing, high-throughput drug screening, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics, and brain drug delivery strategies. We also evaluate the mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy of noninvasive neuromodulation, ultrasound and electrocorticography (ECoG)-based stimulation, AI-based closed-loop brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), and digital interventions.

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Drug repurposing, ASO, drug delivery, neuromodulation, closed-loop BCI, translational research