Microphysiological System Research Group
Microphysiological System Research Group Overview
In recent years, from the viewpoints of animal welfare and clinical predictability, alternative methods to animal experiments have become necessary, and expectations for ex vivo evaluation systems using cultured cells have increased. We will promote the construction of new culture and assay systems using cultured cells with the aim of their utilization and dissemination in the fields of drug discovery, food, cosmetics, and others. In particular, we will develop a “Microphysiological systems (MPS),” a cell culture platform that mimics the microenvironment, tissue structure, and cellular composition of living organisms.
Research Project
Project 1:Development of pressure driven microphyiological systems
Researcher: SUGIURA Shinji
We aim to develop pressure-driven microphysiological systems (PD-MPS) that can create and maintain high-level cell and organ functions as an alternative to animal experiments and a novel research tool in drug discovery.
Project 2:Development of Vascularized 3D Tissue with Perfusion Device
Researcher: MORI Nobuhito et al.
We have developed a unique perfusion device and are studying the technology to create a perfusable vascular network in 3D tissues composed of cells and scaffold materials. The device can maintain large tissues by supplying oxygen and nutrients, and can also be used to infuse drugs, immune cells, and other substances for testing purposes. So far, we have successfully constructed tissues such as skin, liver, and tumors (cancer). We can collaborate on the evaluation of desired drugs using vascularized 3D tissues, the construction of new tissues for regenerative medicine or food ingredient or drug evaluation by combining any tissue or cell with this technology, and the joint development and licensing of the perfusion device itself.
Project 3:Construction and Application of Microphysiological systems
Researcher: YOSHITOMI Ren
Our microphysiological system devices reproduce microenvironments that are difficult to observe at the level of individual organisms, such as interorgan interactions. By constructing complex models of disease mechanisms and lifestyle diseases, they enable a deeper understanding of phenomena that have been difficult to elucidate using conventional research methods. They facilitate advanced screening and functional evaluation of compounds for functional food and pharmaceutical development. In addition, they comprehensively explore more detailed mechanistic functionalities that extend beyond general intracellular signaling to include non-coding RNA interactions mediated by extracellular vesicles across multiple organs.
Project 4:Application of bioluminescence to explore functional natural compounds
Researcher: TOMITA Tatsunosuke
We're exploring novel compounds from natural resources through bioassays, focusing on a new method with real-time bioluminescence monitoring using cultured cells to evaluate aspects like circadian rhythms.
Project 5:Research of natural products maintaining health for metabolic syndrome and immune system
Researcher: SAIKI Papawee
We are developing a bioluminescence-based bioscreening assay to search for various health-maintaining functional substances that are effective in immune function, skin care, metabolic syndrome, mental syndrome, etc. We will also develop cell-based assays including microphysiological systems (MPS) with the aim of their utilization and dissemination in the fields of drug discovery, food, cosmetics and others for alternative methods to animal testing.
Staff Members
| photo | position & name | field of expertise | and other info |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Research Group Leader SUGIURA Shinji |
|
|
 |
Senior Researcher TOMITA Tatsunsouke |
|
|
 |
Senior Researcher MORI Nobuhito |
|
|
 |
Senior Researcher SAIKI Papawee |
|
|
 |
Researcher YOSHITOMI Ren |
|
|