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Animal Physiological Science

Toshinori OMI, MD, PhD
(Supervise Master and Doctoral Students)
Position : Professor
KAKEN researcher number : 40296091
Research Keywords
Molecular Genetics, Blood Group, DNA Identification, Human, Companion Animal
Lab. Location : Department of Basic Science
4th Floor, Building E
E-mail : t.omi(@mark)nvlu.ac.jp
Details -Toshinori OMI-

Guidance Policy for Graduate Students

　Our research foucus is to “search for genetic information useful for medical care and welfare.”

　My major research interest includes applied animal and human genetics in transfusion medicine, DNA identification technology, and biological diversity. Currently, my research focuses on animal genetics, in particular, the following:

1) Genetic variation of mitochondorial DNA hypervariable region 1 haplotype and short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms in dogs
2)Blood typing and candidate gene approach associated with erythrocyte antigens in dogs and cats
3)Identification of DNA markers associated with guide dog suitability

Guidance Policy for Graduate Students

　In the Master’s Program, students aim to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills related to research. Students acquire various genetic and statistical analysis, etc. In the doctoral program, students sill conduct research on deeper themes and aim to become independent researchers. In addition, we provide thorough training in research ethics, academic presentations, and writing academic papers.

Note

It is desirable to have experience in basic genetic analysis such as PCR.
If you are interested in researching in this field, please contact us.

Publications

1. Omi T, Okuda H, et.al. (2020).
(First author and Corresponding author: Toshinori OMI)
Detection of Rh23 in the partial D phenotype associated with the D(Va) category.
Transfusion, 40(2), 256-8
DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2000.40020256.x
2. Iwamoto S, Omi T et.al. (1995).
(Second author: Toshinori OMI)
Genomic organization of the glycoprotein D gene: Duffy blood group Fya/Fyb alloantigen system is associated with a polymorphism at the 44-amino acid residue.
Blood, 85(3), 622-6.
3. Omi T, Kumada M, et.al. (2006).
(First author: Toshinori OMI)
An intronic variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms of the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene modifies gene expression and is associated with essential hypertension.
Eur J Hum Genet, 14(12), 1295-305.
DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201698
4. Uno Y. Yaguchi M. et.al. (2021).
(First author: Graduate students, Corresponding author: Toshinori OMI)
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization for Incompatible Cross-Match Cases in the Feline AB Blood Group System.
Front Vet Sci, 13:8:720445
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.720445, eCollection 2021.
5. Uno Y. Kawakami S. et.al. (2019).
(First author: Graduate students, Corresponding author: Toshinori OMI)
Molecular characterization of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) associated with the erythrocyte antigens in dogs.
Canine Genet Epidemiology
Canine Genet Epidemiol, 7:6:9.
DOI: 10.1186/s40575-019-0076-1. eCollection 2019.
6. Omi T. Nakazawa S. et.al. (2016).
(First author: Graduate students, Corresponding author: Toshinori OMI)
Molecular Characterization of the Cytidine Monophosphate-N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Hydroxylase (CMAH) Gene Associated with the Feline AB Blood Group System
PLoS One, 11(10):e0165000.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165000, eCollection 2016.
Detailed Information (Researchmap)






Hiroshi AOKI, DVM, PhD
(Supervise Master and Doctoral Students)
Position : Professor
KAKEN researcher number : 10440067
Research keywords
Animal Viral Infections, Pestivirus Infections (Virology, Molecular virology, Epidemiology, Diagnostic Methods, Vaccine, and Infection control), Animal Parvovirus Infections, Animal Circovirus Infections.
Lab. Location : Department of Basic Science
4th Floor, Building E
E-mail : aokihir(@mark)nvlu.ac.jp
Details -Hiroshi AOKI-

Research

　Our research focuses on animal viral infections, which are familiar or routine outbreaks and problems in Japan, with the aim of preventing, controlling, or eliminating them from a multifaceted perspective and with the use of technology.

　In particular, we focus on basic and practical research on pestivirus infections caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), atypical porcine pestivirus (APPeV), and border disease virus (BDV) of the genus Pestivirus, and also conduct surveys and research that contribute to control measures for classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Our BVDV and APPeV research is one of the best in Japan. Other non-enveloped small spherical viruses (such as canine, feline, and swine parvoviruses and porcine circovirus) are also investigated and researched, and we are working on topics related to diagnosis and prevention that are essential in clinical practice.

　To overcome these infectious diseases, we are actively introducing various technologies such as tissue culture, molecular virology, molecular biology, pathology, genetic recombination, seroepidemiology, and epidemiology (statistics and analysis) to accumulate results supported by scientific evidence.

■ Research on pathogenicity, innate immune regulation, quasispecies and interference phenomena of pestiviruses (BVDV and APPeV)
■ Research on host specificity of pestiviruses (BVDV, BDV and APPeV) and the mechanism of acquisition of infection to heterologous animals
■ Comprehensive research on newly discovered APPeV
■ Basic development of new vaccines and diagnostic agents (pestiviruses and circovirus)
■ Surveillance and research on infection control (evaluation of the effectiveness of virus inactivation and disinfection, investigation of transmission routes, etc.)
■ Outbreak surveillance (surveys using a combination of biological and molecular epidemiological techniques)

Guidance Policy for Graduate Students

　Our basic policy is to contribute to society and veterinary medicine as veterinary paraprofessionals (VPP) including veterinary nurses for companion animals. On top of that, students will be trained to be capable of practicing animal hygiene or animal infection control as a subspecialty, and to be able to conduct surveys and research in a professional manner.

Master’s Program:
Research guidance with an emphasis on acquiring the basic skills necessary for research
Doctoral Course:
Research guidance with an emphasis on promoting independent and practical research and career development.

Note

➣ Since we are constantly conducting research on pathogenic viruses and genetic recombination experiments, applicants should already have the following basic knowledge and skills are desirable.
✓ Tissue culture techniques (e.g., maintenance of primary cells and cell lines)
✓ Microbiology standard techniques required for Biosafety Level 2
✓ Experimental techniques for genetic recombination experiments at Level P2 of the Proliferation Prevention Measures
➣ We are scientifically pursuing the life phenomenon of “viral infections”. To promote measures against pestivirus infections, our activities range from basic research to applied research such as the development of diagnostic and preventive methods. We welcome those who are willing to work seriously with us to scientifically elucidate what viral infections are in animals and to protect animals from viral infections!

Publications

1. Mai Shiokawa, Yui Morita, Makoto Nagai, Makoto Haritani, Hiroshi Aoki. (2023).
Isolation and artificial production of atypical porcine pestivirus, using the swine-kidney-derived cell line SK-L.
Arch Virol, 168(12), 294.
DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05919-y
2. Moe Shioda, Mai Shiokawa, Hiroshi Aoki. (2023).
(First author: Undergraduate students)
Establishment of guinea pig kidney cell lines with potential application in the production of a classical swine fever live GPE− vaccine.
J Vet Med Sci, 85(3), 308-317.
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0385
3. Mai Shiokawa, Tsutomu Omatsu, Hiroshi Aoki, et al. (2019).
END-phenomenon negative bovine viral diarrhea virus that induces the host’s innate immune response supports propagation of BVDVs with different immunological properties.
Virology, 583, 97-110.
DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.09.016
4. Shuhei Hosono, Mai Shiokawa, Tsubasa Kobayashi, Akio Fukusho, Hiroshi Aoki. (2019).
(First author: Graduate students)
Porcine circovirus type 2 induces a strong cytopathic effect in the serum-free culture cell line CPK-NS cells.
J Virol Methods, 273, 113706.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.113706
5. Hiroshi Aoki, Fujiko Sunaga, Hideharu Ochiai et al. (2019).
Phylogenetic analyses of novel posaviruses detected in feces of Japanese pigs with posaviruses and posa-like viruses of vertebrates and invertebrates.
Arch Virol, 164(8), 2147-2151.
DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04289-8
6. Kaoru Nishine, Hiroshi Aoki, Yoshihiro Sakoda, Akio Fukusho. (2014).
(First author: Graduate students)
Field Distribution of Exaltation of Newcastle disease virus phenomenon-negative bovine viral diarrhea virus.
J Vet Med Sci, 76(12), 1635-1639.
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0220
7. Hiroshi Aoki, Kiyoyasu Ishikawa, Hideto Sekiguchi, Shoko Suzuki, Akio Fukusho. (2003).
Pathogenicity and kinetics of virus propagation in swine infected with the cytopathogenic classical swine fever virus containing defective interfering particles.
Arch Virol, 148(2), 297-310.
DOI: 10.1007/s00705-002-0907-2
8. Hiroshi Aoki, Kiyoyasu Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Sakoda, Hideto Sekiguchi, Michi Kodama, Shoko Suzuki, Akio Fukusho. (2001).
Characterization of classical swine fever virus associated with defective interfering particles containing a cytopathogenic subgenomic RNA isolated from wild boar.
J Vet Med Sci, 63(7), 751-758.
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.751

Detailed Information (Researchmap)






Yoji HAKAMATA, DVM, PhD
Position : Professor
*No student applications
KAKEN Researcher Number : 00218380
ORCID ID : 0000-0002-0138-6692
Main Research Theme
1) Neuronal cell death after cerebral ischemia in gerbils
2) Antioxidant effect of molecular hydrogen on cerebral ischemic injury
3) Development and analysis of transgenic animals
Lab. Location : Department of Basic Science
4th Floor, Building E
E-mail : yhakama(@mark)nvlu.ac.jp
Details -Yoji HAKAMATA-

Research

　Our research focuses on experimental medicine to overcome intractable diseases. We utilize animal models to analyze pathological conditions and develop novel therapeutic methods. Our research is characterized by our exclusive use of internally created and maintained animal models, instead of commercially available models. The following is a list of animal models currently employed in our studies.

(1) Mongolian gerbil
The Mongolian gerbil, a rodent species originating from the Mongolian region of China, has been used as a model for cerebral ischemia and neuronal death due to its unique arrangement of basilar arteries, which facilitate the induction of cerebral ischemia. Currently, we are using this model to verify the efficacy of extracts derived from blackberries and shweet potato and hydrogen molecules.

(2) Luciferase transgenic rats
Luminescent firefly-derived luciferase uses luciferin as a substrate and reacts chemically with ATP to produce luminescence. Despite the emission originating deep within the body, its wavelength is highly permeable to tissues, enabling its non-invasive detection from the body surface. Currently, we are conducting regenerative medicine research using stem cells expressing the luciferase gene.

(3) GFP mice and rats
Jellyfish GFP does not require a specific substrate, instead, it emits a green light upon excitation. Its high luminescence intensity and specificity enable the detection of even a small number of cells, making it an effective tool for stem cell tracking. We have developed self-made GFP mice and rats and are isolating and characterizing tissue stem cells.

Guidance Policy for Graduate Students

　Research using animals requires patience and physical strength, and the results obtained are prone to errors. Therefore, we guide students to understand the complexities of conducting experiments using live animals andto become researchers who approach data with humility. Ultimately, we aim to publish the findings in international journals.

Publications

1. Eiji Kobayashi, Yoji Hakamata, Shin Enosawa, Kuang-Ming Shang, Hirotake Komatsu. (2024).
Firefly Rats: Illuminating the Scientific Community in Transplantation Research.
Cell Transplantation, 33:1-3.
DOI: 10.1177/09636897231224174
2. Kazuhisa Sugai, Momoko Hirano, Asahi Oda, Masahiko Fujisawa, Saori Shono, Katsumi Ishioka, Tomoyoshi Tamura, Yoshinori Katsumata, Motoaki Sano, Eiji Kobayashi. (2024).
Establishment and application of a new 4/6 infarct nephrectomy rat model for moderate chronic kidney disease.
Acta Cir Bras, 39. e391324.
DOI: 10.1590/acb391324
3. Masayuki Ohara, Jun Ishikawa, Syuhei Yoshimoto, Yoji Hakamata, Eiji Kobayashi. (2023).
A rat model of dual-flow liver machine perfusion system.
Acta Cir Bras, 38:e387723.
DOI: 10.1590/acb387723
4. Asahi Oda, Yoji Hakamata, Eiji Kobayashi. (2023).
Pre-Administration of Blackberry Extracts in Induced Ischemia Reperfusion Events in Rodents.
Metabolites, 13:1114-1116.
DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111114
Detailed Information (Researchmap)