Nobuhiro NAKAO, PhD
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| Position |
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Professor |
| E-mail |
: |
nakao(@mark)nvlu.ac.jp |
| researchmap |
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1000257696 |
| KAKEN Researcher Number |
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60377794 |
Main Research Theme
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| 1) |
Studies on brain functions controlling reproduction. |
| 2) |
Studies on the molecular mechanism of arrest and resumption of embryonic development in chicken hatching eggs. |
Research Keywords |
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Reproduction, Developmental Biology, Circadian Rhythms, Molecular Physiology |
Research
Environmental factors can significantly influence animal physiology. For example, day length plays a pivotal role in triggering the onset and cessation of reproductive functions. Numerous seasonal breeding animals rely on their circadian clocks, located in their brains, to gauge day length and ready themselves for pregnancy, childbirth, and parental care. Additionally, the specific wavelength of light can stimulate growth and regulate behavior. Thus, it can be said that the physiological functions of animals are impacted by both day length and light wavelength. We have found that temperature, another environmental factor, is also involved in embryonic development and can freely control development. Understanding the effects of light, temperature, and the circadian clock on animals will lead to the control of animal development, reproduction, and growth promotion, and can be applied not only to improve the productivity of domestic animal but also to animal feeding practices.
Guidance policy for graduate students
We aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of animal biological functions in response to environmental factors like light, temperature, and circadian rhythms. Our research requires an understanding of animal physiology and genetic engineering. As a result, our focus lies in exploring molecular physiological mechanisms, analyzing and discussing the findings of original research papers in this field. We’ll also explore into the direction of research concerning the intricate molecular level control mechanisms that govern animal physiological functions via the endocrine and nervous systems. In addition, the program provides instruction in basic and advanced techniques of genetic engineering.
Publications
| 1. |
Photoperiod-Specific Expression of Eyes Absent 3 Splice Variant in the Pars Tuberalis of the Japanese Quail
Nakao N, Nakagawa K, Sasaki A, Yamaguchi A, Tsushima N, Tanaka M. (2021).
J Poult Sci, 58(1):64-69.
DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0190135
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| 2. |
Expression of Prolactin Receptor mRNA in Lactotrophs and Somatotrophs of the Chicken Anterior Pituitary Gland
Kaneda H, Nakao N, Tsushima N, Tanaka M. (2018).
J Poult Sci, 5(2):150-154.
DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0170082
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| 3. |
Thyrotrophin in the pars tuberalis triggers photoperiodic response
Nakao N, Ono H, Yamamura T, Anraku T, Takagi T, Higashi K, Yasuo S, Katou Y, Kageyama S, Uno Y, Kasukawa T, Iigo M, Sharp PJ, Iwasawa A, Suzuki Y, Sugano S, Niimi T, Mizutani M, Namikawa T, Ebihara S, Ueda HR, Yoshimura T. (2008).
Nature, 452(7185):317-22.
DOI: 10.1038/nature06738
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