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Graduate School
Ph. D., The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellow, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Board Certification
Ph. D., The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
University Appointment
Assistant Professor (2006)
Research and Clinical Interests
Microtubule-associated protein tau is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease and tauopathies. Abnormally phosphorylated tau is accumulated in the patient brains, and tau gene mutations and polymorphisms are associated with tauopathies. Overexpression of tau causes neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms that promote tau toxicity in the disease progression are not fully understood. We study the mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction and degeneration induced by tau. Elucidation of the mechanisms that enhances tau toxicity will increase our understanding of AD and tauopathies and may provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
Also, we investigate the biological function of, and regulatory mechanisms underlying, circadian oscillation of the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) in flies. CREB is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in neuronal functions. In vivo reporter assays utilizing transgenic flies revealed that CREB activity cycles in a 24 hour rhythm. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying oscillation of CREB activity may lead to understanding of the mechanisms by which circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes.
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Kanae Iijima-Ando, Ph.D.