Our Research
Clinical Research
Our department plays a central role in nationwide clinical trials focusing on moyamoya disease, unruptured cerebral aneurysms, revascularization surgery, and malignant brain tumors, striving to generate world-class clinical evidence.
We are also engaged in the development of advanced neurosurgical techniques aimed at preserving brain function, utilizing awake craniotomy, functional brain mapping, and intraoperative monitoring.
These clinical research efforts are supported by our department’s expertise in microsurgery, a wealth of diverse clinical experience, and the presence of specialists across multiple fields.
Basic Research
In the field of vascular research, our department has reported pioneering findings in the genetic analysis of responsible genes for moyamoya disease and cerebral aneurysms, as well as in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of aneurysm formation using experimental aneurysm models.
Ongoing projects include investigations into adipocytokines as novel risk factors for cerebral ischemia and the development of new therapeutic strategies, along with non-invasive methods for assessing arteriosclerosis.
In brain tumor research, we are striving to elucidate the mechanisms of tumor growth and invasion through in vivo analysis using advanced microscopy techniques. Furthermore, we are engaged in the development of a cancer virotherapy system using vaccinia virus (the smallpox vaccine virus), analysis of epigenetic regulation in tumor stem cells, and the creation of tumor diagnostic systems based on genetic profiling.
In the field of brain function research, our efforts include elucidating the pathophysiology of epilepsy using rat models, developing brain functional imaging techniques using high-field MRI and MEG (magnetoencephalography), and advancing the development and clinical application of intraoperative brain mapping and monitoring. In the field of neural regeneration, we are conducting collaborative research with the Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences to develop regenerative therapies for Parkinson’s disease and cerebral infarction, including the induction of neural cells from ES and iPS cells.
In pituitary research, we are working to elucidate pituitary development with a focus on bHLH transcription factors.
In biomaterials research, our projects include the development of artificial dura mater, novel bioadhesives, and embolization coils for aneurysms—many of which have already been applied clinically.