Research Theme

Prostaglandin-mediated mechanisms of initiation and progression of chronic inflammation

Prostaglandins (PGs) are bioactive substances mediating fever, swelling and pain of acute inflammation. Our studies have not only elucidated the mechanims how PGs elicit these acute inflammatory symptoms but also suggested a possibility that PGs also mediate some of chronic inflammatory processes such as allergy, fibrosis and cerebral aneurysm through regulation of gene expression. In this study, we aim to clarify molecular mechanisms how PGs in collaboration with cytokines and innate immunity substances initiate and maintain chronic inflammatory processes, and how much they contribute to diseases such as cancer, metabolic diseases and depression. We also aim to determine three dimensional structures of PG receptors to facilitate drug development targeted to these actions.

Research Results