Researchers
Masatsugu Oh-hora – Elucidation of the exacerbation mechanism of autoimmune diseases caused by disruption of the ion balance
Researcher
- Masatsugu Oh-hora
- Associate Professor, Division of Molecular Immunology, Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University
Research Theme
Elucidation of the exacerbation mechanism of autoimmune diseases caused by disruption of the ion balance
Ions, such as Calcium ion (Ca2+) and Magnesium ion (Mg2+), play a pivotal role in physiological functions and development. Ion-permeable channels/pumps and their regulators strictly control each ion concentration in the body. The disruption of ion homeostasis causes a variety of severe diseases. Among ions, Ca2+ is an extremely important ion and participates in intracellular signaling as a second messenger. In this study, focusing on the regulatory mechanism of Ca2+ homeostasis, I will elucidate the exacerbation mechanism of autoimmune diseases in various autoimmune animal models and try to establish basic techniques to apply new therapeutic drugs.
