From April 2017, Professor Tohda has led this laboratory.
We has progressed studies which aim at overcoming neurodegenerative diseases and aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury and sarcopenia, etc. For development epochmaking pharmacotherapies and finding critical regulating factors against neurodegenerative diseases, we investigate them by multi-view points such as pharmacological, neuroscientifical and traditional medicinal approaches.
Message from Professor
When I observed shape of neurons under a microscope the first time, the beauty of the morphology and mysterious mechanism of networking grasped me. The profundity was enough to made me decided to be a scientist. As I clarified molecular mechanism of neuronal plasticity, I realized that what I actually want to accomplish throughout my life are studying therapeutic strategies for intractable neurodegenerative diseases and developing products by myself. I am lucky because Institute of Natural Medicine, University Toyama where I belong to, has piled up knowledges and experiences of a variety of natural medicine. Those rich sources gave me inspiration and interesting findings. Promising drug candidates as well as unknown biological mechanisms have been discovered.
We are now challenging to develop “Botanical Drug” which is a new category of medicine in Japan. For the drug development, a wide view point and comprehensive strategies are required. Taking action with a strong will and flexible thinking is very necessary for us. A new regulatory rule for producing Botanical Drug in Japan and other countries will give boost to our aim.
I share my passion with my great lab members and collaborators, which I want to create something new concept and sublimate our findings to some products clinically used for human health care.
Professor Chihiro Tohda, Ph.D. 