Research & Initiatives
In addition to the clinical courses at our university, we are conducting joint research with professors from other universities and companies to elucidate the mysteries of aging phenomena in systemic and dental diseases that have not yet been clarified. (Updated regularly)
Development of novel bone regenerative materials based on new mechanisms
We are developing new bone regenerative materials to restore bone lost due to cancer, periodontal disease, etc. In particular, we have discovered that an excellent bone regenerative material can be created by combining gelatin with catechin (EGCG), which is contained in green tea and has a mechanism for comprehensively suppressing the emergence of stress-induced senescent cells. We are currently working to improve the material and elucidate its mechanism, and to develop a bone replacement material based on a new mechanism that can be applied to dentistry.
Elucidation of the function of stress-induced senescent cells
When we think of aging, we tend to think of old age, but in fact, senescent cells (called stress-induced senescent cells) appear in the bodies of young people under certain stressful conditions. In recent years, it has become clear that these senescent cells have a negative effect on the surrounding tissues and play an important role in various diseases, but little is known about their role in dentistry. We are currently working vigorously to elucidate the induction mechanism of these cells and their behavior in the body.
Development of a simple method for diagnosing arteriosclerosis using saliva (liquid biopsy)
Saliva is a liquid that can be collected without causing pain to patients, and it is expected to be applied to the diagnosis of systemic diseases. We have been conducting analysis by combining various databases (big data) with knowledge of stress-induced senescent cells, and have discovered a group of candidate genes in saliva that may lead to a simple diagnosis of arteriosclerosis. We are developing a simple diagnosis method for arteriosclerosis using these genes and elucidating the mechanism.
Elucidation of the aging phenomenon using rapidly aging fish
We are focusing on the short-lived medaka fish, which originates from Africa, and trying to elucidate the core mechanism of the aging phenomenon. Although we have only just begun, the faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students are united in their research and are enjoying it as they move forward with their big dream.
Development research into dental education using IT technology
With the motto of getting students interested in dentistry and helping them learn dentistry, we are developing dental education methods that use IT technology to suit the learning styles of students. We are also exploring the best dental education methods for the Flick Native generation of students, who are expected to become mainstream in the near future. As an example, we are developing learning-aid typing software that allows students to practice typing on the keyboard while learning technical terms related to oral anatomy.