Research
Faculty Members
Bioresponse Regulation（Biology）
Takemura NaokiAssociate professor
I have studied the anti-obese effects of food-derived probiotics and obtained a doctorate in Life Sciences at The Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido university. Thereafter, I have started immunological research. My research theme is the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases based on the understanding of the roles of innate immune system in the disease development. Through this research and education, I would like to contribute to human health together with the students of this department.
Research theme
Elucidation of the aberrant immune responses involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases
Excessive or unnecessarily prolonged induction of immune responses results in the development of inflammatory diseases, such as allergic disease, lifestyle-related disease, and autoimmune disease. We are investigating the pathological mechanisms of the inflammatory diseases caused by harmful particulates and gene mutations from the perspective of innate immunity.
Elucidation of the immune responses involved in elimination of pathogens and cancer cells
The immune system normally functions to eliminate foreign substances, such as pathogens and cancer cells. We are investigating the roles of organelles and intracellular degradation systems in the induction of the protective immune responses.
Development of preventive and therapeutic agents for the control of immune responses
We have identified various compounds able to regulate immune responses by compound library screening, and are investigating their mode of action and effects. We aim to develop new vaccine adjuvants and anti-inflammatory drugs effective for the control of immune responses.
Representative achievements
Matsui Y†, Takemura N†*, Shirasaki Y, Takahama M, Noguchi Y, Ikoma K, Pan Y, Nishida S, Taura M, Nakayama A, Funatsu T, Misawa T, Harada Y, Sunazuka T, Saitoh T*. Nanaomycin E inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Int Immunol. 2022. in press (†equal contribution, *equal corresponding)
Ikoma K, Takahama M, Kimishima A, Pan Y, Taura M, Nakayama A, Arai M, Takemura N*, Saitoh T*. Oridonin suppresses particulate-induced NLRP3-independent IL-1α release to prevent crystallopathy in the lung. Int Immunol. 2022. in press. (*equal corresponding)
Wang J, Takemura N*, Saitoh T*. Macrophage Response Driven by Extracellular ATP. Biol Pharm Bull. 2021;44(5):599-604. (*equal corresponding)
Sugisawa E*, Takayama Y*, Takemura N*, Kondo T*, et al. RNA Sensing by Gut Piezo1 Is Essential for Systemic Serotonin Synthesis. Cell. 2020;182(3):609-624.e21. (*equal contribution)
Takemura N, Kurashima Y, Mori Y, et al. Eosinophil depletion suppresses radiation-induced small intestinal fibrosis. Sci Transl Med. 2018;10(429):eaan0333.
Takemura N, Kawasaki T, Kunisawa J, et al. Blockade of TLR3 protects mice from lethal radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. Nat Commun. 2014;5:3492.
Takemura N, Hagio M, Ishizuka S, et al. Inulin prolongs survival of intragastrically administered Lactobacillus plantarum No. 14 in the gut of mice fed a high-fat diet. J Nutr. 2010;140(11):1963-9
Takemura N, Okubo T, Sonoyama K. Lactobacillus plantarum strain No. 14 reduces adipocyte size in mice fed high-fat diet. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2010;235(7):849-56.
Takemura N, Ozawa K, Kimura N, et al. Inulin-type fructans stimulated the growth of exogenously administered Lactobacillus plantarum No. 14 in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):375-81.
Gerald J. Gleich Lectureship Award International Eosinophil Society, Inc.
