RESEARCH

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  Gateway Reflex

  The blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord form the blood-brain barrier to prevent the effects of bacteria and viruses. The blood-brain barrier does not allow immune cells as well as large proteins to pass through. However, bacteria and viruses can also infect the central nervous system, and intractable diseases caused by cancer and inflammation can develop. Against this background, the possibility that there is a gate through which pathogens and immune cells enter the central nervous system has been considered. However, the location of the gate and how it is formed have been unknown. This time, using an animal model of multiple sclerosis, we found that the blood vessel on the dorsal side of the fifth lumbar vertebra is the gate. We also found that the daily stimulation by gravity from the earth activates the nerves near the fifth lumbar vertebra, which in turn activates the "IL-6 amplifier," a mechanism that induces chronic inflammation, resulting in the formation of this gate.

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  IL-6 Amplifier

  We have revealed that IL-6 amplifier, a molecular mechanism that induces local inflammation, is involved in various human diseases and pathological conditions. We also conducted a detailed analysis of the growth factor epiregulin, one of the genes identified by the functional screening of IL-6 amplifiers, and showed that neutralization of epiregulin and blockade of intracellular signal transduction dramatically improved symptoms in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, we found that the amount of epiregulin in the serum of human patients with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis was significantly increased compared to the control group. These results establish a new way to relate large-scale functional screening data to the pathogenesis of human diseases and suggest that the growth factor epiregulin may be used as a disease marker and therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory diseases in humans.

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  Moonshot Project

  There is no technology to detect and eliminate "pre-disease state", the time when micro-inflammation occurs. In our moonshot project, we will develop a quantum technology to detect IL-6 amplifier at a very early stage and a neuromodulation technology that removes microinflammation by artificially stimulating the neural circuit. By 2040, we will realize a society with a long and healthy life expectancy by developing quantum and neuromodulation technologies to control the onset of diseases.
  Project Website