In the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolic Science, we perform research into the mechanisms of life phenomena and disease onset that are regulated by environmental factors. Our research is based on two approaches: biochemistry and molecular biology, which elucidate mechanisms at the molecular level, and systems biology, which takes a bird’s-eye view of life phenomena as a whole. Through basic medical research, we aim to develop methods to prevent and treat lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and to contribute to the realization of a society where people can live longer and healthier lives.
　One of our research themes is the epigenome. Humans have two types of genetic information: the genome and the epigenome. While the genome we are born with basically remains unchanged, the epigenome is rewritten later in life depending on our living environment and habits. When the epigenome is rewritten, genes are turned on and off. In other words, our living environment and habits control the on and off of genes in our bodies. As you know, good lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet and moderate exercise make us healthy and less susceptible to disease, while bad lifestyle habits such as overeating and lack of exercise have the opposite effect. However, the molecular mechanisms by which lifestyle rewrite the epigenome and determine health and disease susceptibility remain poorly understood.
　Today’s medicine is built on the knowledge and experience accumulated by our predecessors over the years, and future medical advances will be supported by future research. Let’s tackle unsolved problems in medical and life science together, discover new facts, and share them with the world. We believe that the power of young people will advance basic medical research, pave the way for the medicine of future medicine, and help many people in the future.