Research
Aims
Our group investigates how immune cells maintain homeostasis in the gut and contribute to stress adaptation.
In particular, 1) We are interested in the role of immune cells when gut homeostasis is perturbed, such as dysbiosis and inflammation. 2) We are also interested in the homeostatic function of IgE antibody in the gut, which might have a protective function against food allergy.
Also, 3) we are trying to understand how organs communicate each other in the stress conditions, and 4) the molecular mechanisms how cells and organisms cope with extreme environmental conditions.
Questions
Local glucocorticoids
How does the gut feel stress and locally produce stress hormones?
What is the function of local glucocorticoids to immune cells, neurons, and epithelial cells in the gut?
Why are glucocorticoids locally produced in some tissues?
Natural IgE
How is IgE antibody spontaneously produced without allergic sensitization?
What is the homeostatic function of natural IgE?
What is the physiological function of IgE antibody beyond allergy?
Interorgan communication
Do organs communicate with each other in stress conditions?
What are the mediators for long-range communications?
What happens if the interplay between organs fails?
Stress adaptation
How cells or organisms adapt to extreme stress conditions?
What are common features of stress adaptation across diverse species?
What is the role of immune cells in adapting extreme stress conditions?
Tools
To address our questions, we apply a combined approach of omics technologies (genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics), high-throughput reporter screening, mouse genetics, and disease models.
We are also enthusiastic to develop new methodologies and model organisms.