The musculoskeletal system (bones and skeletal muscles) serves not only to facilitate physical activity but also functions as a multitasking organ involved in the regulation of various other organs through minerals, metabolic products, and hormones.

A decline in bone mass or quality can lead to osteoporosis and fractures, which may subsequently result in increased risk of disability, bedridden states, and mortality. Moreover, osteoporosis is intricately linked with a myriad of conditions such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, and dementia. Thus, it is imperative to consider bone health in the context of these associated diseases. Similarly, a reduction in skeletal muscle mass or function has been reported to correlate with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, dementia, and overall lifespan. Consequently, the musculoskeletal system is an important organ that underpins human vitality.

Our research laboratory aims to elucidate novel molecular mechanisms that maintain the quantity and quality of the musculoskeletal system, as well as to uncover the roles of newly identified hormones produced by this system. Through this understanding, we strive to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for a variety of diseases grounded in the musculoskeletal system.

更新情報

  • The paper by Prof. Yoshizawa et al published in Int. J. Mol. Sci.
    A paper by Yoshizawa et al. in collaboration with PRof. Yamagata in Kumamoto University has been accepted for publication in Int. J. Mol. Sci. The paper shows that molecular enzymatic analysis of the deacylase SIRT7 reveals that SIRT7 is much more sensitive to decrease in intracellular NAD+ concentration than other sirtuins. Kibria, M.G.; Yoshizawa, T.;… Read more: The paper by Prof. Yoshizawa et al published in Int. J. Mol. Sci.
  • Collaboration paper accepted!
    Collaboration with Prof. Kamei, and Dr. Oyabu et al., is accepted by iScience. Dnmt3a overexpression disrupts skeletal muscle homeostasis, promotes an aging-like phenotype, and reduces metabolic elasticity. Oyabu M., Ohira Y., Fujita M., Yoshioka K., Kawaguchi R., Kubo A., Hatazawa Y., Yukitoshi H., Ortuste Quiroga, H.P., Horii N., Miura F., Araki H., Okano M., Hatada… Read more: Collaboration paper accepted!
  • Graduate School Lecture
    On December 17, a graduate school lecture by Professor Takashi Nagasawa from Osaka University was held. The title of the lecture was “Microenvironmental niche that maintains hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow.