Research
研究内容
Exosomes are 30-150 nm sized particles produced by all cells and were originally thought to be as a mechanism to dispose unwanted cellular material. In recent years, however, it has become clear that exosomes can be taken up from one cell to another, and they are reconsidered as a new tool for intercellular communication. It has been reported that exosomes contain various substances derived from the original cells, such as mRNAs, miRNAs, proteins, lipids, and even double-stranded DNAs. It has also been shown that specific disease-related exosomes, such as cancer-derived exosomes, are taken up by normal cells and influence cellular phenotype and change the microenvironment within the organ for promoting disease progression. In the Hoshino laboratory, we are focusing on exosomes to elucidate their possible role in the pathogenesis of various diseases.
Section:01
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
We are also investigating the possibility that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and whether exosomes could be used as a diagnostic markers.
Section:02
Pregnancy complications
During pregnancy, many changes take place in the maternal body. The immune system is suppressed in order to nurture the foreign fetus without rejection, and hormone production is stimulated to cause changes in the mother's body to maintain the pregnancy. However, pregnancy complications can occur when the precisely regulated balance is disrupted due to a variety of reasons. In the Hoshino laboratory, we are studying exosomes involved in pregnancy complications, the possibility that maternally linked exosomes contribute to fetal development, and the mechanisms by which maternally derived exosomes may influence fetal developmental disorders.
Section:03
癌について
In the Hoshino laboratory, we are exploring the role of exosomes in tumor progression in various cancer types and their potential as biomarkers for medical applications, focusing on both basic research and clinical applications.We focus on the diversity of disease-related exosomes, and aim to elucidate how specific exosomes and the proteins contained in those exosomes contribute to the mechanisms of cancer metastasis/progression.