Members | Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Noriyuki NISHIDA, M.D., Ph.D., Distinguished Professor

Prion diseases, a group of transmissible zoonotic disorders, also have significant implications for food safety. In addition to affecting cattle and sheep, a novel prion disease known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has emerged in wild deer populations and poses a new threat to the diversity of wildlife. Despite being identified in humans over a century ago, effective treatments for prion diseases have yet to be developed. However, early diagnosis of the disease can enable the use of certain drugs to impede its progression. Our research team is committed to discovering effective treatments and developing diagnostic methods to enhance prevention efforts against these devastating diseases.

Noriyuki NISHIDA, M.D., Ph.D.,
Distinguished Professor

Prion diseases, a group of transmissible zoonotic disorders, also have significant implications for food safety. In addition to affecting cattle and sheep, a novel prion disease known as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has emerged in wild deer populations and poses a new threat to the diversity of wildlife.

Despite being identified in humans over a century ago, effective treatments for prion diseases have yet to be developed. However, early diagnosis of the disease can enable the use of certain drugs to impede its progression. Our research team is committed to discovering effective treatments and developing diagnostic methods to enhance prevention efforts against these devastating diseases.

Takehiro NAKAGAKI, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor

Prion diseases are a group of devastating pathologies that are still shrouded in mystery. Despite their importance, prions do not have a specific genome, and the mechanisms of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unclear. At our lab, we are committed to addressing these challenges by conducting cutting-edge research aimed at developing effective therapeutic agents and screening tests for undiagnosed cases of prion diseases. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies to explore the molecular basis of prion diseases and develop innovative approaches to combat them.

Takehiro NAKAGAKI, M.D., Ph.D.,
Associate Professor

Prion diseases are a group of devastating pathologies that are still shrouded in mystery. Despite their importance, prions do not have a specific genome, and the mechanisms of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unclear.

At our lab, we are committed to addressing these challenges by conducting cutting-edge research aimed at developing effective therapeutic agents and screening tests for undiagnosed cases of prion diseases. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies to explore the molecular basis of prion diseases and develop innovative approaches to combat them.

Miho KANEKO, Ph.D., Associate Professor

As a researcher, my interests have evolved from parasites to viruses and prions, but my fundamental motivation has remained the same since my undergraduate years: to better understand the complex interactions between pathogens and their hosts. Currently, my work focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of pathogenesis and progression of prion diseases and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By combining cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology and neurobiology, we aim to unravel the intricate processes that underlie these devastating diseases and develop effective treatments for those affected. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important field.

Miho KANEKO, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor

As a researcher, my interests have evolved from parasites to viruses and prions, but my fundamental motivation has remained the same since my undergraduate years: to better understand the complex interactions between pathogens and their hosts.

Currently, my work focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of pathogenesis and progression of prion diseases and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). By combining cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology and neurobiology, we aim to unravel the intricate processes that underlie these devastating diseases and develop effective treatments for those affected. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important field.

Toshiaki NONAKA, M.D., Postgraduate
Prion detection by RT-QuIC assay PSC and brain organoid derived from genetic CJD patients