Life style-related diseases, represented by diabetes, are involved in 60% of deaths caused by cancer and arteriosclerosis, thus being a main cause of hampering a long and healthy life. The liver is a central and essential organ in the regulation of nutrient metabolism, interacting with other organs of the body such as the brain, the gut and the pancreas and thus maintaining health. Since failure of liver functions directly leads to pathogenesis of life style-related diseases and disease progression, the elucidation of mechanisms of regulation of nutrient metabolism of the liver and its interaction with other organs is highly desirable. This Research Unit aims to develop new prophylaxis and treatment for life style-related diseases by the elucidation of regulation of nutrient metabolism and of regulation failure and by research into mechanisms involved in the induction of life style-related diseases (diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cancer, etc.) due to a failure to regulate nutrient metabolism in the liver.

▲ Impaired regulation of nutrient metabolism in the liver has much to do with the pathogenesis of life style-related diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cancer. Kanazawa University has been promoting research into the elucidation of mechanisms involved in regulating metabolism in the liver in relation to organ interactions, and is a world leader in this research field. By taking advantage of this experience, this Research Unit will perform comprehensive research for development of prophylaxis and treatment for life style-related diseases through elucidation of mechanisms underlying the impairment of nutrient metabolism in the liver.