◆2026年の研究室配属

【一言】

【comments】

●　Research theme
　　Supervisors: Kobayashi T
　
　

Skills to be mastered:

【comments】

●　Role of CCL9-CCR1 Signaling on the Development of Psoriasis
　　Supervisors: Kobayashi T, Khunsri T

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune cell infiltration. The imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model closely mimics human psoriasis and is widely used to study its immune mechanisms. Chemokines regulate immune cell migration, and the chemokine receptor CCR1 and its ligand CCL9 play important roles in recruiting myeloid cells and T cells during inflammation. However, their role in psoriasis remains unclear. In this study, we will induce psoriasis using IMQ in CCR1- and CCL9-deficient mice to investigate the contribution of this pathway to disease development. We will analyze immune cell infiltration and cytokine expression, and evaluate skin inflammation by flow cytometry and histopathological analysis (H&E staining). These findings may reveal CCR1–CCL9 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis with fewer side effects.
　

Skills to be mastered: Animal Disease Model (Psoriasis), flow cytometry, Histopathology (H&E)

【comments】
I’m very happy to be here. I have felt warmly welcomed since the very first day I arrived. I’ve learned valuable laboratory techniques for research and gained new skills throughout my time here. I’ve also enjoyed the delicious food, which made the experience even more special. This has been a truly wonderful experience, and I have no regrets about coming here. Thank you very much to everyone for your kind welcome. 本当にありがとうございます。とても嬉しいです。

●　The Role of P2X7 Receptor in Fructose-Induced MASLD in Zebrafish
　　Supervisors: Hanada R,

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a growing global health crisis characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Heavily driven by modern high-fructose diets, MASLD can progress to severe liver inflammation, cellular damage, and cirrhosis. Developing effective, targeted treatments for this condition remains a major clinical challenge. In experiments, they utilize a zebrafish model to investigate the underlying mechanisms of fructose-induced liver disease. In this study, zebrafish are exposed to a high-fructose environment to induce MASLD-like conditions. We then introduce Brilliant Blue G (BBG)—a specific antagonist that blocks the P2X7 receptor, which is known to trigger cellular inflammation. The primary goal is to determine if blocking the P2X7 receptor with BBG can successfully prevent or reduce fructose-induced fat accumulation. Finally, this experiment aims to uncover whether the P2X7 pathway could serve as a promising new therapeutic target for treating metabolic liver diseases.

Skills to be mastered: Zebrafish care, Zebrafish egg injection, H&E and Oil Red O staining, Paraffin embedding, Sectioning, Scientific reading and analysis (Journal club)

【comments】
It was a short but incredibly valuable time, and it will definitely be a chapter of my life that I will remember forever. Being here allowed me to practice lab techniques, improve my communication skills, learn about the culture, and adapt to a new society. I also really loved the weather during my stay—experiencing the cherry blossoms, the cold, and the rain. But my absolute favorite moment was visiting 'Umitamago.' The view right after getting off the bus, with the sea on the left, the mountains on the right, the cool breeze, and the gentle sunshine, felt like a dream. I was truly so happy. The people here are also incredibly kind. Furthermore, presenting my first journal club was such a wonderful experience. I must give a special thanks to Magdeline for always taking care of me, teaching me, and guiding me through various techniques. Lastly, thank you to everyone for all your help, for looking after me, and for taking me out to travel around throughout my entire stay. Love you, Oita!"

Nattanon Somsanoa
(Pack)
Faculty of Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani University

● タイからの留学生が医学部長を表敬訪問しました（4月8日）

2026年4月8日、タイから来日中の留学生が大分大学医学部長を表敬訪問しました。

Thai Exchange Students Pay Courtesy Visit to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (April 8)

On April 8, 2026, exchange students from Thailand currently studying at Oita University paid a courtesy visit to Professor Masafumi Inomata, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The visiting students are currently conducting research at the Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, and come from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University (MSU) and the Faculty of Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU). From MSU, Ms. Kanwara Pha-ngam (Pleng) is supervised by Professor Kobayashi, Ms. Putita Banlukantigul (Fourth) by Professor Reiko Hanada, and Ms. Pattranit Pengtaphan (Nan) by Lecturer Kimitsuki. From UBU, Mr. Nattanon Somsanoa (Pack) is supervised by Associate Professor Hijiya. Dr. Tae Ratana Lek from UBU also kindly joined the visit. During the meeting, each student was presented with a scholarship grant from the Faculty of Medicine International Exchange Committee by Dean Inomata. The students introduced their research themes, goals during their stay in Japan, and their experiences of daily life in Oita. Dean Inomata offered warm words of welcome and encouragement. The meeting was held in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, providing the students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their academic experience in Japan. It is hoped that the research experience and international exchange gained through this short-term program will become a significant asset for the students’ future careers.

● MSUおよびUBUの留学生と本学学生との交流会を開催しました（4月20日）

2026年4月20日、タイからの留学生との交流会を開催しました。

Exchange Gathering with International Students from Thailand Held on April 20, 2026

On April 20, 2026, an exchange gathering with international students from Thailand was held at the Faculty of Medicine, Oita University. We welcomed Pleng, Fourth, and Nan from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahasarakham University, as well as Pack from the Faculty of Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani University. They joined medical students and faculty members of Oita University for this special gathering event. Participants also included Ms. Maeda, who is scheduled to begin a short-term study program at one of our partner universities in Thailand this May; students with previous study-abroad experience, Ms. Eguchi, Ms. Kira, and Ms. Shiina; and third-year medical students interested in overseas study and international exchange: Mr. Eto, Mr. Okura, Ms. Kakimoto, Ms. Kamiya, Mr. Kikuchi, and Ms. Uehara. Snacks and drinks were prepared for the occasion, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. All students and staff introduced themselves, followed by lively conversations and active exchange among participants. It was a valuable opportunity for students from different cultural backgrounds and academic fields to communicate directly and deepen mutual understanding. Students who had previously studied abroad also shared their experiences and advice, making the event especially meaningful for those planning future overseas programs or interested in international exchange. We will continue to promote opportunities such as this, helping students broaden their global perspectives and grow through exposure to diverse cultures and values.

● UBUからの留学生Packくんにプログラム修了証が授与されました（4月27日）

Certificate of Completion Presented to Pack from Ubon Ratchathani University (April 27)

On April 27, Pack, a short-term exchange student from the Faculty of Medicine, Ubon Ratchathani University, was presented with a certificate of completion for the training program. The certificate was awarded by Associate Professor Hijiya, who served as his academic supervisor. Faculty and staff members from the Department of Molecular Pathology, which hosted Pack during his stay, were also present to celebrate the successful completion of his program and to reflect on his research activities and life in Japan in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photo, marking the end of a fulfilling training period. Congratulations, Pack, and thank you for your hard work. We hope that the knowledge and experiences gained at Oita University will contribute greatly to your future research activities and professional career.