We elucidate the developmental and maintenance mechanisms of hearing and balance using genetically modified mice. Furthermore, we validate the results and findings obtained from mice models by using human clinical studies. Our final goal is drug development for hearing loss and balance disturbance.

Recently, our laboratory found that a specific molecule is involved in astrocyte proliferation. We are trying to develop novel drugs targeting the specific signaling pathway/molecule in glioblastoma and malignant tumors.

We hypothesize that sensory perception (vision, hearing, and proprioception) essentially/intrinsically possesses laterality and plays pivotal roles in the development of a dominant eye, ear, and brain (i.e., functional polarity). We are studying the establishing and developing mechanisms for sensory “laterality.”

We have studied the roles of ROS in the molecular, cellular, and individual (mouse and human) levels in the past 20 years. ROS relate to the occurrence and progression of many diseases, such as cancers and sensory disorders. We are especially interested in ROS function in disease progression.

We investigate the crosstalk between S-palmitoylation and S-nitrosylation, as well as phosphorylation, to elucidate signal transduction in health and disease.

Using mice models of spinocerebellar ataxia, we are engaged in a search for drugs that inhibit the formation of mutant protein aggregates, which are the cause of neuronal cell death and dysfunction in many neurological diseases.