Shinobu Yasuo
Professor
Animal & Marine Bioresource Sciences
Department of Bioresource Sciences
Faculty of Agriculture
Last modified date:2024.04.30
Chronobiology, Animal Physiology, Neuroscience
In organisms living in temperate zones, various biological functions are regulated by seasonal changes in environment (i.e., photoperiod), including metabolism, immune functions, stress responses, affect, and reproduction. The photoperiodic responses are associated with the circadian clock (internal clock) and its main output hormones, melatonin or glucocorticoids. We are trying to clarify the molecular mechanisms of photoperiodic responses, focusing on brain and peripheral organs of mammmals by means of molecular, morphological, physiological, and functional techniques. This study is important for not only the control of animal production but also therapeutic target for the seasonal affective disorder in human.
Disruption of the circadian clock by irregular light-dark cycles, e.g., shift work or irregular light exposure, is a serious problem in the world. Numerous studies report that the circadian disruption increases risk of many diseases such as cancer. We are trying to identify functional nutrients that can ameliorate or prevent the circadian disruption caused by irregular light-dark cycles, and to clarify the effect of dietary rhythms on the clock-associated physiology and behavior.
|
|
|
Educational Activities
I am in charge of cell biology, animal physiology, or animal husbandry management for undergraduates, and regulatory biology and related seminars for graduates.