Research overview

Safety evaluation study for cosmetics

Safety assessment is essential for a safe and secure use of cosmetics. However, it is well known that animal testing is banned in cosmetics industry. To establish the safety assessment system for cosmetics without animal testing, we are investigating the mechanisms of irritation and the development of new method for inhibiting irritation in human by using cell culture or 3D skin model.

Immunology of the skin

Skin has the role for protection from environmental aggressors. Impaired barrier function can cause the diseases such as atopic dermatitis or other types of dermatitis which impacting the QOL. To develop revolutionary cosmetics which can restore the natural skin function, we try to clarify the mechanisms of immunological control on skin by targeting ion channel or cell organelles.

Sweat glands and sebaceous glands

Abnormal control of sweating from sweat glands can cause problem such as hyperhidrosis or heatstroke. Currently, we are trying to clarify the function of human sweat glands. Examples of this study are establishment of immortalized glands cell for drug screening. We also focus on sebaceous glands to clarify the molecular mechanisms of sebum secretion for novel drug or cosmetics.

Development of the next-generation cosmetics

Based on novel findings of molecular mechanisms in skin, we are trying to develop the next-generation cosmetics including effective ingredients. To realize the next-generation cosmetics quickly, we have been establishing the novel evaluation method based on molecular biology and screening the effective ingredient by collaborating with many groups in Asian countries.

Basic research on temperature sensing

Our body is always exposed to temperature change. We have been curious about this phenomena focusing on thermo-sensor named TRP channels. TRP channels have the important function of temperature sensing in various organs and cells. Although various organs and cells respond to temperature change on skin surface, molecular mechanisms are still unknown. We hope our researches on TRP channels lead novel value for human being.

Hot & Pain

Cold & Pain

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