Convergence knowledge research(J-PEAKS)

With the aging of society, it is important to study age-related diseases such as dementia and diabetes, which have an increased risk of developing in the elderly. Although aging is the greatest risk factor for dementia, recent studies in human and animal models have shown that metabolic changes caused by diabetes, obesity, and dietary habits also increase the risk of developing dementia.

Thus, it is assumed that aging and metabolic functions are interrelated in the development of dementia and that the “aging-brain-metabolism linkage” that spans the brain and other organs (liver, fat, kidney, intestines, etc.) is important. We have recently used animal models to elucidate the inter-organ communications involved in diabetes and dementia, but the mechanisms underlying these linkages are still poorly understood.

In this study, we will further develop our previous research to elucidate the mechanism of the “aging-brain-metabolism linkage” that leads to the onset of dementia. By utilizing the results of this research and Chiba University's unique and rare natural organic compound resources and drug discovery infrastructure, we aim to identify drug target molecules and drug candidate compounds for the aging brain, including dementia, and to develop new drugs based on basic research originating from Chiba University.

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