Tomoki Nakashima, Ph.D. | Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Competition Sponsor: Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
Awardee Year: 2020
In an aging society, which is progressing on a global scale, fragility of bones and dysfunction of musculoskeletal locomotor system have become a serious social problem because it predicts prognosis and supports healthy aging. Bone-derived factors “Osteokines” have recently been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and controlling brain functions such as appetite. The elucidation of systemic regulatory network implemented by bone is attracting to develop next-generation medical strategies. A database of bone cells established from this research project will lead to an understanding of bone cell biology and their functions. Elucidation of bone homeostasis and pathology will greatly contribute to the maintenance of musculoskeletal health, the establishment of innovative treatments for various musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In addition, many diseases (diabetes, obesity, dementia, etc.) caused, at least in part, by abnormalities in the bone linked with multiple organs can be redefined in novel framework.
To learn more about this proposal email healthylongevity@nas.edu.