Research

Understanding the Novel Regulatory Role of Some Biological Substances and Neuropeptides.

 Our primary research interest is to gain new insights into the novel function of some bioactive substrates or neuropeptides, such as Neuromeidn U (NMU) or Neuromedin S (NMS), by using genetically modified mice or zebrafish as “ a loss of function” model and administrating these substrates as “ a gain of function model”.

 Regarding a new function of NMU/NMS system, we have newly established NMU/NMS genes double knockout mice, and found a completely new function of this system. Now, we are focusing to examine the detailed mechanisms of these functions on molecular, cellular or behavioral aspects. Based on our data, we will investigate the role of NMU/NMS system in the etiology of human conditions related to the newly identified functions. Thus, we will determine the etiological role of these neuropeptides or othen bioactive molecules, and their potential use for the treatment of related disorders.