Professor NIKAWA Takeshi
In recent years, Loss of skeletal muscle mass and quality have focused on the cause of locomotive syndrome.
Our laboratory conducts nutritional and medical research aimed at maintaining skeletal muscle mass and quality.
- development of nutritional treatment（space food）toward muscle atrophy and its mechanism : we identified the enzymes responsible for muscle atrophy in experiments conducted on the International Space Station. We are aiming to explore nutrients that inhibit these enzymes and develop a diet that enhances skeletal muscle mass and function（figure）.
- Identification of mechanical stress sensors : focusing on proteins present on muscle mitochondrial membrane, analyzing their function as sensors that detect microgravity condition.
- Elucidation of the relationship between iron metabolism and muscle function control.
