MESSAGE

神経難病センター・センター長
内科学講座脳神経内科 教授
漆谷 真

Message from
Prof. Makoto Urushitani,
Director of the Molecular Neuroscience Research Center

The Molecular Neuroscience Research Center (MNRC) was founded in 1989 as the first research center at Shiga University of Medical Science. The center comprises the Neurology Unit (headed by Prof. Masaki Nishimura), Clinical Research Unit (led by myself, Prof. Makoto Urushitani), and Translational Research Unit (led by Prof. Shinsuke Ishigaki). Over the years, the center has achieved numerous original and impactful breakthroughs, including the development of amyloid MRI using fluorine compounds, the elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of amyloid-β synthesis in Alzheimer’s disease, the creation of a crab-eating monkey model of Alzheimer’s disease, the development of antibody therapy for ALS, and the creation of antisense nucleotide therapeutics for FTLD. Our commitment is to continue fostering the expertise of each unit and collaborating with them, as well as actively engaging with external institutions, including those outside of the university.

The molecular pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS, has been remarkably elucidated as molecular biology has developed. Furthermore, recent developments in neuroscience research, such as the establishment of iPS drug discovery methods, the construction of big data and registries, and the spread of AI technology, have led to a marked trend toward higher volume and higher throughput. As a neuroscience center of a medical university, MNRC is dedicated to the mission of elucidating intractable neurological diseases and developing treatments for them. We look forward to your continued support and encouragement.