Research Outline

In the Laboratory of Biomarker Imaging Science, we conduct research on the development of non-invasive and quantitative medical imaging biomarkers that reflect disease states and prognosis. Non-invasive refers to procedures that do not harm or burden the patient or volunteer, while quantitative means expressing phenomena in numerical or measurable terms. Among various medical imaging modalities, I specialize in image analysis using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are intractable conditions with largely unknown pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest that neuroinflammation, a characteristic of these diseases, may be associated with the activation of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain. My research focuses on the morphological changes of microglia, which are known to vary depending on their state and environment. By evaluating microglial morphology using MRI, I aim to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.