Research

Illustrated by CHIMAI SCIENCE × ILLUSTRATION

Our Projects

Welcome to the Oguro-Ando Lab!

Since 2017, our lab has been conducting pioneering research at the University of Exeter Medical School, specializing in Neuroscience and Mental Health. Our research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying autism and other mental disorders. We emphasize the following three main research themes:

1. Neurodevelopment and Cell Adhesion Molecules:
Our lab investigates cell adhesion molecules involved in neurodevelopmental pathways associated with 3p deletion syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aim to understand how these molecules contribute to the formation of neural circuits and synaptic function, and how their abnormalities can lead to developmental disorders. Additionally, we study the impact of Contactin-4 (CNTN4) on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavior, exploring its role as a risk gene for neuropsychiatric disorders. Our current research (PhD student, Madie Eve) focuses on the interaction between CNTN4 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) and how this interaction regulates neuronal elongation and accurate neural circuit formation.

2. JAKMIP1 and Neuroinflammation in Autism with Chromosome 15 Duplication:
This research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and its regulation. Our studies have revealed that JAKMIP1 regulates neuronal mRNA translation, and its deficiency leads to autism-related behavioral phenotypes. We use iPSC cells (PhD student, Emily-Rose Martin) with chromosome 15 duplication to investigate the mechanisms linking JAKMIP1 to inflammation responses. Additionally, we are conducting research on the JAKMIP1 knockout mouse model (PhD student, Liming Yang) in collaboration with Prof. Akiyoshi Saito in Japan.

3. Mechanisms of Microcephaly Following Zika Virus Infection:
We aim to uncover the mechanisms by which maternal Zika virus infection affects fetal development, leading to microcephaly. This research is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Akatsuki Saito at Miyazaki University, contributing to the understanding of the link between infectious diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Additionally, we are analyzing common molecular pathways involved in Type 1 diabetes and pancreatic cancer to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying these diseases. Our lab is open to graduate students interested in joining our research efforts. Please feel free to contact us for more information. We are working with Complex Disease Epigenetics Group, Axonology group, Dr. Mark Russell at Exeter and Prof. Deepak Srivastava in KCL.