Department of Pharmacology
Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine
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2025.2.18TopicsWebsite has been launched.
About US
In the Department of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, our research is focused on advancing diagnostic and drug efficacy evaluation techniques through "quantum imaging" - a cutting-edge approach that goes beyond traditional morphological imaging to explore function and metabolism. This pioneering work aims to shape the next generation of medical technology.In recent years, "quantum life science," which studies life phenomena at the quantum level, including electrons and protons, has gained significant attention alongside molecular life science. Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize measurement capabilities and ultra-sensitive detection of previously unattainable minute environments, opening the door to breakthrough innovations and the development of new industries.In our lab, we are using quantum technology to develop imaging methods that reveal how cells function in the body and how these functions are altered by disease.
From a medical engineering perspective, we are also working with industry to develop advanced magnetic resonance devices. Together, we are developing next-generation MRI systems that fully exploit the potential of quantum imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and translate these advances into medical practice.
More read
Tool：Next generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Hyperpolarized (Quantum) MRIHyperpolarized MRI (Hyperpolarized MRI)
Hyperpolarized (Quantum) MRIHyperpolarized MRI (Hyperpolarized MRI) is a technology that has the potential to significantly advance conventional medical MRI imaging techniques. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the ability to depict structures and tissues in the body in high resolution, but hyperpolarized MRI can also acquire functional information at the metabolic and molecular level in real time. Among hyperpolarized MRI techniques, we are developing and applying dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) MRI, which induces hypernuclear polarization by utilizing the interaction between electron and nuclear spins, to disease research.One is in vivo DNP-MRI, in which DNP is induced in vivo using an ultra-low magnetic field, and the other is dissolution DNP-MRI, in which hyperpolarized molecules are injected as a contrast agent for disease imaging after hyperpolarization is induced and dissolved in the device under cryogenic conditions, The other is the dissolution DNP-MRI method, in which hyperpolarized molecules are administered as a contrast agent for disease imaging. We utilize these devices to perform imaging of in vivo functions and metabolism.
DNP (Dynamic Nuclear Polarization)
DNP (Dynamic Nuclear Polarization) is a technique that dramatically improves the signal sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and MRI by transferring the strongly polarized state of electron spins to nuclear spins. and DNP polarizers to hyperpolarize proton nuclear spins and obtain information on electron transfer (redox) in the body.On the other hand, in dissolution DNP-NMR/MRI, 13C molecules are hyperpolarized in the device and administered to the organism to visualize metabolic reactions mediated by 13C molecules.In our laboratory, we are working on various disease applications and research using two types of DNP devices. We are also developing a quantum (hyperpolarized) MRI system for humans through industry-academia collaboration.
Gifu University
Graduate School of Medicine
/ School of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology
Graduate School of Medicine
1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City
501-1194, JAPAN
E-mail: yakuri(at)t.gifu-u.ac.jp
Recruiting
Open to all disciplines!
We welcome applicants not only from pharmacology and medicine, but also from diverse fields such as engineering, science, agriculture, and pharmacy. Our laboratory fosters a collaborative environment where researchers from different disciplines can thrive. We value the integration of different perspectives and techniques. Even if you are new to the field, we will provide you with the support you need to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. If you're ready for the challenge of exploring new frontiers, we encourage you to apply!
