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Fujita Health University


Japanese scientists develop heart-in-a-dish model of heart relaxation failure

Researchers have developed a human engineered heart tissue model of diastolic heart failure, enabling treatment testing with SGLT2 inhibitors, which partially prevented disease development. The model demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2i, improving ion exchanger function and preventing accumulation of ions in tissues.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

Repetitive neuronal stimulation triggers nuclear reprogramming to revert mature neurons toward an immature-like state

Researchers found that repetitive neuronal stimulation transforms the identity of mature neurons, inducing cellular dematuration and widespread chromatin accessibility changes. The study suggests an 'intermediate state' of high plasticity, where specific configurations may depend on how strongly and often neuronal activity is applied.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Virtual-reality path integration for predicting risk of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that impaired virtual reality path integration was closely tied to brain structure and biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration. This suggests that VR-based navigation errors may reveal hidden changes in the brain long before symptoms arise, making it a promising behavioral marker for preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

New biomarker for immunoglobulin a nephropathy identified

Researchers have discovered a new biomarker for immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, which is an autoimmune disease that can lead to kidney failure. Complement pathway proteins, including CFHR1, were found to be overexpressed in patients with IgA nephropathy, suggesting a potential treatment target and diagnostic marker.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Hidden genetic mismatch, which triples the risk of a life-threatening immune attack after cord blood transplantation

A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2026

How talking slows eye movements behind the wheel

A new study reveals that everyday conversations can delay essential eye-movement responses, affecting the fast visual assessments required for safe driving. The research found that talking imposes cognitive load strong enough to interfere with the neural processes that initiate and guide eye movements.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2025

Investigating lithium’s potential role in slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 19, 2025

Uncovering the relationship between oral function and lifestyle-related diseases

A recent study published by Fujita Health University found that poor oral health can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The researchers examined 118 individuals aged 50 or above and found significant links between oral function test results and blood test results.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalJournal of Oral Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2025

Simulating protein structures involved in memory formation

Researchers developed a computational model that reproduces intricate protein structures at postsynaptic densities, crucial sites for learning and memory. The model reveals details on how these proteins organize into unique structures through liquid-liquid phase separation, enabling sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2025

Gaining insights into the chemical basis of aversive learning

Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Kidney dysfunction may predict sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

From autism to Alzheimer’s: A large-scale animal study links brain pH changes to wide-ranging cognitive issues

A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.

SourceFujita Health University·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Evolutionary conservation of CD4 and LAG-3 and their cytoplasmic tail motifs with opposing immune functions: do we finally understand LAG-3?

Researchers have discovered that CD4 and LAG-3 are conserved throughout jawed vertebrate species, including sharks. The study reveals that the cytoplasmic tail motifs of these proteins have opposing immune functions, with CxC/H promoting activation and ITIM-like motif inhibiting cell activity.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Challenging the traditional views on how the brain processes movement and sensation

A study by Fujita Health University researchers unveiled novel insights into the brain's processing of movement and sensation. The findings suggest that signals from motor cortices do not primarily modulate sensory responses in primary sensory cortices, but rather pathways from secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and sensory thalamus (...

SourceFujita Health University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024