Comprehensive Pathology Division Department of
Pathology Jichi Medical University School of Medicine
Research
Characteristics of research in the Comprehensive Pathology Department
◆Research is mainly conducted with tissue and cell samples obtained from patients' lesions through examinations and surgery, and tissues (clinical specimens) obtained through pathological autopsies as the starting point (foundation) and end point (demonstration).
1) Clinicopathological studies: We pursue the clinical significance of findings (histiocyte morphology, expression of various biomarkers, etc.) from a pathological viewpoint in various types of lesions.
2) Research on the process of tumor development and progression: In many malignant tumors, precursor lesions and early-stage lesions can be seen under the microscope. We aim to elucidate the multistep process of tumor growth and development from micro-level precursor lesions to clinical “cancer” by analyzing abnormalities in gene expression, protein expression, gene methylation, and gene aberrations based on histopathological changes.
3) Research on tumor stroma and microenvironment: Tumors develop and progress not only through the properties of tumor cells, but also through interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. The microenvironment is complex and involves cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, vascular components, etc. We are conducting research mainly on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
4) Research using 3D pathology: 3D pathology using tissue clearing technology may lead to new developments in pathology in the future, such as 3D evaluation of lesions and understanding 3D distribution of molecular abnormalities. We are also developing a new pathological diagnosis method to analyze pathological specimens without tissue sectioning by introducing the latest optical instruments and AI-based analysis.
5) Contribution to the organization and establishment of disease concepts: Pathologist also plays an important role in organizing and establishing disease concepts for lesions, and our laboratory actively participates in many domestic and international multicenter collaborative studies and international consensus building meeting.
Understanding how disease develops
Pathology considers the pathology of a disease by capturing changes in tissue and cell morphology caused by the disease, and gives the disease a name (lesion name, disease name). By capturing such changes at the tissue and cell level over time from the early stages of the disease, and by considering them together with the molecular abnormalities that are changing there, it becomes possible to understand how the disease progresses. This knowledge will then become the basic data for new diagnostic and treatment methods for the disease.
Research that values learning from cases
The basis of pathology research can be said to be "cases and ultimately returning to cases."
Detailed study of each case leads to a deeper understanding of the disease state and characteristics of the patient, and also provides new insights into the etiology and mechanism of the disease. Valuing cases also leads to strengthening collaboration with clinicians.
Access to and active adoption of the latest research and technology
While pathology is an old science, it is also a field that is constantly evolving to meet various needs. By extracting only the parts of a tissue specimen that have morphological changes and searching for molecular abnormalities, it is possible to consider the morphological changes in relation to changes at the molecular level. In addition, by making the tissue transparent, it is now possible to see a three-dimensional image of the lesion. In the field of pathology, artificial intelligence has various possibilities, such as improving the accuracy of pathological diagnosis, contributing to personalized medicine, reducing the burden on doctors, and utilizing accumulated data. We will continue to advance pathological research while actively introducing such new technologies.
Are you curious about the microscopic world of diseases? Join us!
We will conduct research covering a wide range of areas in pathology, from 2D and 3D analysis of tissues and cells to genetic analysis. We invite you to join us and deepen your interest in pathology in your respective fields of interest. If you are interested in a doctoral program, please contact us.