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1. Development of cell-specific imaging techniques
Cells have particular functions by their particular molecules. We aim to observe dynamics of cells functioning in the living tissues using PET or optical imaging techniques by making probes recognizing the cell-specific molecules. We are focussing on stem/progenitor cells existing even in the central nervous system of adults, endocrine cells in the pancreas, and cancer/cancer stem cells. These molecular imaging techniques can be applied to human, in addition to basic study using animals, and will bring about progresses in our knowledges of pathophysiology of neurological, endocrine, and malignant diseases, and in the treatments.

2. Study on the integrated system of brain by multi-modal combination of imaging techniques We aim to study the brain functions as an integrated system by combining molecular imaging techniques which visualizes dynamics of molecules and cells, and techniques for functional analyses including electrophysiological methods. In particular, we focussing on mechanism of fatigue sensation, depression, and motivation.