An Outline of Niigata University School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (Medicine) 2018 - 2019 CONTENTS

PHILOSOPHY AND GOAL IN EDUCATION・・・・・・1

Living Up to Society’s Expectations SOMEYA Toshiyuki Dean, School of Medicine, Niigata University・・・・・・2 Educating advanced bioscience research leaders and highly specialized health-care professionals who will focus on advanced medical treatment AJIOKA Yoichi Director, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University・ 3

ORGANIZATION・・・・・・4

THE SIX-YEAR MEDICAL PROGRAM・・・・・・5

HISTORY・・・・・・6

FIELD INTRODUCTION・・・・・・8

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE・・・・・・24

PROJECTS・・・・・・26

DATA・・・・・・28

BUILDING LAYOUT・・・・・・31 PHILOSOPHY AND GOAL IN EDUCATION Philosophy Contribute to human well-being through medical science Goal Develop human resources that 1. contribute holistic medical care with rich humanity and high ethical nature 2. contribute as a leader of highly specialized medical teams 3. contribute as medical researchers and educators with a wide perspective and great interest in learning 4. contribute to health, medical care, social well-being and welfare administration 5. contribute to local health care and global medical activities 6. maintain inquiring minds, research minds, self-learning attitudes continuously

Contents and Features in Education The Medical Program in the School of Medicine educates future medical practitioners and researchers who will be involved in fields related to medical science. In addition to providing students with sufficient knowledge, we also help them become doctors with rich humanity and high ethical nature, and we implement the following professional education in order to contribute to human well-beings through medicine:

⃝an integrated educational program from fundamental to clinical medicine in accordance with international standards ⃝the introduction of active learning in the curriculum for all students ⃝a medical research practicum to experience cutting-edge medical research ⃝participation-style training (clinical clerkship) for diagnosis and treatment where students learn from primary care to highly advanced medical technology by joining medical teams at the Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital and the affiliated hospitals ⃝an international exchange program to foster international sense (English conversation, short periods of study abroad, etc.)

We Expect Our Students to ⃝be strongly interested in study and scientific research in order to become good medical practitioners and researchers ⃝have good educations and kind hearts and act in harmony with others ⃝think broadmindedly and have positive attitudes

1 MESSAGE

Living Up to Society’s Expectations

SOMEYA Toshiyuki Dean School of Medicine, Niigata University

Our medical program has been pursuing medical education 4. contribute to health, medical care, social well-being and and research for more than a hundred years since our welfare administration. foundation. Our history can be traced back to 1910, when 5. contribute to local health care and global medical activities. National Niigata Medical College was founded. In 1922 we 6. maintain inquiring minds, research minds, self-learning became National Niigata Medical University, which was the attitudes continuously. sixth national university school of medicine; in 1949 we became In the community, our School of Medicine contributes Niigata University School of Medicine as we are known today. to improving community medical care, health and welfare, In 2020, two years from now, we will celebrate the 110th emphasizing preventive medicine as well as clinical medicine, anniversary of our founding. Our school has more than 10,000 cooperating with medical institutions, medical societies and alumni; many of them are researchers and doctors involved in administrative bodies. We are also active overseas, including medical science at the international level. Taking pride in our medical and health care exchange with countries on the Sea traditions, we must steadily work to continue to create history. of Japan such as China and Russia, countries in Asia such as Myanmar and Malaysia, and America and Europe. In summer, --A new approach for the School of Medicine-- during International Student Week, interested medical Niigata University School of Medicine has been implementing students organize Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese exchange changes within the School such as systematically improving programs. Furthermore, we provide opportunities including the undergraduate and graduate schools, acquiring personnel, medical research training in America, Europe and Asia, and obtaining the certificate for the assessment of medical education clinical training in Britain. in accordance with international standards, designing a new We hope our students at Niigata University School of curriculum and furthering international exchange programs. Medicine are working hard to become professionals who will Nevertheless, the environment for all the universities in Japan contribute to society through medicine and medical care, with is becoming more and more challenging so as to make this work lofty goals and the world in view, while studying cutting- seem insufficient. edge, advanced medical care and community medicine in this We must take this difficult situation, in which universities favorable environment located in Niigata. are now placed, as an opportunity for new development, and discover a new image of a school of medicine that meets societal --Gazing into the future of medicine-- expectations. We should use the potential of a medical school Niigata University also has the Graduate School of Medical to elevate medical standards and innovate here in Niigata. We and Dental Sciences, enabling our alumni and others to continue need to receive financial support from society far and wide, in their studies and research. addition to obtaining research subsidies including government In research, we have achieved promising results in many subsidies. The cooperation between the School of Medicine areas, including studies in cerebral nerves, kidneys, cancer, and the Medical and Dental Hospital is becoming more and circulatory organs, digestive organs, cytobiology and infectious more important, and having the hospital approved as a clinical diseases and so on. Our research and results are internationally research core hospital is paramount. For our School of Medicine well-known and respected. Some of our achievements are to develop into the next age, we must face and address such introduced on the website of Niigata University School of numerous problems day by day, working to solve them and Medicine. improve our program. We encourage students to study at the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences after finishing the School of --To foster young power for the future-- Medicine. Through research we can learn much that is helpful Under the educational philosophy of contributing to human when we work as clinicians. well-being through medical science, our School of Medicine has been educating young medical practitioners and researchers. --Mission and community-- We have established an environment where we can educate The mission of a university naturally includes education, students having sufficient knowledge, inquiring minds, research and contribution to society. Niigata University School education and humanity to become medical professionals who of Medicine emphasizes medical practice rooted in Niigata, can pursue all medical areas of expertise: clinical areas, medical fostering the ability to work and learn in the world, and research and medical administration. The following are our six expanding into the global community. educational goals: In the midst of the current times where competition and We develop professionals who evaluation predominate, we describe a picture of the future to 1. contribute holistic medical care with rich humanity and realize our wishes. We face difficult conditions, but we hope our high ethical nature. students will devote themselves to their studies and research 2. contribute as a leader of highly specialized medical teams. with pride, determined to search for a way to a hopeful future. 3. contribute as medical researchers and educators with a We sincerely hope Niigata University School of Medicine enjoys wide perspective and great interest in learning. the confidence and love of the people in our community.

2 Educating advanced bioscience research leaders and highly specialized health-care professionals who will focus on advanced medical treatment AJIOKA Yoichi Director Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University

Niigata University’s Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences has integrated medical and dental departments, which has eliminated the walls between conventional medical and dental departments and courses. Education and research respond to environmental changes that surround medical and health care. The school focuses on educating highly specialized medical personnel such as researchers who will focus on advanced bioscience research in the 21st century, doctors and dentists who will provide advanced medical care due to this research, and public health practitioners who will provide preventive medicine in the community and international society. The Graduate School of Medicine consists of three departments, and provides education and research guidance for graduate students under the following features and educational philosophy: 1. Molecular and Cellular Medicine Program: Researches and analyzes diseases using molecular cellular biology. Develops preventive methods and treatments for diseases. Educates researchers and highly specialized health-care professionals in advanced biosciences, applied specialty medicine and boundary domain medicine relating to molecular and cellular medicine. 2. Bio-functional Regulation Medicine Program: Comprehends the living body synthetically from the perspective of the organs. Researches and analyzes biological functions and pathological conditions. Develops preventive methods and treatments for diseases. Educates researchers and highly specialized health-care professionals in advanced bioscience, applied specialty medicine and boundary domain medicine relating to bio-functional regulation medicine. 3. Regional Disease Control Medicine Program: Researches and analyzes diseases in relation to society, time and space. Develops prevention and control methods for regional diseases corresponding to the low-birthrates, aging society and information society. Educates researchers and highly specialized health-care professionals in advanced bioscience, applied specialty medicine and boundary domain medicine relating to regional disease control medicine. The distinctive research areas of our school are research on kidney disease, nerves and brain, and infectious diseases. Kidney disease research focuses on fundamental and clinical kidney disease research with the two basic fields of Cell Biology and Structual Pathology; three clinical fields of Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology, Pediatrics, and Renal and Urological Pathology; and two associated endowed programs of Functional Molecular Medicine program and Renal Medicine Medical Center. We conduct research with the Kidney Research Center attached to our school. As for nerve and brain research, we promote a wide range from fundamental neuroscience research to disease research at an affiliated laboratory, cooperating with a brain research institute, one and only national university corporation. In infectious disease research, we are researching the emergence mechanism of a drug resistant strain in the influenza virus, application of geographic information system (GIS), for the first time in Japan, to health-care and medical science, and an international study on comprehending influenza epidemics. As part of international exchange and contribution, we welcome international students and educate them. Niigata University has been engaging in medical exchange with Russia for over 20 years due to our being neighbors across the sea of Japan, and implementing interactive exchange through a double degree program with a Russian medical school and short-term study abroad. Through education and research at our graduate school, we nurture and educate the future leaders in advanced bioscience and highly specialized medical professionals who will respond to diversifying medical issues and needs, and contribute to our local and international communities through health-care and medicine.

3 ORGANIZATION Our university has the Education and Research Institute. All faculty in charge of the undergraduate and graduate schools are members of the Institute, which dispatches faculty to the undergraduate and graduate schools to teach and research.

Education and School of Medicine Dispatch Research faculty Medical and members Graduate School of Medical dental courses and Dental Sciences (Master’s Program and Doctoral Program)

School of Medicine Courses

Field Representative teacher Field Representative teacher Gross Anatomy Professor SATO Noboru Gastrointestinal Surgery Professor WAKAI Toshifumi Neurobiology and Anatomy Professor TAKEBAYASHI Hirohide Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Professor TSUCHIDA Masanori Microscopic Anatomy Professor USHIKI Tatsuo Pediatric Surgery Professor KUBOTA Masayuki Neurophysiology Professor HASEGAWA Isao Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Professor ENDO Naoto Molecular Physiology Professor HIBINO Hiroshi Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Professor MATSUDA Ken Molecular Genetics Professor KOMATSU Masaaki Dermatology Professor ABE Riichiro Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology Professor IGARASHI Michihiro Urology Professor TOMITA Yoshihiko Experimental Pathology Professor KONDO Eisaku Ophthalmology Professor FUKUCHI Takeo Pharmacology Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Professor HORII Arata Bacteriology Professor MATSUMOTO Sokichi Radiology and Radiation Oncology Professor AOYAMA Hidefumi Virology Professor FUJII Masahiro Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor ENOMOTO Takayuki Immunology and Medical Zoology Professor KATAKAI Tomoya Anesthesiology Professor BABA Hiroshi Preventive Medicine Professor NAKAMURA Kazutoshi Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Professor ENDO Hiroshi International Health Professor SAITO Reiko Clinical Pathology Professor AJIOKA Yoichi Forensic Medicine Professor TAKATSUKA Hisakazu Neurosurgery（Brain Research Institute） Professor FUJII Yukihiko Cellular Physiology Professor KANKI Tomotake Neurology（Brain Research Institute） Professor ONODERA Osamu Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology Associate Professor Neuronal Development professor SUGIYAMA Sayaka （Kidney Research Center） NARITA Ichiei Associate （Kidney Research Center） Associate Bioinformatics professor OKUDA Shujiro Structural Pathology professor YAOITA Eishin Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine Professor MINAMINO Tohru Cell Biology（Kidney Research Center） Professor KAWACHI Hiroshi Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Professor SONE Hirohito Comprehensive Medical Education Center Professor SUZUKI Toshiya Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases Professor KIKUCHI Toshiaki Histopathology Core Facility Professor AJIOKA Yoichi Gastroenterology and Hepatology Professor TERAI Shuji Administration Office Medical Oncology Professor SAIJO Yasuo General Affairs Section Psychiatry Professor SOMEYA Toshiyuki Accounting Section Student Affairs Section Pediatrics Professor SAITOH Akihiko 4 THE SIX-YEAR MEDICAL PROGRAM

Contribute to human well-being through medical science

the National Graduation examination Examination Post Clinical Clerkship ＯＳＣＥ for Medical 6th Practitioners Clinical Clinical Clerkship Ⅱ lecture 5th Clinical Clerkship Ⅰ

Computer-based testing (CBT) / Introduction to bedside learning Objective Structured 4th Clinical Examination (OSCE) Organ-based integrated medical Medical Research Practice course 3rd Integrated clinical medicine Basic medicine Social medicine

Basic and clinical 2nd integrated medicine

Early Medical Exposure 1st Introduction to Medical Art General education Journal Club

Medical Education Program of Niigata University was as follows: accredited by the Japan Accreditation Council for Medical (1)Based on outcome-based medicine, faculties of preparatory Education (JACME) in 2013. At the beginning, JACME was course and medical course communicate more frequently consisted of Six Medical Universities , Niigata University, than before. At the same time, students can choose German, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, the University of Tokyo, French, Russian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Korean as second Chiba University, Tokyo-Jikeikai Medical University, and Tokyo language. We also start “Introduction to Medical Science” Women’s Medical University. The accreditation was supported for the Year 1 students to enhance students’ motivation for partly by the Grant of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, medicine. Science and Technology, Japan. JACME was certificated to be (2)In order to harvest competency of medical research for the agency to perform accreditation of Medical Education by students, we moved “Medical Research Practice” from Year 4 the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) on March to Year 3 to provide students with longer research time until 2016 and the Medical Education Program of Niigata University graduation. School of Medicine was accredited to satisfy the standards for (3)Vertical integration of basic and clinical medicine for Basic Medical Education by JACME on April 2017. Year 2 students with active learning such as problem-based learning(PBL) and team-based learning(TBL). At the accreditation, expertise of JACME suggested following Students learn behaviroral science and Interprofessional eight issues to be solved: medicine by active learning. (1)Introduction of outcome-based medicine. (4)The clinical clerkship is performed between January of Year 4 (2)Cooperation between faculty of preparatory education and and July of Year6. The entire training period has been extended faculty of medical education. from 52 to 66 weeks. Year 5 students round core disciplines (3)Harvesting competency of medical research for students. of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB-GYN, and psychiatry three (4)Vertical integration of basic and clinical medicine. weeks, respectively. Students join as member of professional (5)Introduction of behavioral science and interprofessional team, communicate and investigate patients, check data of education. patients, and attend conference to discuss patient diagnosis (6)Introduction of more than two years of clinical clerkship and treatment. Students write electrical records of the patients where students join professional team and round core and electrical port-folio everyday. Students are accessed by disciplines of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB-GYN, psychiatry, faculty formatively and summatively during clinical clerkship. and general practice/family medicine. (5)Implementation of post-clinical clerkship OSCE trial in 2016 (7)Introduction of the post-clinical clerkship OSCE (PCC-OSCE). and common achievement test organization(CATO) PCC-OSCE (8)Introduction of formative assessment of clinical clerkship trial in 2017. Students are mandatory to pass PCC-OSCE at such as port-folio, etc. graduation since 2017. We started new curriculum since 2014. Specific changes of Medical education of Niigata University will be accredited the new curriculum we made according to the suggestions are again until March 2021. 5 Before National Niigata Medical College HISTORY 1869 A pharmaceutical institution (Shiran Pharmaceuticals) and a vaccination center (Niigata Prefecture Medical Office) were established on the grounds of Shofuku-ji Temple located in Gono-cho (present Nishibori-dori 7), Tera-machi, Niigata City (May 12) 1870 Niigata Temporary Hospital (Kyoritsu Hospital) established 1873 Opened Niigata Hospital at Yoko-sanban-cho, Niigata 1876 Control of Niigata Hospital transferred to Niigata Prefecture and renamed Niigata Prefectural Hospital Medical School 1879 Niigata Prefectural Hospital Medical School changed its name to Niigata Prefectural Medical School (B-type Medical School) 1883 Renamed Prefectural A-type Niigata Medical School 1888 Abolished Prefectural A-type Niigata Medical School

National Niigata Medical College established 1910 (April 6) The college received 728 applications by the end of May, which was the application deadline. The inaugural class of 70 students was admitted after the entrance examination.

Graduation album of 1915

Niigata Medical College from the 1914 graduation album

Dr. Hideyo Noguchi visited our school and lectured 1915 (October)

Doctors A lecture by Dr. Hideyo National Niigata Medical College became the National 1922 Noguchi from the 1916 Niigata Medical University graduation album

Niigata Medical University Relief Team formed after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the team visited Tokyo to provide relief

The four-year Temporary Medical Specialty Department 1939 affiliated with Niigata Medical University was established in accordance with Royal Decree No. 315

Renamed as an affiliated Medical Specialty College on Nippori Nagaku-yama Hongyo-ji Temple from 1944 March 31 in accordance with Royal Decree No. 200 the 1924 graduation album

Emperor Showa (Hirohito) visited our university 1947 (Professor Tatsuji Ito and Professor Yasuichi Ito lectured about scrub typhus and Professor Mizuho Nakada about brain tumors)

Niigata University (Faculty of Humanities, Education, 1949 Science, Medicine, Engineering and Agriculture) was established in accordance with the proclamation of the National School Establishment Act (Law No. 150 of Emperor’s visit from the 1950 graduation 1949) album 6 The first 98 students graduated from Niigata University 1955 School of Medicine (March)

Outpatient building (4-story reinforced concrete) of 1956 affiliated hospital was completed

The 50th anniversary of Niigata University School of 1960 Medicine

Graduation photo from the 1955 graduation Niigata University Brain Laboratory established (April) 1967 album

Affiliated Kidney Research Center and affiliated Animal 1973 Laboratory Facility of Niigata University School of Medicine established (April)

The current affiliated Asahi-machi library branch 1982 completed

The 75th anniversary of Niigata University School of Affiliated hospital from the 1956 graduation album 1985 Medicine The Yujin Memorial Hall completed as part of the 75th anniversary commemoration project

Department of Health Sciences of Medical School 1999 established (October)

Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences 2001 established (April)

Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital Yujin Memorial Hall from the 1990 2003 established (October 1) graduation album

Became the Niigata University, National University 2004 Corporation in line with National Corporation Law

New building of Medical and Dental Hospital completed 2005 (August)

The 100th anniversary of Niigata University School of 2010 Medicine

Outpatient building of 2012 Medical and Dental Hospital completed (April)

Redevelopment 2014 project of Medical and Dental Hospital completed (June)

7 FIELD Gross Anatomy Professor SATO Noboru INTRODUCTION We have active research programs with area of morphogenesis and provide education programs in human gross anatomy through osteology and dissections.

We are interested in morphogenesis of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. We conduct research by means of morphological, biochemical, cellular and molecular biological techniques using experimental model animals such as genetically engineered mice, birds and small fish. These approaches allow us to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of morphogenesis and give us an insight to the evolution of vertebrates. In education, we provide instructions in general and gross anatomy, which includes osteology and dissection, in medical school curriculum. We also handle whole body donor work essential for education. We collaborate with the Niigata Shiragiku Club, a volunteer organization that works to accept bodies for autopsy and other related matters for the Niigata University School of Medicine and Dentistry. Through anatomical education, we often exchange with medical students, and the general population such as volunteers and their families.

Neurobiology and Anatomy Microscopic Anatomy Professor TAKEBAYASHI Hirohide Professor USHIKI Tatsuo

We are studying developmental neurobiology and We are studying the structure and function of cells neurological diseases. and tissues using various microscopic techniques.

Our research aims are to understand mechanisms Our laboratory specializes in analyzing the three- how the well-organized nervous systems are generated dimensional microstructure of cells and tissues, and principles how they work. We are performing especially by using electron microscopy and / or neuroscience research using a variety of experimental scanning probe microscopy. We are investigating techniques at the molecular, cellular and in vivo three-dimensional structures of tissue surfaces and levels. Current research projects are 1) molecular mechanisms producing specific neurons and glial cells interiors, by developing specimen preparation methods from neural stem cells, 2) analyses of neuropathological of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). progression of neurological diseases using model The surface topography of a specimen can be also mice, and 3) RNA binding proteins involved in neural analyzed by scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which development and neurological diseases. International use a sharp probing tip for scanning it over the sample students are studying in our laboratory. We have many surface, thus providing the topographic image of the collaborative projects with researchers inside and sample. Among these SPM, we apply an atomic force outside the campus. microscope (AFM) and a scanning ion conduction microscope (SICM) to the biological field and perform imaging of live cells and tissues in liquid. Using these microscopic techniques, we are also progressing with collaborative research with researchers inside and outside the campus.

8 the brain-wide neural activity, we have specifically Neurophysiology developed a flexible mesh electrocorticographic (ECoG) electrode array and minimally-invasive surgical Professor HASEGAWA Isao procedures to gently place it on the brain surface. We aim at clarifying physiological mechanisms by Researches of heterogeneous backgrounds such as animal which the cerebral network produces intelligence. neurophysiology, engineering, and clinical medicine work Where does our intelligence come from? We aim at together to promote interdisciplinary medical-engineering clarifying the physiological mechanisms of the global collaborating projects. brain network creating human intellectual abilities such as visual imagery, letter comprehension, and social interactions. To achieve this goal, we generate scientifically verifiable hypotheses on the higher-order brain functions with unique primate/rodent animal- model paradigms, and empirically test the hypotheses by physiological recording of the global brain network activity with a millisecond time resolution. To capture

Molecular Physiology Molecular Genetics Professor HIBINO Hiroshi Professor KOMATSU Masaaki

We focus on inner ear and study the mechanisms We are elucidating the higher function underlying hearing through interdisciplinary researches. of autophagy and its relation with human diseases. We are an interdisciplinary team consisting of experts in different fields. The cochlea in the inner ear transduces the As you can see from last year’s Nobel Prize mechanical stimuli of sounds into electrical signals by sensory in Physiology or Medicine having been awarded cells and transmits it to the brain. Our goal is to clarify the to Professor Emeritus Yoshinori Ohsumi of process that supports the transduction by investigating two elements; (1) the nanoscale vibration of the sensory the Tokyo Institute of Technology for the cells and (2) the mechanism underlying generation of the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of unique electrochemical property of the cochlear body fluid. autophagy, the importance of autophagy, which Our research integrates the methods of molecular biology, is an intracellular degradation system, in living electrophysiology, histology and computational modeling. organisms has become obvious. However, its Most remarkable characteristics of our lab is to carry out different physiological measurement types in vivo. In particular, physiological role in higher animals, especially the simultaneous detection of change of ion concentration and the relation with human diseases largely potential in microspaces within the cochlea is an incomparable remains unclear, and many unresolved issues technique in the world. Through collaboration with researchers on moleculear mechanism of autophagy also in different fields including engineers, we try to develop a state- remain. In this course, we promote research of-the-art imaging technology to detect nano-vibration as focusing on high-order functions of autophagy as well as comprehensively analyze the membrane proteins and their sugar chains in the cochlear epithelial cells. In addition, well as its dysregulation and disease outbreak, we are exploring pathophysiological processes of deafness using genetically modified mice. using optogenetic approach and drug-inducible gene control technology. Recently we have been working on development of advanced drug monitoring system; the targets of this project include other organs such as brain.

9 have visualized the process of many proteins working for Neurochemistry and the nerve to sustain its growth. ● Study of phosphoproteomics: We have established the Molecular Cell Biology molecular markers for nerve growth and regeneration Professor IGARASHI Michihiro from the most important functional modification of the We study how the neural network is formed, how it protein phosphorylation. works, and how it is recovered from damage; namely, ● Functions of the lipids and chondroitin sulfate in nerve the mechanisms of nerve growth/regeneration, synaptic growth: We are elucidating the transmission and plasticity, from the molecular aspects. role of lipid rafts and examine the relationship between the Brain functions are operated by synapses, i.e., the growth cone and the fatty connections between neurons, and at synaptogenesis acid synthesis. We have also and regeneration, highly motile structure called a demonstrated that extracellular growth cone, extends an axon and responsible for sugar chains regulate nerve target recognition. We are engaged in the study regeneration and are involved focusing the actions of genes responsible for growth in the pathogenesis of various cone functions. organs. ● Approach using super-resolution microscopy: We

Experimental Pathology Pharmacology Professor KONDO Eisaku

We promote the comprehensive pathology of the Conducts lectures and practicums in pharmacology. 21st century with two pillars: Advanced Molecular Research includes investigating the feeding Tumor Pathology; Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic regulation mechanism by neuropeptide Y using Technology Development Research. molecular biology and behavior analysis.

This course specializes in tumor pathology. In Many uncertainties exist about feeding regulations basic pathology, the course focuses on research by neuropeptide Y and its receptor. The localization of for elucidation, clinical diagnosis and applying the neuropeptide Y as a transmitter is separated from the molecular mechanism, which is the key for both synaptic vesicle molecule SV2 (See figure below) and infiltration and metastasis of malignant tumors, centering on intractable cancer. We constructed is thought to be released by a molecular mechanism an empirical pathological research system that different from known synaptic transmission. The synthesizes molecular analysis with histopathological localization of neuropeptide Y receptor has not analysis to work on the important issue of elucidating been fully clarified. We will elucidate the regulation the mechanism of the tumor’s acquisition of resistance mechanism of feeding behavior as we clarify the basic to advanced medicine. Our goal is to find clues knowledge of such neuropeptide Y transmission. to overcome cancer that can be clinically used. In research and development of innovative medical technology for advanced diagnosis and treatment by creating a new bio tool, all students in the course cooperate to implement a variety of approaches. These approaches include non-invasive cancer imaging and DDS technologies to patients’ bodies with peptides as a basic biotool, which are aimed to establish the next- generation medical technology for the cancer patients. These studies go beyond the content of conventional pathology courses. This course develops advanced and comprehensive tumor pathology that interacts with the forefront of the cancer treatment of the 21st century.

We visualized the distribution of neuropeptide Y (green fluorescence) and synaptic vesicle protein SV2 (reddish purple) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Both exist separately, indicating that neurotransmission by neuropeptide Y is a different route from the conventionally reported SV2-related neurotransmission.

10 Bacteriology Virology Professor MATSUMOTO Sokichi Professor FUJII Masahiro

We study the molecular mechanisms of tuberculosis, We study the pathogenesis of leukemia and leprosy, and NTM diseases and develop the tools neurological diseases induced by HTLV-1 infection. for countermeasure against these mycobacterial Our goal is the development of therapeutic medicine diseases. to these diseases.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for the most abundant death among all infectious agents (2015: 1.8 million deaths). In contrast to the historical elimination of diseases such as smallpox, no country has ever eliminated tuberculosis (TB) once after its incidence was reported. This is due to continuous progression of TB (2015: 10.4 million outbreaks) largely from latent infection that accounts for one third of the world human population. NTM diseases also have become serious life-threat and are increasing especially in developed Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the countries. Leprosy is old disease but remained in causative virus of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV- several area of the world and importantly molecular 1 associated myelopathy (HAM). Approximately 1.2 mechanism of immune disorder of it has not been million Japanese are infected with HTLV-1, and Japan deciphered so far. Most of mycobacterial pathogens has the highest number of HTLV-1-infected people in are intracellular persisters that can live for long period the world. However, effective therapies for ATL and without multiplication. Based on these facts, we will HAM have not been established. We identified USP10 try to clarify the mechanisms of long term persistence as a cellular factor binding to the HTLV-1 oncoprotein of mycobacterial pathogens in the hosts, latency and Tax. USP10 protected cell death induced by oxidative disease progression, and proceed development of stresses by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) efficient strategies to eradicate mycobacterial diseases. production. In HTLV-1-infected cells, Tax interacted with Molecular biology is the powerful tool to analyze USP10 and stimulated ROS production. We showed pathogens and the diseases. We set up biosafety that constitutive production of ROS in HTLV-1-infected level 3 laboratory where we are capable of create cells contributes to the HTLV-1 pathogenesis. We and manipulate recombinant M. tuberculosis, of which established USP10-knockout (USP10-KO) mice. USP10- operation was approved by the Minister of Education, KO mice died in early age due to bone marrow failure, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. We employ because hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in USP10-KO advanced molecular mice were dramatically decreased in embryonic stage, biological tools, suggesting that HTLV-1 alters the function of HSC to including next promote leukemia. We employ molecular biology and generation DNA- knockout mouse model to further elucidate detailed sequencing, to carry functions of USP10 in HTLV-1-associated diseases, out our research. toward development of therapeutics to the HTLV-1- associated diseases.

adequate tissue microenvironment is probably essential Immunology and Medical Zoology for the efficient induction of acquired immunity that is responsible for immunological memory. We also examine Professor KATAKAI Tomoya the relationship between immune cell migration or Immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs localization and tissue environment through live-imaging in particular lymph nodes, immune cell function and technique using a two-photon laser scanning microscope, and conduct research focusing on the dynamic behavior of motility, and tissue microenvironment constructed the immune system. by stromal cells.

The immune system is indispensable for protecting our bodies from pathogens and foreign substances. It is also deeply associated with various diseases such as allergy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We are focusing on the role of interactions between immune cells and stromal cells in the formation of tissue environment within immune organs (secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes), because

11 omics analysis: proteomics, metabolomics, etc. In addition, Preventive Medicine we are conducting researches on topics in preventive medicine and public health such as an international Professor NAKAMURA Kazutoshi collaborative research on gallbladder cancer prevention. We are conducting researches to prevent age- For more information, please visit http://www.med. related diseases such as dementia and osteoporosis niigata-u.ac.jp/hyg/index.html. to extend healthy life spans. Preventive Medicine Our primary research studies are the Murakami Age-related Vitamin D Dementia Cohort Study and dementia Diseases omics study. The Murakami Cohort Study is a long-term Epidemiology Preventive Cohort Omics longitudinal follow-up of Research Medicine Study Study approximately 14,000 local residents. We are searching for environmental factors ●Murakami Cohort Study related to age-related diseases, such as dementia (Community-based longitudinal study and osteoporosis. We also use preserved biological in Murakami) samples to measure vitamin D and try to apply it for ●Dementia Omics Study disease prevention. Dementia omics research is the (Multicenter collaborative biomarker world's first research aimed at developing simple search research) predictive urine markers for Alzheimer's disease by

International Health Forensic Medicine Professor SAITO Reiko Professor TAKATSUKA Hisakazu

We are engaged in research on infectious diseases We research in a forensic medicine such as forensic such as influenza and social epidemiology research radiology and imaging, forensic pathology, clinical centered on social capital. forensic medicine and medical law.

We investigate how Forensic medicine is an academic field indispensable influenza and RS viruses for maintaining social order, advocating human rights that cause colds are and realizing social justice. Professionals in forensic prevalent in Japan and medicine must accurately implement the anatomical abroad, work jointly and biological appraisals commissioned by agencies with clinicians about such as the police, Japan Coast Guard, public the effects of vaccines prosecutor’s office and child guidance center without and drug resistance, and errors. Our goal in forensics is to return to society what provide important information for treatment. we learn from the deceased. We emphasize fostering We investigate the impact of regional mutual aid advanced professionals specializing in forensic and reliability called social capital on the health of medicine responsible for the next generation as we elderly people. Such evidence is important for aging research in a wide range of fields related to forensic society. Thus, in addition to the survey in Niigata medicine. Prefecture, we are surveying on a larger scale by concatenating nationwide data. We also extend our epidemiological survey fields to Myanmar and Malaysia. It is important research in rapid aging Asian countries. We have so far jointly researched and exchanged human resources with Asian countries including Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and Lebanon. Among them, Myanmar was selected by the AMED Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious Disease Program (J-GRID) and will research respiratory infections for five years from 2015. 12 mitophagy is attracting a lot of attention. The aim of our Cellular Physiology study is to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms Professor KANKI Tomotake and physiological roles of mitophagy. We have developed systems to induce and detect mitophagy in multiple models We study mitophagy, a selective degradation of such as mammalian cultured cells, mice and yeast. We are mitochondria by autophagy. currently identifying factors involved in mitophagy, exploring their molecular functions and analyzing the phenotypes of

Mitochondria are important organelles that produce mitophagy-deficient cells. a majority of the ATP required for cellular activities, and their quantity and quality need to be properly controlled. It is believed that mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), a selective degradation of mitochondria by autophagy, degrades excess or dysfunctional mitochondria to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. In recent years, mitophagy defects have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, and thus

Neuronal Development Bioinformatics Associate Professor SUGIYAMA Sayaka Associate Professor OKUDA Shujiro

Mechanisms of experience-dependent brain We are conducting research on computer- development based knowledge extraction and technical - Analysis of the molecular mechanism for plasticity development from large-scale omics data. in children's brains -

As the proverb, what is learned in the cradle is In bioinformatics we fully utilize computers to carried to the grave, says, experience as a child is conduct research on medicine and biology. We handle important for brain development. For example, if a DNA and protein sequences with computers and child wears an eye patch on one eye because of injury, study genes and genomes of a variety of organisms. In the child could develop weak eyesight in the covered one research project, we are analyzing metagenomic eye by blocked viewing experience. However, much is data covering all genes of microorganisms in the unknown worldwide about the mechanism by which environment. In particular, since enteric intestinal experience develops brain functions. bacteria are deeply related to human health, we are We know that the gene that forms a fetus brain using intestinal environmental metagenomic data to also develops the brain after birth. Protein (Otx2) explore disease-related bacteria. In addition, in our made from this gene has a unique property of cancer genomics research that investigates DNA sensing experiences, moving between brain cells mutations of cancer cells, we are implementing and promoting the maturation of the target cells. By technological development to realize precision externally manipulating the amount of this protein (Otx2) in a mouse brain, you can artificially manipulate medicine, which enables us to select the optimal the critical period when the brain develops flexibly treatment method for each patient. according to experience. We use this technique to examine the mechanism necessary for brain plasticity. Our study is expected to lead to developing treatment for mental disorders and weak eyesight.

13 preemptive medical care for aging diseases by creating Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine novel treatments and therapeutic concepts through the Professor MINAMINO Tohru intermediation of aging control (For more information see our cardiovascular medicine website (http://www.med. We conduct fundamental and translational research on cardiovascular, obesity and metabolism, and niigata-u.ac.jp/car/) and advanced aging control course aging related areas. lecture website (http://www.mol-aging.com/)).

It is becoming clear that aging is a life phenomenon associated with constant molecular control. Aging occurs at the cellular level, but until now we have discovered that the pathology of aging diseases such as heart failure, obesity and diabetes are exacerbated and progress through cellular senescence (Nature 2007, Nat Rev Cardiol 2008, Nat Med 2009, Cell Metab 2012, 2013, 2014, J Clin Invest 2010, Cell Rep 2014, J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015, etc.). Our goal is to establish

Hematology, Endocrinology Respiratory Medicine and and Metabolism Infectious Diseases Professor SONE Hirohito Professor KIKUCHI Toshiaki We promote both basic and clinical research in We conduct research on various respiratory and the above fields including lifestyle medicine. infectious diseases multilaterally.

We develop preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic Since there is a wide variety of respiratory diseases, methodology for hematological diseases such as we have five internal research groups to manage the hematopoietic neoplasms, endocrine disorders and clinical research problems, including the infectious non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, disease group, the diffuse lung disease group, the dyslipidemia and hypertension. oncology group, the allergic disease group, and the As for hematological diseases, we are involved in physiology group. The infectious disease group is protocol preparation for multicenter collaborative aggressively conducting basic and clinical researches research, and also exploring new prognostic factors in anti-infectious therapy, molecular epidemiology, based on cases over many years. Regarding endocrine and nosocomial infection control. The diffuse lung and metabolic diseases, we have established disease group performs elementary analysis of substantial scientific evidence useful for practical care clinical lung samples to clarify the pathophysiological and prevention with big data analysis for both lifestyle mechanism. The oncology group is developing new and medication therapy. We are also developing basic therapeutic strategies that are focused on cancer research in both fields to elucidate the pathology stem cell-specific proteins and tumor-associated and developing novel drugs using cultured cells and regulatory T cells, leading clinical studies of cytotoxic genetically modified animals. and molecular-target anticancer drugs. The allergic We welcome physicians, medical professionals disease group engages in various forms of researches, such as nurses, nutritionists, clinical psychologists, such as questionnaire surveys of asthma patients pharmacists, physiotherapists, and those in the related as well as establishment of a mouse model for fields such as basic medicine, biology, information exercise-induced asthma. The physiology group has science, statistics, psychology, food science, sociology, a considerable interest in clinical research of sleep and enhance the range and quality of our research. apnea syndrome and respiratory rehabilitation in preoperative and chronic phases.

14 invasive treatment equipment in gastrointestinal organs Gastroenterology and Hepatology aiming at clinical application. Professor TERAI Shuji The main research project is as follows; developing next- generation liver regeneration therapy to improve hepatic We are developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic fibrosis and induce liver regeneration against cirrhosis using modalities aiming to overcome intractable diseases mesenchymal stem cells; analyzing pathogenesis of NASH and to improve pathophysiological conditions in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts, liver, biliary and association between gastrointestinal diseases and gut tract and pancreas. microbiota, developing novel medication therapy using the medaka NASH model; developing gene therapy using the Our research goal is to develop hydrodynamic gene delivery method against hepatocellular diagnostic and therapeutic carcinoma; functional analysis of innate lymphoid cells in modalities for progressive gastrointestinal diseases; regenerative medicine applying and refractory gastrointestinal bioengineering materials for stenosis of esophagus after diseases and also “Undiagnosed ESD; analyzing undiagnosed intractable diseases using iPS Diseases” by using genome cell technology; and elucidating the nutrient absorption science, cell biology and iPS mechanisms in small intestine. cell technology. Each team is In 2018, we established Department of Preemptive conducting research on fibrosis Medicine for Digestive Diseases and Healthy Active control, fat deposition control, cancer development Life Niigata University School of Medicine. We will do a control, immune control and development of minimally Preemptive Medicine in Agano City.

Medical Oncology Psychiatry Professor SAIJO Yasuo Professor SOMEYA Toshiyuki

We research cancer pathology, drug therapy and We research molecular genetics and clinical lung regeneration using iPS cells. pharmacology of mental disorders centering on schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders.

In research on cancer pathology and drug therapy, We research molecular genetics to elucidate the based on cancer medical data, we identify factors molecular pathology of schizophrenia and autism related to adverse events in cancer drug therapy and spectrum disorders and to develop a fundamental research selection for more appropriate treatment treatment based on it. Based on the findings obtained, methods for the elderly and AYA generation. In we use proteomics to comprehensively analyse the addition, we investigate thrombus and hemostasis effects of risk genes on the synaptic function. abnormalities associated with the pathology of To elucidate the brain function of autism spectrum cancer and drug therapy, and analyze biomarkers of disorders, we study brain activity while doing coagulation and fibrinolysis. a nonverbal task of “theory of mind” targeting In research on lung regeneration using iPS cells, iPS humans (magneto-encephalography) and monkeys cells are pluripotent stem cells and can differentiate (electrocorticogram and electrode), collaborating with into various tissues. We are studying regenerating physiology and biochemistry classes. trachea and lungs by differentiating iPS cells into In addition, we study clinical pharmacology on lung epithelium and respiratory epithelial cells. Furthermore, using the blastocyst complementation individual differences in response to psychotropic drug method, we research to create transplantable lungs and side effects, the relation of psychiatric symptoms by creating iPS cell-derived pulmonary organs in with sex hormones and inflammatory cytokines, a lung deficient mouse. The figure shows iPS cells and pharmacological actions of antipsychotics and differentiated into type II alveolar epithelial cells oxytocin for autism spectrum disorders and early-onset (Green: SP - C, Blue: DAPI) . cognitive dysfunction.

15 Endocrinology and metabolic diseases : We have Pediatrics investigated the genetic diagnosis of endocrine and metabolic diseases of unknown etiologies, and evaluated Professor SAITOH Akihiko novel treatment for Basedow’s disease. Our department continues to conduct research Cardiovascular diseases : We have investigated the risk related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of factors for coronary lesions of Kawasaki disease and genetic diseases in children for protecting children’s future. evaluation for arrhythmia in children. In the Department of Pediatrics, we conduct research Nephrology : We have studied the role of macrophages in different fields of pediatrics, including infectious on the progression of pediatric kidney diseases. diseases, hematology/oncology, cardiovascular Neonatology : We have investigated the risk factors for diseases, endocrinology, metabolic disease, nephrology, chronic lung diseases. collagen diseases, neonatology, and neurology. Neurology : We have evaluated genetic analyses for acute Infectious diseases : We have been focusing on rapid encephalopathy, epilepsy, and febrile convulsion. diagnosis of microorganisms causing severe diseases We will continue to in neonates and young infants, especially for the conduct our research pathogenesis and new treatment for parechovirus-A3 to answer the questions infection. raising in our dairy Hematology/oncology : We have developed new clinical practice, which treatment using natural killer cells and novel chimeric will lead to protect antigen receptors fighting for children with malignancy. children’s future.

Gastrointestinal Surgery Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Professor WAKAI Toshifumi Professor TSUCHIDA Masanori

We strongly promote development research on Our research projects have been conducted to comprehensive oncogene mutation analysis in solid translate the results to the clinical setting for cancer using next-generation improving and developing the fields of thoracic and sequencing. cardiovascular surgery.

Personalized medicine In the field of general thoracic surgery, our work and precision medicine that deal with molecular biology of lung cancer, limited find the optimal treatment resection for small-sized non-small cell lung cancer, through comprehensive adjuvant chemotherapy following lung cancer surgery, pulmonary resection for lung cancer patients with genome-analyzing oncogene interstitial lung disease, and gene therapy for organ mutation specific to injury following transplantation. patients are starting. In our In the field of cardiovascular surgery, we are studying laboratory, we work with domestic and overseas on long-term outcome after surgical treatment research institutions and companies to establish for complex congenital heart disease, molecular a platform for optimal treatment based on pathological mechanism of aortic dissection, oncogene mutation analysis adapted to Japanese assessment of implanted artificial heart valve by patients. In order to embody the value of new computed tomography, and multi-institutional study medical care as quickly as possible in Japan, of disaster medicine. we establish an academic system that combines Currently, our major projects are focusing on pharmacogenomics with surgical oncology based correlation between clinical characteristics and on next-generation sequencing analysis. We are comprehensive genomic alterations detected by working on developing artificial intelligence (AI) next-generation sequencing in lung adenocarcinoma, improvement and evaluation for lung function during for medical use, the first of its kind in Japan, by normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion in swine, and introducing high-performance supercomputer involvement of p53 which acts as a guardian of system. We also promote global activities of young genome, in cell senescence in cardiovascular diseases researchers. We strategically form an international using clinical samples. network to advance education and research and strengthen competitiveness as a world-class research base for interdisciplinary cancer genome analysis.

16 We organized the Niigata Tumor Board for malignant Pediatric Surgery solid tumors of pediatric patients in more than 40 years ago. Since then, we have been conducting standardized Professor KUBOTA Masayuki treatment for all patients in Niigata Prefecture. We have In our department, we have been conducting various analyzed the efficacy of our treatment protocols and the types of basic and clinical researches in the field of treatment-related problems in span of more than 40 years. pediatric surgery. We also conduct translational research on the role of mTOR gene using resected specimens of malignant tumors. We have a long history of animal experiment using We have made clinical application of sacral Japanese white rabbits. Firstly, we have developed a neuromodulation using sacral repetitive magnetic new method to close an intestinal wall defect using stimulation for the patients with bowel and urinary Fibrin Glue and Polyglycolic Acid Felt (FGPAF) sealant. disorders. This non-invasive, painless technique is quite This technique is suitable for the intestinal wall defect, suitable for children with hyperactive gladder or bowel where suture closure of defect is difficult due to severe incontinence. Recently, this technique is expanded in the adhesion or fibrosis. Then, we have developed the treatment of chronic constipation. metallic tracheal substitute using a shape memory coil for the large tracheal defect in rabbits. Nickel-titanium hyper-elastic wire is processed into a spindle-shaped coil, a center of which is doubly coiled to prevent ingrowth of granulation tissue (International patent No 2013-556226). When a large tracheal defect is left Survival rate (%) open, defect is closed with fibrous sheet in two weeks Spindle-shaped and associated with severe tracheal stenosis. We have centrally doubled Months currently investigating the underlying mechanism of coiled stent (wires were fibrous sheet covering of the defect to induce healing overlapped in the center) Overall survival rate of neuroblastoma without tracheal stenosis. We are also working on the patients in Niigata Tumor Board (survival animal study of islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes rate was classified by International using miniature swine. Neuroblastoma Staging System)

celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. In clinical research, we Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation are engaged in a lot of large-scale, high evidence-level research such as an epidemiological survey of proximal femoral fractures in Professor ENDO Naoto all of Niigata prefecture, Matsudai knee osteoarthritis survey, the Orthopedic surgery widely works on clinic, research Sado project, and multicenter collaborative research on spinal and education, targeting motor organs such as deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In basic research, bones and joints. the tumor and rheumatoid group is conducting state-of-the-art research, fully using biomolecular procedures. Preoperative three- Orthopedic surgery deals with musculoskeletal organs like dimensional planning and intra-operative support using special bone, cartilage, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other jig for the knee and hip joint diseases, rehabilitation research and exercisers. Our subspecialty groups are as follows; 1) spinal clinical research are also being conducted. surgery, 2) lower extremity such as hip joint, knee joint, 3) sports medicine, 4) pediatric orthopedics, 5) osteoporosis and bone metabolism, 6) bone and soft tissue tumors, 7) hand surgery and microsurgery, 8) trauma including fractures and soft tissues, pelvis, spinal cord injury, and 9) rheumatoid arthritis and other joint disorders. Our department of orthopedic surgery is the fourth oldest in Japan and

burn/trauma, Plastic, Reconstructive chronic/non- healing wound, and Aesthetic Surgery and laser treatments. Professor MATSUDA Ken Our research interests are Our lecture for the medical students includes the field of mainly focused general plastic surgery, dermatology and clinical anatomy on plasticity etc. We also focus on microsurgical education and training, in peripheral nerve regeneration and wound which includes technical guidance on microvascular healing mechanisms. Using animal models, we are anastomosis under the microscope to all medical school promoting research projects which contributes students, medical interns and graduate students. to develop novel treatments for chronic ulcer or We have been providing high-level surgical/reconstructive surgical procedure for better treatment options treatments for various patients, including microsurgical for patients such as facial paralysis and brachial tissue transfer, nerve repair, hand anomaly reconstruction, plexus injury. cleft lip and palate repair, microtia, reconstruction, extensive 17 Dermatology Urology Professor ABE Riichiro Professor TOMITA Yoshihiko We study the elucidation of developing mechanisms We proseed basic and clinical research on of severe drug eruptions, and the identification of the urological tumors, renal transplantation and causative genes and the functions of hereditary skin pediatric urological diseases. diseases.

Currently, our laboratory promotes two research Our laboratory projects. One is the severe drug eruption group which focuses on research targets severe cutaneous drug reactions, specifically toxic based on not only epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. “bench-to-bedside” Although the patients suffering from these diseases can but also bedside-to- be fatal, the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated bench.” In urological yet. We particularly focus on the development of the tumors, we are also novel therapeutic drugs targeting proteins and receptors engaged in new related to the epidermal cell death, and the new severity drug development, including participating in predictive markers. Meanwhile, the hereditary skin global clinical trials on the brand new anti- disease group mainly studies epidermolysis bullosa. cancer drugs such as immune checkpoint Moreover, the group investigates genetic mechanisms of inhibitors. In the field of renal transplantation, various hereditary skin disorders using current molecular our research is focused on several issues, genetic techniques. namely, the development of antibody titer measuring system using sugar chain array in ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, anti- HLA antibody inhibitory effect by the anti- IL-6 receptor antibody, and a clinical study on bortezomib medication in chronic antibody- mediated rejection.

develop ocular diseases with aging, which often greatly Ophthalmology influence the daily life of the elderly. In recent years, Professor FUKUCHI Takeo ophthalmologic instruments and therapeutic techniques have significantly improved, so very fine lesions have Our main focus is glaucoma. We have conducted much basic research, and our number of glaucoma been found and treated in an early stage. We introduce surgeries is first or second rank in Japan. the forefront technology at all times and work on the treatment and research of ocular diseases of all ages from baby to the elderly. We teach the function of vision and its importance through the lecture, and our role is to have students feel the fascination of the most advanced microsurgery through practical training.

Vision is very important for people to live. The importance of healthy aging is frequently talked about in our modern aging society. However, people 18 Otolaryngology - Head Radiology and Radiation Oncology and Neck Surgery Professor AOYAMA Hidefumi We research into the fields of radiation oncology, Professor HORII Arata diagnostic radiology, and Our research is covering the broad area of ENT medical physics. topics from hearing loss to carcinogenesis.

There are three research groups in our department In radiation oncology, we collaborating with basic medicine departments to conduct clinical researches perform all levels of research from bench to bed. of radiation therapy of Audiovestibular group is researching the brain tumors, esophageal, pathophysiology of psychogenic dizziness under lung, prostate cancer, etc., supervision of Prof. Horii, subcommittee member of International Classification of Vestibular Disorders aiming at personalized safe (ICVD) of Barany Society. Not only clinical research and effective management, but also basic research using the rat animal model of including JROSG13-1 multi-institutional study vestibular disorders is being performed collaborating dealing with metastatic brain tumors, optimization with Prof. Nawa, director of Brain Research Institute of of treatment schedule of stereotactic radiotherapy Niigata University. for lung cancers, comparison of QOL after IMRT and Nose and throat group is researching the relationship brachytherapy for prostate cancer. between olfactory dysfunction and cognitive function, In diagnostic radiology, we research into the which may lead to the use of olfactory function test as a sensitive biomarker to point early stage Alzheimer type diagnostic imaging of cardiovascular diseases, lung of dementia. tumors, and central nervous system disorders, as well Oncology group is researching the proliferation kinetics as application of newly developed image acquisition of cancer cells and its possible related factors. We have methods of CT and MRI, image-guided treatments in identified several molecules highly expressed in cancer interventional radiology, and quantification in nuclear cells among the hydroxylases considered to be involved medicine. in the hypoxic response in the microenvironment In medical physics, we study the utility of image- in collaboration with Prof. Kondo (Department of guided radiotherapy (IGRT) based on internal gold Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Niigata University). markers in intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer, and evaluate the dose enhancement by backscattering from dental alloys in head and neck radiotherapy. We also perform the comprehensive study of a novel real-time tumor-tracking system, and develop a setup margin evaluation models using the expanded uncertainty analysis, and improve the IMRT dose verification method.

gynecological cancer as follow: Obstetrics and Gynecology 1. Identification of endometriosis pathogenesis Endometriosis affects 5 to 10% of women of reproductive Professor ENOMOTO Takayuki age in Japan, and causes chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, We are working on clarifying the pathogenesis and infertility, leading to decreased quality-of-life (QOL). of obstetric and gynecological diseases and However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains developing new therapeutic strategies by using unknown. We have performed whole exon sequencing for integrated OMICS data analysis. endometriotic epithelium and normal uterine endometrial epithelium to identify endometriosis-associated gene mutations. We are now working to further elucidate the pathogenesis of endometriosis. 2. Development of molecular targeted therapy for gynecological cancer stem cells Cancer stem cells which are characterized by tumorigenicity, self-renewal and differentiation capacities, We are working on clarifying the pathogenesis of are involved in cancer proliferation, metastasis obstetric and gynecological diseases and developing chemotherapy-resistance. We are working on developing new therapeutic strategies by using Integrated OMICS novel therapeutic strategies for gynecological cancer by data analysis and molecular biological analysis . Here identifying therapeutic target molecules for gynecological we introduce our research on endometriosis and cancer stem cells. 19 Anesthesiology Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Professor BABA Hiroshi Professor ENDO Hiroshi

We research the plastic changes of pain sensation In clinical medicine, our area features a wide range and the mechanisms of action of analgesics in the to address from pre-hospital and ambulatory dorsal horn. emergency care to intensive care.

We primarily research the plastic changes that Emergency and critical care medicine is targeting occurs in the spinal dorsal horn level due to peripheral prehospital care, ER, and critical care. tissue inflammation and peripheral nerve injury, and We provide helicopter EMS with purpose of quick delivery of emergency physician and nurse to on the action mechanism of analgesics thought to emergency field. act on the spinal level using electrophysiological Medical control (MC) ensuring the medical quality methods such as patch clamping. We used to record of emergency personnel in an ambulance, which one patch clamping from spinal dorsal horn cells using out of 24 Japanese people uses annually, is also spinal cord slices of matured animals (rats and our crucial area. In ER, we handles everything from mice) with dorsal root (L4 or L5) as shown in the mild to serious cases, from endogenous diseases to photograph, and furthermore now we can conduct exogenous diseases based on emergency need and in vivo patch clamping with which we can see spinal severity. In intensive care units, we provide medical dorsal horn cells responding to physiological stimuli. care to critically ill patients by using artificial organ support system. Finally, we are studying efficient and Recently, we are also recording the neural activity of effective structure of emergency medical system using the cerebral somatosensory area and spinal dorsal a geographic information system (GIS), markers of the horn using intracellular Ca2+ imaging and flavoprotein severity and outcome in septic patients, and effective fluorescence imaging methods. nutritional management for seriously injured patients.

different morphological changes within the same lesion, Clinical Pathology and analyze each region. There is a function change in Professor AJIOKA Yoichi parallel with a morphological change that can be seen with the naked eye and microscopically (tissue and cell Our department is engaged in morphological analysis levels). Protein expression and gene changes are in the and study of human digestive pathologies using immunohistochemical / molecular biological techniques. background of the morphological change. In order to clarify the relationship between the morphological change We focus on morphological analysis and conduct and the protein expression / gene change, we carry out research that can be applied to routine diagnosis. We protein expression analysis using immunohistochemistry observe a single lesion in detail, find a region that has and genetic analysis using molecular biological techniques. Diagnosis (using surgical materials, macroscopic photographs and gross descriptions) of abundant digestive organ disease cases (about 60,000 surgical materials, about 300,000 biopsies and materials for endoscopic examination) are stored in the database of our department, enabling various research on rare diseases and management of large-scale analysis on common diseases.

20 Neurosurgery Neurology （Brain Research Institute）Professor FUJII Yukihiko （Brain Research Institute） Professor ONODERA Osamu

We provide highly advanced neurosurgical We work to overcome neurological disorders treatment merging our proud tradition with using clinical knowledge, state-of-the-art analytical advanced technology, and conduct basic research techniques, and human brain tissues. focused on addressing clinical questions. Our research institute is the only brain research institute in Japan that has departments of neurology and neurosurgery. We take advantage of this and conduct research to overcome neurological disorders. We have co-operated with each department in the Brain Research Institute and worked on genetic, biochemical, cell biological and histopathological methods. We have so far been successful in the The neurosurgery department at the Brain Research research for the pathogenesis of neurological Institute, Niigata University was established by Dr. disorders, including the diseases deeply related Mizuho Nakata, who is called ‘the father of neurosurgery to society such as Minamata and SMON diseases. in Japan’, in 1953 as the first independent neurosurgical Our cooperation with our pathology department program in Japan. Since then, the department has is particularly unique. We have educated many been the leader in neurosurgical treatment and neurologists and contributed to the local medical research in Japan. Our most distinctive feature is service on neurological disorders. Many of our staffs that we can engage in treatment and research in an have presented excellent research results based on environment where we can freely collaborate with the the awareness found in daily clinical practice. Our basic research laboratories of Brain Research Institute. research results have been jointly implemented with A question encountered through treating patients many patients and medical personnel who work at triggers the initialization of basic research, and feeding the forefront of neurology. We educate professionals back to patients has been our concept since the start in a wide range of areas from the state-of-the-art of the Brain Research Institute. We continue this “from neuroscience to daily clinical service for neurology bedside to bench and back” approach as we face new and will continue to lead the world to overcome challenges. The research projects we are currently neurological disorders. focusing on include the following: (1) development of new treatment strategies for the intractable disease malignant glioma by exploiting glioma stem cells and autophagy, (2) development of surgery support systems and an educational training system to enable safe completion of highly complex neurosurgical cases, and (3) research to elucidate the pathophysiology of epilepsy in collaboration with the Epilepsy Center at Nishi-Niigata Chuo National Hospital.

we apply clinicopathological methods, as well as Clinical Nephrology and Rheumatology varieties of experimental techniques, such as molecular （Kidney Research Center） Professor NARITA Ichiei and cellular biology, genetic and proteomic analysis, and those with experimental animal models. Particularly, Our task includes clinical practise, research we have performed extensive research and published and education in the area of nephrology and rheumatology. many papers on the development and progression of IgA nephropathy, one of the most predominant type of A wide range of basic and primary glomerulonephritis. We have also contributed clinical investigations and greatly in the research on the influence and treatment education is in progress to of uremic toxins on complications in patients with understand pathogenesis end stage kidney disease. Our department belongs to and to develop new the Kidney Research Center. It is the sole institute in treatment strategies Japan that consists of basic, translational and clinical for kidney diseases and department. Each department specializes in research autoimmune diseases. To about kidney disease covering from basic to clinical acomplish these purposes, science, working in a coordinated fashion.

21 Structural Pathology Cell Biology （Kidney Research Center） （Kidney Research Center） Associate Professor YAOITA Eishin Professor KAWACHI Hiroshi

We study the maintenance mechanism of the The Department of Cell Biology, Kidney Research glomerular structure in the kidney with cell biological Center conducts basic research to elucidate the approach. pathogenic mechanism of kidney glomerular diseases and to develop novel therapy for nephrotic Studies of injury markers have revealed that glomeruli syndrome, one of the most important disease in nephrology field. are frequently injured and repaired even in physiological conditions as well as pathological conditions. The The number of patients with chronic kidney disease imbalance between injury and repair is one of the (CKD) in Japan is estimated to be approximately 13 main causes for progressive kidney damages resulting million. To overcome kidney disease is one of the most in chronic renal failure. Although injury mechanisms important issue in clinical field. Epidemiological data have been investigated in a variety of aspects, little is show that proteinuria, a symptom of kidney disease, is known about the mechanisms to restore and maintain the most important risk factor for cardiovascular and the structure. In Structural Pathology, we are exploring cerebrovascular diseases. The main research theme the maintenance mechanism by using two methods, of our group is to elucidate the pathophysiological focusing on glomeruli. One method is proteomics. We mechanism of proteinuria and establish the novel comprehensively identify membrane proteins at cell- therapy for nephrotic syndrome, a disease showing cell contact sites and try to clarify their role in structure severe proteinuria. In past three decades we are maintenance. The other is cell culture. Cells lose their studying the biology of podocyte, the most important differentiated phenotypes in culture. We are trying to cell in maintaining glomerular function. Our group make a breakthrough by establishing culture conditions reported first in the world that the slit diaphragm, a to restore cells to phenotypes in vivo. cell-cell junction of podocytes functions as a critical barrier preventing proteinuria. Our group contributes to better understanding the nature of the slit diaphragm. We identified several critical molecules maintaining the barrier function of the slit diaphragm. Currently we focus on the development of a novel therapy targeting these molecules to prevent proteinuria.

examination. We are counseling every-year students Comprehensive Medical Education Center with all kinds of difficulty at “Asahi-machi Campus Medical Student Supporting & Counseling Room.” We update the Professor SUZUKI Toshiya website of the faculty everyday, record and edit master Comprehensive Medical Center is a branch of the and doctor courses of graduate school lectures, and Education and Research Organization of Niigata upload the lecture video to the e-Lecture page within University Faculty of Medicine and engaging in all the the same day. We support planning and managing aspects of the education. The director of the center Faculty Development (All Faculties' Conference, Medical is Professor Tatsuo USHIKI, the Dean of the Faculty. Education Workshop of Niigata University Faculty of We are giving lecture to Year 1 students: "Early Medicine and others) and Staff Development. Medical Exposure (EME)" and "Introduction to Medicine", Year 2: " Integrated Basic and Clinical Medicine" and "Behavioral Science", Year 3: "Integrated Clinical Medicine." We are supporting lectures and practice through the poster printing of Year 3 “Medical Research Practice” and organizing faculty for Year 4 “Introduction of clinical training”. We are managing Year 4 common achievement test CBT & OSCE, Year 6 Post CC-OSCE, and computer-assist tests for Year 3&4 organ-based lecture and Year 6 graduation

22 Histopathology Core Facility Collaborative Research Laboratory Professor AJIOKA Yoichi Applied Molecular Medicine Specially Appointed Prof. SAITO Akihiko As a joint facility of a medical department, we prepare tissue specimens, support research and Cancer Genome Informatics Laboratory Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. education related to the specimens, and store and TAKEUCHI Shiho manage materials for research and education. Biofluid Biomarker Center Specially Appointed Prof. YAMAMOTO Tadashi This facility was established in September 2015 for contract preparations of histopathological specimens (experimental animals and plants included) for research, Donated Fund Laboratory research and education support related thereto, and preserving and managing research and educational Clinical Nephroscience materials. Our main business lineups are preparing Specially Appointed Prof. MARUYAMA Hiroki formalin-fixed paraffin sections and frozen sections, preparing histopathological specimens (prepared Health Promotion Medicine specimens) for microscopes such as HE staining of tissue specimens, cultured cell samples, histochemistry Molecular Aging and Cell Biology and immunohistochemistry, pathologists evaluating Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. SHIMIZU Ippei pathological tissue, photographing on a macro-micro level, making virtual slides and paraffin block storage. Clinical Nutrition Science Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. We hope to go beyond contributing to medicine, HOSOJIMA Michihiro dentistry and drug research, to also conduct research, Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology product development promotion, and educational for Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases support in all experimental and research fields Specially Appointed Prof. KATO Kiminori including agriculture and food relationships, science Advanced Cardiopulmonary Vascular and industrial product development. We offer free Therapeutics consultations and hope you will come to us for one. Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. KASHIMURA Takeshi

Community Psychiatric Medicine Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. ONO shin

Comprehensive Geriatrics in Community Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. IMAI Norio

Health Sciences for Prevention and Management of Non-communicable Diseases PAS stain (mucus stain) Berlin blue stain (iron stain) Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. FUJIHARA Kazuya Mucus in human colon cancer Asbestos found in human is stained red sputum Community Medicine Division of Community Medicine Specially Appointed Prof. IGUCHI Seitaro

Community Medicine Division of Disaster Medicine and Medical Professionals Development Specially Appointed Prof. TAKAHASHI Masashi Oil red O stain (fat stain) Ziehl-Neelsen stain Human fatty liver (Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inter-Organ Communication Research stain) Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. YOKOSEKI Akio Human macrophages that devoured Mycobacterium Familial and Hereditary Oncology tuberculosis Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. NISHINO Koji

Preemptive Medicine for Digestive Diseases and Healthy Active Life Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. HASHIMOTO Satoru

Community Medicine and Clinical Data Analysis Specially Appointed Assoc Prof. MATSUNAGA Satoshi

Advanced Treatment and Prevention for Vascular Disease and Embolism Specially Appointed Prof. HANZAWA Kazuhiko

23 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

The Faculty of Medicine is deepening international exchange in education and research with universities around the world. Undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to study overseas while studying at Niigata University. Support for the United States Medical Licensing Examination is also provided. Niigata University welcomes students from abroad every year. They come from western countries and countries around the East Asian Rim, taking advantage of our deep linkage based on Niigata's geography and history. We also place importance on nurturing global medical personnel and researchers who can play an active role on the international stage through our activities.

Exchange partner schools of the Faculty of Medicine

Denmark Moscow State University UK St. Petersburg University North-Eastern Federal University Kings College Kazan Federal University Russian Federation Concordia University University of Leicester kazan State Medical University Canada University of Bristol Technical University of Denmark Brigham and Women's Hospital Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Cincinnati Children's Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Harvard University Children's Hospital Harbin Medical University Hospital Medical University of Tübingen University of Michigan Far Eastern State Medical University Center Qiqihar Medical University Swiss Federal Institute of Technology University of Illinois at Chicago The National University Hospital of Zurich Germany Pacific State Medical University Institutesof Health University of Lausanne University of Lisbon University of California New York University China Medical University Graduate School University of Cagliari China Columbia University National Xiamen University University of California, San Diego School University of Pennsylvania Switzerland Taiwan University Jefferson Medical School Portugal MD Anderson Cancer Center Italy China Southern Medical University University of Virginia Graduate School Gupta University of Technology The United States and Science Graduate School University of Medicine, Yangon Myanmar North Carolina State University Virginia State University University of Public Health, Yangon Wake Forest University Johns Hopkins University National University of Malaysia Rutgers University Massachusetts State University India Sli Lanka (Former University Kebangsan) University of Maryland Bioengineering Laboratory Peradeniya University Indonesia - Massachusetts Airlangga University General Hospital

Jahangirnagar University Malaysia Undergraduates Development Alternative University Graduates University of Rajshahi Undergraduates & graduates

Bangladesh

【Characteristic activities】

（１）Western countries We are engaged in an interactive exchange with Leicester University in the UK. We send our undergraduate students and accept the UK students for clinical practice every year. Besides, over ten students have conducted full-scale basic research for about two months at various universities. Aiming to raise the level of proficiency among students, we offer English conversation classes which are taught by native speakers and are focused on medical English. We provide information on how to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (UMSLE) to support the students who want to work abroad. As a result, 11 people passed the exam between 2012 and 2017. In addition, we invite leading doctors and researchers who are active overseas and according to the world standards and about diverse hold lectures on the current state of medical care career development. 24 （２）Russia （３）Southeast Asia Niigata, with the Consulate We participate in educational and research exchange General of Russia, has been in the field of infectious diseases focusing on influenza a gateway to Japan-Russia virus and international health sciences. In Myanmar, we friendship for many years. collaborate with top-level facilities such as the University of Making good use of this Medicine 2, Yangon and University of Mandalay. In 2015, background, we have been we were selected to AMED's Global Research Network promoting medical and health on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID), and we established a care exchanges with medical research base in Yangon (See page 26). We cooperate universities in the Far East and Siberia since 1993. About with the former six major medical universities and accept 320 students have traveled to and from the two countries international students as well. so far, and more than 70 Russian doctors and nurses have We also launched a Doctoral Double Degree Program worked with our faculty members. In 2014, Niigata University in cooperation with the National University of Malaysia. was selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, In accordance with this, we are also starting to accept Science and Technology for the Special Program to Prioritize undergraduate students for short-term training. Government Scholarships for International Students as well as for the Inter University Exchange Project (See page 27). So exchanges with Russia are accelerating even further. Unique international research projects are progressing in areas such as infectious disease studies and epidemiology.

Number of international students (2011 - 2017)

Undergraduates Graduates Undergraduates Graduates Country University/Facility Country University/Facility Dispatched Accepted Dispatched Accepted Dispatched Accepted Dispatched Accepted Far Eastern State Medical University 20 21 2 9 Canada Rutgers University 1 Krasnoyarsk State Medical University 25 19 4 11 Kings College 1 United Pacific State Medical University 13 20 1 5 University of Bristol 2 Kingdom Russian kazan State Medical University 2 University of Leicester 8 3 Federation Kazan Federal University 2 Portugal University of Lisbon 1 St. Petersburg University 2 Italy University of Cagliari 1 North-Eastern Federal University 2 University of Tübingen 2 Germany Helmholtz Centre for University of Illinois at Chicago 3 1 Infection Research Wake Forest University 2 Swiss Federal Institute of MD Anderson Cancer Center 1 5 Technology University of California 4 Switzerland University Hospital of Zurich 3 University of California, 4 University of Lausanne 2 San Diego School Denmark Technical University of Denmark 1 Columbia University 2 National Xiamen University 1 Jefferson Medical School 1 Taiwan University 1 Johns Hopkins University 1 Qiqihar Medical University 1 Cincinnati Children's 5 China Medical University Hospital Medical Center China 2 Graduate School New York University 1 China Southern North Carolina State University 1 1 Medical University The United Harvard University 5 Harbin Medical University 14 24 8 States Children's Hospital University of Medicine, Yangon 1 Virginia State University 1 Myanmar University of Public Health, Yangon 1 University of Virginia 1 National University of Malaysia Graduate School Malaysia 27 7 (Former University Kebangsan) Brigham and Women's Hospital 6 Gupta University of Technology The National Institutes of Health 4 India 1 and Science Graduate School University of Pennsylvania 1 Jahangirnagar University 1 Bioengineering Laboratory - 1 Bangladesh Development Alternative University 1 Massachusetts General Hospital University of Rajshahi 1 Massachusetts State University 1 Sli Lanka Peradeniya University 1 University of Michigan 4 2 Indonesia Airlangga University 1 University of Minnesota 10 University of Maryland 1 Rutgers University 7 25 PROJECTS

The Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on SAITO Reiko Infectious Diseases (J-GRID): Research leader Professor of Division of Approach to respiratory infection control in Myanmar International Health

Niigata University, as one of the oversea research infectious diseases. Based on our research results, centers in the ‘Japan Initiative for Global Research Myanmar is clear the major propagation path for Network on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID)’ program infectious diseases in Asia and new antigenic of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and influenza spreads in humans six months earlier than Development (AMED) from April 2015, established Japan. Therefore, Myanmar is an important point for a research center of infectious diseases in the selection of vaccine strains. National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Yangon, the In this project, we set influenza and severe largest city in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. pediatric pneumonia known as an important Technical cooperation agreement (TCA) was infectious disease prevailing in developing countries concluded with the Ministry of Health in November as our main research subjects. We are working 2015, and equipment was carried into the newly to approach for control of infectious diseases to installed laboratory. In March 2016, the opening reduce spreading risk in both Myanmar and Japan, ceremony of the Infectious Diseases Research working from the aspects of pathology and virology Center of Niigata University in Myanmar (IDRC) was in addition to epidemiological investigations and held, and the ‘Joint Research Project on Influenza research that clarify the actual situation. We are also and Other Respiratory Virus Infections, and Severe working to be an open research hub for developing Pneumonia in Children’ was started by Niigata highly specialized human resources collaborating University and NHL, scheduled to continue for five with universities and research institutions in years. Myanmar and Japan. The Niigata University School of Medicine began medical support activities in Myanmar since 2000 and established a research cooperation system by exchanging a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Health, Myanmar in 2004 and constructed infrastructure for research on

IDRC Laboratory

Project Overview

26 Re-inventing Japan, Japan-Russian G-MedEx Project YAMAKAWA Shihoko Head of G-MedEx Control Center

Our university's framework, ‘Building a Framework program for acquiring PhDs at both Japanese and for Developing Global Medical Human Resources Russian universities are offered. We use English that Contribute to the Economic and Industrial in all the programs, and by supporting research Development of Russia and Japan,’ was adopted by consistent with the specializations and hopes the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science of each student, we encourage them to acquire and Technology in 2016, publicly advertised and cutting-edge knowledge, technology and language. named ‘Re-inventing Japan Project’. This project In addition to motivating young people who are supports an approach to international education responsible for the future international medicine, we collaboration among universities in order to foster aim to foster students who would like to acquire global human resources who can play an active the global perspective necessary to deal with role internationally and to strengthen the global community medicine, multinational patients and development of university education. medical scientists. We also aim to educate global For over 25 years, we have continued medical medical personnel who will devote themselves exchanges with three schools in Russia: Krasnoyarsk to the development of the medical community by State Medical University, Far Eastern State Medical leading in Japan, Russia and around the world. University in Khabarovsk, and Pacific State Medical Through this project, we will build a “Niigata model” University in Vladivostok. In this project, we are of international education and widely disseminate it. undertaking a series of activities under the name The circulation of human resources due to of the Globalization and Medical Exchange Project international exchange between Japan and Russia for Career Development in in medical field is expected to promote the spread Japan and Russia (G-MedEx) and export of Japanese-style medical care overseas and we made it to conclude and contribute to the growth of economic and new agreements with five industrial development in both countries. other universities in Russia. As a result, the number of the students exchanged is increasing. This project includes multilayered programs. In addition to the summer medical student exchange and medical research training program for undergraduates, the regular PhD program to support graduate students and the double degree

Tohoku Next Generation SAIJO Yasuo Coordinator in Niigata University Cancer Professional Training Plan Professor of Medical Oncology

The Cancer Professional Training Plan is a Ministry the many faculty members in the four universities, of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology practical and cross-organ cancer treatment project related to graduate school education. education through a cancer board and overseas The project aims to educate medical personnel training. Many young medical stuff are studying. who treat and care cancer patients, overcoming Through numerous seminars, we strive to improve the current human resource shortage. Based on cancer treatment outcome by educating our the results of the first and second phase (2007- medical staff and holding an annual lecture open to 2011) (2012-2016), the third phase (2017-2021) is the public. We expect that by training many cancer now carried out. As the Tohoku Next Generation specialists through this plan, we can improve the Cancer Professional Training Plan theme, Niigata cancer treatment in Niigata University and Niigata University is working in collaboration with Tohoku Prefecture. This project resulted in success, and University, Yamagata University and Fukushima the third phase of the Cancer Professional Training Medical University to improve the cancer medical Plan started from 2017. Niigata University plans to standards in Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima and continue the project in collaboration with other Niigata Prefectures. We work together with cancer three universities. medical collaboration hub hospitals and educate cancer medical personnel. Niigata University is educating specialized medical cancer specialists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, tumor surgeons, cancer nursing professional nurses, genetic nursing professional nurses, and medical physicists. We employ specially-appointed faculty a member in oncology/palliative medicine in our educational system and implement accreditation with a common curriculum by off e-learning from

27 DATA

Number of Students (Undergraduate) （As of May 1, 2018）

Year １s t ２n d ３r d ４t h ５t h ６t h Total Admission Quota 122 127 127 127 127 127 757 School of 127 135 137 132 141 110 782 Medicine Enrollment (26) (40) (33) (31) (46) (30) (206)

( ) indicates female students

Number of Students (Graduate) （As of May 1, 2018）

Year １s t ２n d Total Graduate School of Admission Quota 20 20 40 Medical and Dental Course for Biomedical 15 20 35 Sciences Sciences Enrollment (Master Course) (8) (8) (16)

（As of May 1, 2018）

Year １s t ２n d ３r d ４t h Total Admission Quota 22 22 22 22 88 Course for Molecular 22 24 23 35 104 and Cellular Medicine Enrollment (7) (2) (6) (7) (22)

Admission Quota 37 37 37 37 148 Course for Biological Functions and Medical 36 37 56 73 202 Graduate School of Control Enrollment Medical and Dental (11) (9) (13) (20) (53) Sciences Admission Quota 14 14 14 14 56 (Doctor Course) Course for Community 3 6 8 12 29 Disease Control Enrollment (0) (3) (3) (6) (12)

Admission Quota 73 73 73 73 292 Total 61 67 87 120 335 Enrollment (18) (14) (22) (33) (87)

( ) indicates female students

Number of Foreign Students （As of May 1, 2018） Year １s t ２n d Total

Graduate School of Medical and Course for Biomedical Sciences 2 2 4 Dental Sciences (Master Course)

（As of May 1, 2018）

Year １s t ２n d ３r d ４t h Total

Course for Molecular and Cellular Medicine 3 3 0 1 7 Graduate School of Medical and Dental Course for Biological Functions and Medical Control 3 1 2 1 7 Sciences Course for Community Disease Control 0 2 4 4 10 (Doctor Course) Total 6 6 6 6 24

28 Number of Graduates Number of Degrees Conferred（Master of Biomedical Science） Period Number of Graduates Period Graduates College of Medicine (Old Educational March, 2004 - March, 2018 205 964（0） System)(Nov., 1914 - March, 1924) Number of Degrees Conferred Medical College 1,974（3） Doctor of Philosophy（Medical Science）, Doctor of Philosophy (March, 1926 - March, 1954) Period The Whole Course Thesis Total Attached Medical Special Course Completed Presented 661（15） (Sept., 1942 - March, 1952) Doctors(Old Educational System) 1,888 1,888 University (New Educational System) (Dec., 1923 - March, 1960) 6,506（1,061） (March, 1955 - March, 2018) Doctors(New Educational System) 2,012 1,796 3,808 (March, 1959 - March, 2018) Total 10,105（1,079） Total 3,900 1,796 5,696 ( ) indicates female students Successful Candidates of the National Medical Practitioners Qualifying Examination 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Applicants 99 108 128 115 127 Passed 94 98 121 105 120 Pass ratio (%) 94.9 90.7 94.5 91.3 94.5

Staff （As of May 1, 2018） Teaching Staff Office Personnel Divisions Associate Assistant Clerical Technical Medical Professors Lecturers Total Total Professors Professors Officials Officials Technical Staff School of Medicine 38 36 14 49 137 22 12 0 34 (Female) (1) (2) (2) (10) (15) (8) (3) (0) (11) (From Abroad) (0) (0) (0) (2) (2) (0) (0) (0) (0)

External Funding 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Category Items Items Items Items Items Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Reserch Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas 7 6 3 6 9 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(A) 3 3 2 2 0 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(B) 9 12 19 16 19 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C) 39 44 45 65 65 Grant-in-Aid for challenging Exploratory Research 13 15 16 20 16 Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists(A) 0 0 2 4 5 Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists(B) 12 8 13 30 31 Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity start-up 1 1 1 5 4 Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Research Fellow 3 5 7 4 4 Subtotal 87 94 108 152 153 Health and Labor Sciences Research Grant 29 23 13 9 8 Joint research 14 18 32 23 33 Commissioned research 22 30 41 46 49 Donations 564 538 553 525 520 Total Amount (Unit: ¥1,000) 1,232,804 1,434,623 1,529,642 1,428,310 1,634,754 29 Number of Autopsies and Body Donors

Divisions 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Systematical 64 51 48 46 55 45 64 59 55 54 Pathological 51 40 48 37 33 22 41 31 25 25 Total 115 91 96 83 88 67 105 90 80 79

International Exchange

Countries Foreign University Date Concluded United Kingdom University of Leicester February 28, 2017 People's Republic of China Harbin Medical University April 6, 1998

Far Eastern State Medical University August 26, 1998 Pacific State Medical University July 23, 1993 Krasnoyarsk State Medical University September 11, 1998

Russian Federation kazan State Medical University November 16, 2017 Kazan Federal University November 17, 2017 North-Eastern Federal University November 3, 2017 Moscow State University December 21, 2017 Medical Center and School of Medicine, Malaysia July 30, 2009 National University of Malaysia

Republic of the Union of University of Medicine 2, Yangon October 22, 2013 Myanmar The Myanmar Ministry of Health September 20, 2005 Mongolia Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences July 14, 2014 Canada Concordia University December 12, 2013 Jahangirnagar University December 16, 2016 Bangladesh North South University April 11, 2018 Indonesia Airlangga University May 1, 2017

30 BUILDING LAYOUT

△ ▼ Faculty of Dentistry Ｎ Amenity Mall Outpatient Entrance

Outpatient wing West wing Central wing East Ward Medical and Dental Integrated Research Bldg. Hospital West Ward

Hospital Medical and Yujin 4 Entrance Dental Library Ikehara Memorial Hall 1 2 5 Memorial Hall Animal 3 School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Experimentation Gene 9 Facility Experimentation Brain Research 6 7 Facility Institute Central RI General Brain Research 8 Power Center Institute Entrance Station

Extracurricular Multi-story Activity Club Parking Garage Bldg. 72.713

Tennis Court Ground Gymnasium II

School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Entrance

School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 1 East Wing Building 2 West Wing Building 3 North Wing Building 4 East Lecture Building 5 West Lecture Building 6 Auditorium 7 Practice Rooms 8 Joint Research Building 9 Niigata Medical Professionals Development Center The Hippocrates Tree

31 The Sea of Japan

Niigata City Aquarium● Asahimachi Campus Gokoku Shrine● Niigata University ●Shin Nihonkai Ferry 402 Sekiya The Shinano River 116 ●NEXT21 Bunsui Aoyama Channel Niigata City Sado Kisen Ferry Port● Station Office● Sekiya Niigata City Hakusan Station Performing Arts Bandai Station Center● Bridge 113 Niigata Prefectural Showa Office● Bridge

7

Niigata Station

The Shinano River Joetsu Bullet Train Line

How to reach the School of Medicine from Niigata Station 【Bus】 Take the Bandai Exit from Niigata Station (JR East Japan Railway Company) Take one of the following Niigata Kotsu buses at the bus terminal in front of Niigata Station ▶C2 Hamaura-cho Line: Get off at Asahimachi-dori Ni-bancho (15 – 20 minutes) Walk about 3 minutes south from the bus stop. ▶C3 Shinano-machi Line: Get off at Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall)(15 – 20 minutes) Walk about 8 minutes north from the bus stop. ▶C8 Shindai Byoin Line: Get off at Niigata Daigaku Byoin (Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital)(15 – 20 minutes) Walk about 5 minutes north from the bus stop. 【Taxi】 10 – 15 minutes from Bandai Exit at Niigata Station (JR East Japan Railway Company)

An Outline of Niigata University School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (Medicine)

Date of Issue: June 2018 Publisher: Administrative Affairs Division Medical and Dental Programs 757 Ichibancho, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo Ward, Niigata City 951-8510 Phone: +81-(0)25-223-6161 (Main number)