Using DNA samples collected from patients with psychiatric disorders, we will examine whether there is a difference in the frequency of genetic polymorphisms between patients with and without psychiatric disorders. Based on this analysis, we can narrow down the susceptibility regions associated with the psychiatric disorders. We can also detect the functional relevancy of susceptibility genes through collaboration with other departments at the International Center for Brain Science.

Nakao Iwata Professor

It is difficult to elucidate the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. However, to overcome this challenge, I have been working in the fields of neurobiochemistry, molecular biochemistry, and medical genetics. Medical genetics has made marked progress in the 21st century and has provided clues to solve complex problems in psychiatry. Now is the time for researchers in different fields to come together to make a great leap forward. I will continue to work hard to make this happen at the International Center for Brain Science.

Masashi Ikeda Visiting Professor

I am working towards detecting the susceptibility genes of psychiatric disorders. My main research area is statistical genetics for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and pharmacogenomic traits associated with drug response or adverse effects.

Satoshi Okouchi Senior Assistant Professor

While practicing as a psychiatrist, I am also engaged in genetic research on psychiatric disorders. I am conducting pharmacogenomic studies on drug response and plasma concentrations of psychotropic drugs.

Takeo Saito Senior Assistant Professor

My research aims are to identify susceptibility genes of psychiatric disorders, mainly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, using statistical genetics. I am also conducting pharmacogenomic studies on drug response and side effects of psychotropic drugs to generate data for precision medicine.

Kohei Ninomiya Visiting Assistant Professor

While practicing as a psychiatrist, I am also engaged in genetic research on psychiatric disorders. I am conducting cost-effectiveness analysis to determine whether treatments using genetic testing are more cost-effective than conventional treatments.

Rei Aoki Senior Assistant Professor

While engaged in clinical practice as a psychiatrist, I am also working in the fields of psychiatric genetics. My research aims to apply the findings of psychiatric genetics to clinical settings. Specifically, I am focusing on research that seeks to clarify the correlations between different psychiatric disorders and the risk associated with both psychiatric and physical illnesses.

Shugo Mizutani Assistant

While engaged in clinical practice as a psychiatrist, I am also working in the fields of psychiatric genetics. I am examining the correlations between the polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia and the responsiveness to antipsychotics as well as the clinical condition in my research.