発達障害研究所 INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH Aichi Prefectural Colony Aichi Prefectural Government Office
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developmental disability research center Renewal:March 1st in 2011
AICHI HUMAN SERVICE CENTER Top　　Greeting　　Event INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH
　　Greeting　　
Outline

The Institute for Developmental Research was established in 1972 as a facility of the Aichi Human Service Center. Since then the Institute has been contributing to the natural, social and human sciences with the following aims:
  1. Elucidate the nature and causes of developmental disabilities, for preventive purposes;
  2. Determine principles for therapeutics and education for persons with developmental disabilities;
  3. Study the social and individual welfare of persons with developmental disabilities.
　
The institute has 54 staff members, and features seven research departments and a research management and support service unit.
ORGANIZATION
Director ---- Vice-Director --- Department of Genetics
    Department of Embryology
    Department of Perinatology
    Department of Molecular Neurobiology
    Department of Pathology
    Department of Functioning Science
    Department of Education and Social Service
    Research Management and Support Service
   
Secretariat
Library
Animal Facility
Equipment for Common Use
Information management
　Department of Genetics
　The department conducts research on genetic factors contributing to developmental disabilities, including mental retardation and malformations, and principally focuses on:
  1. Molecular and chromosomal investigation of diseases of unknown causes in humans and model animals.
  2. Research environmental effects on gene expression and development of convenient methods to detect reactive oxygen generating agents in the environment.
  3. Molecular identification and clinical characterization of causal genes for human developmental genetic disorders.
　Department of Embryology
　The main purpose of the department is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal embryogenesis. Current research is focused on:
  1. Transcriptional regulation of cell type-specific genes during development and differentiation.
  2. Pathogenetic analysis of neurological mutant animals
  3. Pathogenetic mechanisms of inner ear defects in mutant mice.
  4. Regulation and function of molecular motor protein.
  5. Expression profiles of morphogenetic genes in the brain during development.
　Department of Perinatology
　The research in this department is mainly focused on the prevention and alleviation of brain damage that often occurs during the perinatal period. Special attention is paid to the protection from neuronal cell death against causes such as hypoxia and to formation of functional neuronal circuits in the immature brain.
　Specific current research projects are:
  1. Search for neuroprotective molecules.
  2. Regulation of neuronal circuit formation in the brain by cell surface glycoconjugate.
　Department of Molecular Neurobiology
The research projects in the department are aimed at clarifying the mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration of neural tissues and include the following:
1) Studies on the roles of G proteins in neurogenesis in developing and adult brains.
2) Regulation of the cytoskeleton by G proteins.
3) Studies on physiological roles of small heat shock proteins in neural cells.
4) Studies on pathological roles of small heat shock proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.
5) Involvement of ubiquitin-related proteins in DNA repair.
6) Molecular and biological studies of virus-induced apoptosis.
　Department of Pathology
The mission of the department is orientated toward (1) understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental disorders of the central nervous system, sensory organs, and the musculoskeletal system, and investigating the causes of age-associated disorders currently confronting the handicapped, and (2) serving the handicapped by providing clinicopathological services.
Ongoing projects include:
1) Basic research on aging and degeneration of the brain using an animal model.
2) Distributions and functions of leukotrienes in the central nervous system.
3) Investigation of chemical compounds which inhibit the production of phosphorylated tau protein.
4) Studies on pathological roles of small heat shock proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.
5) Mitochondrial dysfunction, hyperoxidative status and senescence acceleration.
6) Molecular and biological studies of virus-induced apoptosis.
　Department of Functioning Science
Research in the department is concerned with:
　
1) Clinical and physiopsychological studies on brain function of children with cognitive and mental disabilities.
2) Analysis of motor control mechanisms using electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) and their applications for rehabilitation of neuromuscular function.
3) Development of computer and information technology (IT) systems to support independent living for persons with developmental disabilities.
　Department of Education and Social Service
The purpose of research in the department is to study 1) ways for persons with developmental disability to be able to actualize their abilities, and 2) ways to have a normal and happy life in a community and obtain the best social services. Current research projects are:
　
1) Support for persons with autism in good communication with others.
2) Family support and community care for children with developmental disability.
3) Group home and home help service for persons with intellectual disability.
4) Attitudes toward persons with intellectual disability in community living.
5) Behavioral changes seen in aged persons with intellectual disability
　Research Management and Support Services
This division supports all the research carried out at the institute and consists of a General Affairs Office, Institute Library, Animal Facility, and other facilities for common use including, a Radioisotope Laboratory, Electron Microscope Laboratory, and Laboratory with shared equipments for biochemistry and molecular genetics.
　　　　2004〜
　　　　Additional job.
　　　　1） The support of the publicity work
　　　　2） Information appliance management(a computer administrative task)
　　　
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