Kazuichi SAKAMOTO Ph.D.

MAJOR: Molecular Biology of Health and Nutrition
MAIL:

Searching and Characterization of Natural Bio-active Compounds Acting on Our Health and Youth—– New bio-assay system using Nematode —–

Phytochemicals such as catechin from tea, resveratrol from red grapes, and hydroxytyrosol from olives are famous bioactive compounds that can act against aging and help protect against lifestyle-related diseases. We are using these materials in functional foods, cosmetics, medicines, and other materials to promote health and slow aging.
We have developed a new bioassay system to find and evaluate natural bioactive compounds (e.g. phytochemicals, plant extracts, fermented foods, and animal tissues) that influence health and aging; this novel bioassay system uses nematodes to characterize the bioactivity of natural substances.
Because of its biological characteristics (easy culture, short lifespan, and availability of mutants), the nematode is a suitable and well-characterized model for investigating the physiology and mechanisms of human aging and disease. We are using this animal to screen for biomaterials with potential benefits for human health.
To promote health (prevention and amelioration of lifestyle-related diseases) and youth (anti-aging and vitality), we are searching for natural bioactive compounds.
We are scientifically evaluating the bioactivity of these substances and developing novel bioactive materials.
We are also conducting applied studies to develop functional foods, functional feeds, cosmetics, and medicines.

Anti-aging, Health span, Life-style-related disease, Bio-active compound, Phytochemical, Functional food, Flavonoids, Nematode, Longevity genes, Sirtuin, Obesity, Diabetes melitus, Allergie

Kazuichi SAKAMOTO Ph.D.
E-mail:

, phone: 81-29-853-4676
Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences,University of Tsukuba Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
http://www.life.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/index.html

1) Drira, R., Chen, S., and Sakamoto, K. (2011).

Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol inhibited adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Life Sciences, 89, 708-716.

2) Kim, H., and Sakamoto, K. (2011).

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate suppresses adipocyte differentiation through the MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Cell Biology International, 36, 147-153.

3) Shintani, H., Furuhashi, T., Hano, H., Matsunaga, M., Usumi, K., Shudo, N., and Sakamoto, K. (2011).

Physiological Effects of Salmon Milt Nucleoprotein on Movement, Stress Tolerance and Lifespan of C. elegans. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 3, 48-54.

4) Nomura, T., Horikawa, M., Shimamura, S., Hashimoto, T., and Sakamoto, K. (2010).

Fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans is mediated by SREBP homolog SBP-1. Genes and Nutrition, 5, 17-27.

5) Kamon, M., Zhao, R., and Sakamoto, K. (2010).

Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate suppressed the differentiation of murine osteoblast MC3T3-E1. Cell Biology International, 34, 109-116.