Research Themes

6.Exploration of Biomarkers for Mycobacterial Diseases

Research Overview

The disease activity of mycobacterial infections is typically assessed based on sputum culture results and other indicators. However, these assessments often lack objectivity and quantitative precision. Therefore, there is a need for biomarkers that can objectively and quantitatively evaluate disease activity and aid in determining treatment strategies. We are currently investigating potential substances that could serve as biomarkers for disease activity using clinical samples.

Key Research Achievements

*Corresponding Author

  1. Uno S, Nishimura T*, Nishio K, Kohsaka A, Tamizu E, Nakano Y, Kagyo J, Nakajima Y, Arai R, Hasegawa H, Arakawa K, Kashimura S, Ishii R, Miyazaki N, Uwamino Y, Hasegawa N. Potential biomarker enhancing the activity of tuberculosis, hsa-miR-346. Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2021; 129: 102101. doi: 10.1016/j.tube.2021.102101.
  2. Asakura T, Kimizuka Y, Nishimura T*, Suzuki S, Namkoong H, Masugi Y, Sato Y, Ishii M, Hasegawa N. Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 level in the disease progression and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease. Respirology. 26(1): 112-119, 2021.
  3. Nishimura T*, Tamizu E, Uno S, Uwamino Y, Fujiwara H, Nishio K, Nakano Y, Shiono H, Namkoong H, Hoshino Y, Iwata S, Hasegawa N. hsa-miR-346 is a potential serum biomarker of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease activity. J Infect Chemother. 23(10): 703-708, 2017.