KAWACHI-NAKAMURA Mariko

2026年度採用

Meijo University
Faculty of Pharmacy
Assistant professor

Research fields

Molecular biology
Pharmaceutical science

Research Interests

Cancer Immune checkpoint molecule

Professional Memberships

The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
The Japanese Cancer Association
Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Science

Main research topics

My research focuses on the interplay between immune regulation and tumor-intrinsic signaling in cancer, with the aim of developing novel molecular-targeted therapies. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and although recent advances in targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved clinical outcomes, many cancers still show limited responses to existing treatments.
In particular, certain solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, are characterized by a highly restrictive tumor microenvironment that acts as a physical and biological barrier to drug delivery. This barrier limits the penetration of therapeutic agents into tumor tissues, thereby reducing the efficacy of conventional treatments, especially antibody-based and other large-molecule drugs. As a result, these tumors often exhibit strong resistance to current therapeutic strategies.
To overcome these limitations, there is a growing need to develop alternative approaches that can effectively target molecules functioning within tumor cells. In this context, my research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between immune regulation and intracellular signaling pathways in cancer. By integrating cellular and molecular analyses, I seek to identify new therapeutic opportunities.
Ultimately, this work aims to bridge fundamental research and drug discovery, contributing to the development of innovative treatment strategies for cancers that are difficult to treat with existing approaches.

Representative papers

・Yuya Ogimoto, Mariko Kawachi-Nakamura, Kazunori Hashimoto, Kiyoshi Yanagisawa, “IKAROS isoforms differentially control gene expression and differentiation of a B-cell  acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line,” Nagoya Journal of Medical Science, 88, 2026, 232-242

・Mariko Nakamura, Akira Yoshimi, Tatsuya Tokura et al, “Duloxetine improves chronic orofacial pain and comorbid depressive symptoms in association with reduction of SERT protein through upregulation of ubiquitinated SERT protein,” Pain, 165, 2024, 1177-1186

Research URL

Researchmap　https://researchmap.jp/mkawa

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