M.D., Ph.D. Professor Koichi Omori
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery treats various disorders. Our research focuses on sensory organs (auditory, vestibular, olfactory, gustatory) and aero digestive organs (respiration, swallowing, speech), which are essential for communication and life functions. We research sensorineural hearing loss treatments, including regenerating sensory cells and the eardrum, as well as inner ear drug delivery systems (DDS). For laryngotracheal regeneration, we developed artificial trachea and conducted an investigator initiated clinical trial for practical application of artificial trachea. We also conduct airway regeneration using iPS cell-derived ciliary cells and chondrocytes.
Research and Education
■ Research Group for Inner Ear
Most of sensorineural hearing loss and equilibrium disorders are caused by damage to the inner ear, which never regenerates after birth. Our group aims to achieve functional regeneration of the inner ear by elucidating developmental and regenerative mechanisms1), and to develop a novel therapy for the inner ear dysfunction. Hearing loss is known to affect brain functions related to communication. We are conducting various clinical studies, aiming to clarify the changes in brain function caused by hearing loss and to use these findings for trearment2).
Clustering of the comprehensive gene expression data from single developmental inner ear cells [1]
■ Research Group for Head and Neck
Post-injury scarring on vocal cords and trachea can exhibit symptoms such as hoarseness and breathing difficulty. We are developing AI tools for voice analysis to facilitate disease diagnosis and exploring therapeutic approaches using tissue engineering techniques such as human iPS cells and artificial trachea3)4). Collaborating with multiple labs, we investigate head and neck carcinoma development and innovate treatments. By crossing research boundaries, we strive to generate new insights and knowledge.
Scanning electron microscope image of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived airway epithelial cells, which were transplanted to nasal cavities of nude rats.
Recent Publications
- Matsunaga M, Yamamoto R, Kita T, Ohnishi H, Yamamoto N, Okano T, Omori K, Nakagawa T. Stepwise fate conversion of supporting cells to sensory hair cells in the chick auditory epithelium. iScience. 2023 Jan 25;26(2):106046.
- Yamazaki H, Suehiro A, Ueda Y, Kondo K, Ishida A, Yamamoto N, Takagi A, Omori K. Early Cochlear Implantation Allows Deaf Children to Control Voice Pitch and Loudness independently. Otol Neurotol. 2022 Jan 1;43(1):e56-e63.
- Kuwata F, Ohnishi H, Yamamoto N, Takezawa T, Yamashita M, Okuyama H, Hayashi Y, Yoshimatsu M, Kitada Y, Tada T, Kobayashi M, Omori K. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Airway Cells on Vitrigel Membrane into Rat Nasal Cavity. Tissue Eng Part A. 2022 Jul;28(13-14):586-594.
- Kaba S, Kawai Y, Tanigami Y, Ohnishi H, Kita T, Yoshimatsu M, Omori K, Kishimoto Y. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Agonist Attenuates Vocal Fold Fibrosis in Rats via Regulation of Macrophage Activation. Am J Pathol. 2022 May;192(5):771-782.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Professor:Koichi Omori
Associate Professor: Yo Kishimoto, Atsushi Suehiro, Keigo Honda
Senior Lecturer: Kiyomi Hamaguchi, Tsuyoshi Kojima, Koji Nishimura, Hiroshi Yamazaki
Assistant Professor: Yosuke Tona, Yoshitaka Kawai, Chiaki Suzuki, Shintaro Fujimura, Shinji Kaba, Mami Matsunaga, Hiroe Ohnishi
TEL： +81-75-751-3346
FAX： +81-75-751-7225
e-mail ：inq@ent.kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp
URL ：https://ent.kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/