Research topics are focused on zoonotic viral infections, especially avian influenza viruses (AIVs). H5N1 and H7N9 AIVs raise serious worldwide concern about the risk of an influenza pandemic. We are using in vitro and animal experiments to study the role the viral glycoproteins and polymerase play in viral growth and cell toxicity. 

 

We are establishing a protocol to rapidly obtain the whole genome information of viral pathogens. This is expected to significantly accelerate the speed with which pathogens can be identified. Using this protocol, we have successfully demonstrated the presence of pathogenic microbes in clinical human samples without resorting to conventional selective procedures for specific pathogens. We also focus on environmental microbes for the metagenomics research.