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Masatake Fujimura Ph.D.

Chief Director for Research Planning/ Director for Research General Coordination/ Director, Department of Basic Medical Science
Specialty: Neurotoxicology, Neuropharmacology
Affiliation of Academic Society:
  • Molecular Biology Society of Japan
  • The Japanese Society of Toxicology
Laboratory assistants:Michiko Fuchigami, Runa Shinmura, Harumi Moriyama

    The main target of methylmercury is the cranial nerve system, and exposure leading to the irreversible impairment of neural function is one of the most severe consequences. Our group aims to clarify the causal factors and the characteristics in methylmercury induced neural dysfunction using a comprehensive approach on the molecular (gene and protein), cellular (cultured cell), individual (laboratory animal) and human (pathology tissue) levels, and then to apply these results to aid in diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
    Our researches have been featured on the cover of an international toxicology journal,Neurotoxicology [30 (2009)] and Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. [250 (2011), 282 (2015) and 298 (2016)].








     Additionally, we have conducted hair mercury measurements to determine the mercury pollution areas of concern around the world. In 2011, our lab was designated as a reference lab for the determination of mercury in hair for COPHES (Consortium to Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale).
  • Esteban et al., Environ. Res. (IF2021: 8.431),141, 24-30 (2015).
Subjects of study and affair
Project research
  • Fundamental　research　on　neurotoxic　mechanism　by　methylmercury　and　its　related　prevention　and　treatment (representative)
  • Research on health effects of methylmercury exposure in human and therapeutic development (representative)
  • Development of a simple method for the determination of mercury and reference materials (representative)
Basic research
  • Research on health risk reduction of methylmercury by food components (collaborator)
  • Research on change of protein function by methylmercury and its protective factors (collaborator)
  • Development of methylmercury toxicity sensor and analysis of the toxicity mechanism (collaborator)
  • Actual exposure and dose-response relationship of methylmercury and　essential　trace　elements　in　high-concentration mercury-accumulating animal species (collaborator)
Affair
  • Hair mercury examination of areas concerning for mercury pollution around the world (representative)
  • Proper management and provision of information on pathological specimens related to Minamata Disease (collaborator)
Committee
  • Academic committee (head)
  • Animal ethical and steering committee (head)
Study groups
  • Study group on pathomechanism(group leader)
  • Working group on international cooperation
◆ Research achievements(as of Oct 2022)
[Original articles]
 ◆　Total number of cited items: 1544
 ◆　 IF2021: Impact Factor 2021
  • Parvez SM, Hasan SS, Knibbs LD, Jahan F, Rahman M, Raqib R, Islam N, Aich N, Moniruzzaman M, Islam Z, Fujimura M, Sly PD: Ecological burden of e-waste in Bangladesh-an assessment to measure the exposure to e-waste and associated health outcomes: a cross-sectional study protocol. JMIR Res. Protoc., 11, e38201 (2022).
  • Fujimura M*, Unoki T*: Preliminary evaluation of the mechanism underlying vulnerability/resistance to methylmercury toxicity by comparative gene expression profiling of rat primary cultured cerebrocortical and hippocampal neurons. J. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021: 1.792), 47, 211-219 (2022). * Co-first author
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Shinkai Y, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Spatio-temporal distribution of reactive sulfur species during MeHg exposure in the rat brain. J. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021: 1.792), 47, 31-37 (2022).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: Intake of Wheat bran after administration of methylmercury reduces mercury accumulation in mice. Fundam. Toxicol. Sci.,.8, 243-248 (2021)
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A: Methylmercury induces hyperalgesia/allodynia through spinal cord dorsal horn neuronal activation and subsequent somatosensory cortical circuit formation in rats. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 95, 2151-2162 (2021).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Tada Y, Seko Y: Dietary fructooligosaccharides reduce mercury level in brain after methylmercury exposure in mice. Biol. Pharm. Bull. (IF2021: 2.264 ), 44, 522-527 (2021). Highlighted paper selected by Editor-in-chief, featured article
  • Hiraoka H, Nomura R, Takasugi N, Akai R, Iwawaki T, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T: Spatiotemporal analysis of the UPR transition induced by methylmercury in the mouse brain. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 95, 1241-1250 (2021).
  • Go S, Kurita H, Hatano M, Matsumoto K, Nogawa H, Fujimura M, Inden M, Hozumi I: DNA methyltransferase- and histone deacetylase-mediated epigenetic alterations induced by low-level methylmercury exposure disrupt neuronal development. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 95, 1227-1239 (2021).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T: Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant capacity precedes neurological signs in a rat methylmercury intoxication model. Food Chem. Toxicol. (IF2021: 5.572), 146, 111810 (2020).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Pregnant rats exposed to low level methylmercury exhibit cerebellar synaptic and neuritic remodeling during the perinatal period. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168 ), 94, 1335-1347 (2020).
  • Griebel G, Stemmelin J, Lopez-Grancha M, Boulay D, Boquet G, Slowinski F, Pichat P, Beeské S, Tanaka S, Mori A,Fujimura M, Eguchi J: The selective GSK3 inhibitor, SAR502250, displays neuroprotective activity and attenuates behavioral impairments in models of neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in rodents. Sci. Rep. (IF2021: 4.996), 2019, 9, 18045 (2019).
  • Takahashi T, Kim MS, Iwai-Shimada M, Fujimura M, Toyama T, Fujiwara Y, Naganuma A, Hwang GW: Induction of chemokine CCL3 by NF-κB reduces methylmercury toxicity in C17.2 mouse neural stem cells. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. (IF2021: 5.785), 71, 103216 (2019).
  • Usuki F*, Fujimura M*, Nakamura A, Nakano J, Okita M, Higuchi I: Local vibration stimuli induce mechanical stress-induced factors and facilitate recovery from immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rats. Front. Physiol. (IF2021: 4.755), 2019, 10, 759 (2019). *Co-first author.
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A: Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, recovers methylmercury-induced axonal degeneration by changing microglial phenotype in rats. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021: 4.109), 168, 126-136 (2019).
  • Usuki F, Yamashita A, Fujimura M: Environmental stresses suppress nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) and affect cells by stabilizing NMD-targeted gene expression. Sci. Rep. (IF2021: 4.996), 2019, 9, 1279 (2019).
  • Cambier S, Fujimura M, Bourdineaud JP: A likely placental barrier against methylmercury in pregnant rats exposed to fish-containing diets. Food Chem. Toxicol. (IF2021: 5.572), 122, 11-20 (2018).
  • Takahashi T, Kim MS, Iwai-Shimada M, Fujimura M, Toyama T, Naganuma A, Hwang GW: Induced chemokine CCL4 has a protective role against methylmercury toxicity. Toxics,(IF2021: 4.472), 2018, 6, 36 (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Methylmercury induces oxidative stress and subsequent neural hyperactivity leading to cell death through the p38 MAPK-CREB pathway in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.Neurotoxicology (IF2021: 4.398), 67, 226-233 (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: In situ different antioxidative systems contribute to site-specific methylmercury neurotoxicity in mice. Toxicology (IF2021: 4.571), 392, 55-63 (2017).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning modifies intracellular mercury content by upregulating membrane transporters. Sci. Rep. (IF2021: 4.996), 2017, 7, 12390 (2017).
  • Usui Y, Uehara F, Hiki S, Watanabe K, Tanaka H, Shouda A, Yokoshima S, Aritomo K, Adachi T, Fukunaga K, Sunada S, Mabeno M, Saito K, Eguchi J, Yamagami K, Asano S, Tanaka S, Yuki S, Yoshii N, Fujimura M, Horikawa T: Discovery of novel 2-(3-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-pyrimidon-4-ones as glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. (IF2021: 2.940), 27, 3726-3732 (2017).
  • Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Kaneko Y, Akiyama S, Okuda K, Iwawaki T, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Takasugi N, Uehara T: Modulation of unfolded protein response by methylmercury. Biol. Pharm. Bull. (IF2021: 2.264), 40, 1595-1598 (2017).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Site-specific neural hyperactivity via the activation of MAPK and PKA/CREB pathways triggers neuronal degeneration in methylmercury-intoxicated mice. Toxicol. Lett. (IF2021: 4.271), 271, 66-73 (2017).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Koyama M, Kanazawa M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Methylmercury cause blood-brain barrier damage in rats via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Plos One (IF2021: 3.752), 2017, 12, e0170623 (2017).
  • Iwai-Shimada M, Takahashi T, Kim, MS, Fujimura M, Ito H, Toyama T, Naganuma A, Hwang GW: Methylmercury induces the expression of TNF-α selectively in the brain of mice. Sci. Rep. (IF2021:4.996), 2016, 6, 38294 (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Cheng J, Zhao W: Prenatal low-dose methylmercury exposure impairs neurite outgrowth and synaptic protein expression and suppresses TrkA pathway activity and eEF1A1 expression in the rat cerebellum. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. (IF2021: 4.460), 298, 1-8 (2016).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant barrier and selenoproteins as potential biomarkers for methylmercury intoxication. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 90, 917-926 (2016).
  • Cheng J, Fujimura M, Bo D: Assessing pre/post weaning neurobehavioral development for perinatal exposure to low doses of methylmercury. J. Environ. Sci. (China) (IF2021: 6.796), 38, 36-41 (2015).
  • Kariyazono Y, Taura J, Hattori Y, Ishii Y, Narimatsu S, Fujimura M, Takeda T, Yamada H: Effect of in utero exposure to endocrine disruptors on fetal steroidogenesis governed by the pituitary-gonad axis: a study in rats using different ways of administration. J. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021:1.792), 40, 909-916 (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low concentrations of methylmercury inhibit neural progenitor cell proliferation associated with up-regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and subsequent degradation of cyclin E in rats. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. (IF2021: 4.460), 288, 19-25 (2015).
  • Esteban M, Schindler BK, Jiménez-Guerrero JA, Koch HM, Angerer J, Rivas TC, Rosado M, Gómez S, Casteleyn L, Kolossa-Gehring M, Becker K, Bloemen L, Schoeters G, Hond ED, Sepai O, Exley K, Horvat M, Knudsen LE, Joas A, Joas R, Aerts D, Biot P, Borošová D, Davidson F, Dumitrascu I, Fisher ME, Grander M, Janasik B, Jones K, Kašparová L, Larssen T, Naray M, Nielsen F, Hohenblum P, Pinto R, Pirard C, Plateel G, Tratnik J, Wittsiepe J, Castaño A, Equas Reference Laboratories (Verbrugge D, LeBlanc A, Romachine I, Fujimura M, Zareba G, Levine K.). Mercury analysis in hair: Comparability and quality assessment within the transnational COPHES/DEMOCOPHES project. Environ. Res. (IF2021: 8.431), 141, 24-30 (2015).
  • Makino K, Okuda K, Sugino E, Nishiya T, Toyama T, Iwawaki T,Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Correlation between attenuation of protein disulfide isomerase activity through S-mercuration and neurotoxicity induced by methylmercury. Neurotox. Res. (IF2021:3.978), 27, 99-105 (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Methylmercury causes neuronal cell death through the suppression of the TrkA pathway: In vitro and in vivo effects of TrkA pathway activators. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol.　 (IF2021: 4.460), 282, 259-266 (2014).
  • Zhao W, Cheng J, Gu J, Liu Y, Fujimura M, Wang W: Assessment of neurotoxic effects and brain region distribution in rat offspring prenatally co-exposed to low doses of BDE-99 and methylmercury. Chemosphere (IF2021: 8.943), 112, 170-176 (2014).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low in situ expression of antioxidative enzymes in rat cerebellar granular cells susceptible to methylmercury. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 88, 109-113(2014).
  • Fukunaga K, Uehara F, Aritomo K, Shoda A, Hiki S, Okuyama M, Usui Y, Watanabe K, Yamakoshi K, Kohara T, Hanano T, Tanaka H, Tsuchiya S, Sunada S, Saito K, Eguchi J, Yuki S, Asano S, Tanaka S, Mori A, Yamagami K, Baba H, Horikawa T, Fujimura M: 2-(2-Phenylmorpholin-4-yl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones; A new class of potent, selective and orally active glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitors. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. (IF2021: 2.980), 23,6933-6937(2013).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning attenuates methylmercury-induced cellular damage by inducing favorable stress responses. Sci. Rep. (IF2021: 4.996), 2013, 2, 2346 (2013).
  • Cheng J, Fujimura M, Zhao W, Wang W: Neurobehavioral effects, c-Fos/Jun expression and tissue distribution in rat offspring prenatally co-exposed to MeHg and PFOA: PFOA impairs Hg retention. Chemosphere (IF2021: 8.943), 91, 758-764 (2013).
  • Bourdineaud JP, Marumoto M, Yasutake A, Fujimura M: Dietary mercury exposure resulted in behavioral differences in mice contaminated with fish-associated methylmercury compared to methylmercury chloride added to diet. J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 2012, 681016 (2012).
  • Bourdineaud JP, Laclau M, Maury-Brachet R, Gonzalez P, Baudrimont M, Mesmer-Dudons N, Fujimura M, Marighetto A, Godefroy D, Rostène W, Brèthes D: Effects of methylmercury contained in a diet mimicking the Wayana Amerindians contamination through fish consumption: mercury accumulation, metallothionein induction, gene expression variations, and role of the chemokine CCL2. Int. J. Mol. Sci. (IF2021: 6.208), 13, 7710-7738 (2012).
  • Fujimura M, Cheng J, Zhao W: Perinatal exposure to low dose of methylmercury induces dysfunction of motor coordination with decreases of synaptophysin expression in the cerebellar granule cells of rats. Brain Res. (IF2021: 3.610), 1464, 1-7 (2012).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Differing effects of toxicants (methylmercury, inorganic mercury, lead, amyloid β and rotenone) on cultured rat cerebrocortical neurons: differential expression of Rho proteins associated with neurotoxicity. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021: 4.109), 126, 506-514 (2012).
  • Cambier S, Gonzalez P, Mesmer-Dudons N, Brèthes D, Fujimura M, Bourdineaud JP: Effects of dietary methylmercury on the zebrafish brain: histological, mitochondrial, and gene transcription analyses. Biometals (IF2021: 3.378), 25, 165-180 (2012).
  • Fujimura M, Matsuyama A, Harvard JP, Bourdineaud JP, Nakamura K: Mercury contamination in humans in upper Maroni, French Guiana between 2004 and 2009. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. (IF2021: 2.807), 88, 135-139 (2012).
  • Godefroy D, Gosselin RD, Yasutake A, Fujimura M, Combadiere C, Maury-Brachet R, Laclau M, Rakwal R, Melik-Parsadaniantz S, Bourdineaud JP, Rostene W: The chemokine CCL2 protects against methylmercury neurotoxicity. Toxicol. Sci. (IF2021: 4.109), 125, 209-218 (2012).
  • Nakamura M, Yasutake A, Fujimura M, Hachiya N, Marumoto M: Effect of methylmercury administration on choroid plexus function in rats. Arch. Toxicol. (IF2021: 6.168), 85, 911-918 (2011).
  • Usuki F, Yamashita A, Fujimura M: Post-transcriptional defects of antioxidant selenoenzymes cause oxidative stress under methylmercury exposure. J. Biol. Chem. (IF2021: 5.486), 286, 6641-6649 (2011). Faculty of 1000 (Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, Rating 8, Must Read).
  • Bourdineaud JP, Fujimura M, Laclau M, Sawada M, Yasutake A: Deleterious effects in mice of fish-associated methylmercury contained in a diet mimicking the Western populations' average fish consumption. Environ. Int. (IF2021: 13.352), 37, 303-313 (2011).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Kawamura M, Izumo S: Inhibition of the Rho/ROCK pathway prevents neuronal degeneration in vitro and in vivo following methylmercury exposure. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. (IF2021: 4.460), 250, 1-9 (2011).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Sawada M, Takashima A: Methylmercury induces neuropathological changes with tau hyperphosphorylation mainly through the activation of the c-jun N-terminal kinase pathway in the cerebral cortex, but not in the hippocampus of the mouse brain. Neurotoxicology (IF2021: 4.398), 30, 1000-1007 (2009).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Sawada M, Rostene W, Godefroy D, Takashima A: Methylmercury exposure downregulates the expression of Racl, leads to neuritic degeneration and ultimately apoptosis in cerebrocortical neurons. Neurotoxicology (IF2021: 4.398), 30, 16-22 (2009).
  • Bourdineaud JP, Bellance N, Benard G, Brethes D, Fujimura M, Gonzales P, Marighetto A, Maury-Brachet R, Mormede C, Pedron V, Philippin JN, Rossignol R, Rostene W, Sawada M, Laclau M: Feeding mice with diets containing mercury-contaminated fish flesh from French Guiana: a model for the mercurial intoxication of the Wayana Amerindians. Environ. Health (IF2021: 7.123), 7, 53 (2008).
  • Adachi T, Nagano M, Ebihara T, Imai T, Fujimura M, Suketa Y: Influence of dietary protein levels on the fate of inorganic mercury in mice. J. Health Sci. (present Biol. Pharm. Bull.) (IF2021: 2.268), 54, 207-211 (2008).
  • Cochran SM, Fujimura M, Morris BJ, Pratt JA: Acute and delayed effects of phencyclidine upon mRNA levels of markers of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter function in the rat brain. Synapse (IF2021: 2.537), 46, 206-214 (2002).
  • Kohara T, Koyama T, Fujimura M, Tanaka H, Maeda J, Fujimoto T, Yamamoto I, Arita M: Y-931, a novel atypical antipsychotic drug, is less sensitive to oxidative phenomena. Chem. Pharm. Bull. (IF2021: 1.903), 50, 818-821 (2002).
  • Morimoto T, Hashimoto K, Yasumatsu H, Tanaka H, Fujimura M, Kuriyama M, Kimura K, Takehara S, Yamagami K: Neuropharmacological profile of a novel potential atypical antipsychotic drug Y-931 (8-fluoro-12-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) -6H-[1] benzothieno[2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine maleate). Neuropsychopharmacology (IF2021: 8.294), 26, 456-467 (2002).
  • Kuriyama M, Hashimoto K, Yasumatsu H, Morimoto T, Tanaka H, Fujimura M, Kimura K, Takehara S, Yamagami K: Neuropharmacological examination of a new antipsychotic candidate, Y-931. Jap. J. Psychopharm., 21, 246 (2001). Japanese.
  • Fujimura M, Hashimoto K, Yamagami K: The effect of the antipsychotic drug mosapramine on the expression of Fos protein in the rat brain comparison with haloperidol, clozapine and risperidone. Life Sci. (IF2021: 6.780), 67, 2865-2872 (2000).
  • Fujimura M, Hashimoto K, Yamagami K: Effect of antipsychotic drugs on neurotoxicity, expression of fos-like protein and c-fos mRNA in the retrosplenial cortex after administration of dizocilpine. Eur. J. Pharmacol. (IF2021: 5.195), 398, 1-10 (2000).
  • Hashimoto K, Fujimura M, Yamagami: Dizocilpine-induced neuropathological changes in rat retrosplenial cortex are reversed by subsequent clozapine treatment. Life Sci. (IF2021: 6.780), 66, 1071-1078 (2000).
  • Itoh K, Tomozane H, Hakira H, Sonda S, Asano K, Fujimura M, Sato N, Haga K, Kawakita T: Synthesis and pharmacological properties of novel benzamide derivatives acting as ligands to the 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptor. Eur. J. Med. Chem. (IF2021: 7.088), 34, 1101-1108 (1999).
  • Fujimura M, Mikashima H: Effect of Y-20811, a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, on photochemically induced cerebral embolism in rabbits. Thromb. Res. (IF2021: 10.407), 70, 233-244 (1993).
[Reviews]
◆　Total number of cited items: 16
  • Fujimura M*, Usuki F*: Cellular conditions responsible for methylmercury-mediated neurotoxicity. Mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity. Int. J. Mol. Sci. (IF2021: 6.028), 23, 7218 (2022). *Co-first author.
  • Fujimura M*, Usuki F*: Methylmercury and cellular signal transduction systems. In: Kostrzewa R.M. (eds) Handbook of Neurotoxicology (Springer, Cham.), 1-16 (2022) *Co-first author.
  • Fujimura M*, Usuki F*: Methylmercury-mediated oxidative stress and activation of the cellular protective system. Antioxidants (Basel) (IF2021: 7.675), 9, 1004 (2020). *Co-first author.
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: Study on effects of fructooligosaccharide and wheat bran on tissue concentration of mercury at assuming methylmercury exposure from fish consumption. The Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation, 25th Research Report, 66-71 (2019).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant barrier and selenoproteins as potential biomarkers for ongoing methylmercury intoxication and an individual protective capacity. WISMERLL Journal, 78, 5 (2019).
  • Fujimura M, Matsuyama A, Nakamura K: Measurement of hair mercury in areas concerned with mercury pollution around the world. Jap. J. Clin. Ecol., 25, 34-38 (2016).
  • Fujimura M: Methylmercury toxicity and Rho proteins. New developments of methylmercury research on environment and health. Japanese Journal of Clinical Ecology, 24, 79-83 (2015).
  • Fujimura M: Mercury contamination and its effect for living beings. Mercury, its regulation trend and treatment technology. Environmental Solution Technology, 14, 1-3 (2015).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Effect of methylmercury on cellular signal transduction systems. In: Aschner M and Ceccatelli S (ed.) Methylmercury and neurotoxicity, Current Topics in Neurotoxicity, Springer Science + Business Media, Berlin, 2, 229-240 (2012).
  • International medical workshop of Keio University medical school: A relation between cataract and hair mercury concentration. The 33rd contingent report, 17-20 (2010).
[Patents]
◆ Total number of cited items: 33
  • Kohara T, Fukunaga K,Fujimura M, Hanano T, Okabe H: 4-7-dihydropyrazolo (3,4-b)pyridine derivative useful as glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta )- inhibitor; treats diabetes, diabetic complications and neurodegenerative diseases or as immunopotentiators. United States Patent 6977262.
  • Seio K, Tanaka H, Kohara T, Hashimoto K, Fujimura M, Horiuchi H, Yasumatsu H, Kimura K: Condensed thiophene compounds and pharmaceutical use thereof. United States Patent 6455521.
  • Seio K, Tanaka H, Kohara T, Hashimoto K, Fujimura M, Horiuchi H, Yasumatsu H, Kimura K: Fused thiophene compounds and medicinal use thereof. United States Patent 6271225.
  • Kohara T, Fukunaga K, Fujimura M, Hanano T, Okabe H: Dihydropyrazolopyridine compounds and medicinal use thereof. WO2005-501800.
  • Fukunaga K, Okabe H, Kohara T, Fujimura M, Tanaka H, Takanashi S. Aromatic amid compounds. WO2001-081345.
  • Seio K, Tanaka H, Kohara T, Hashimoto K, Fujimura M, Horiuchi H, Yasumatsu H, Kimura K: Condensed thiophene compounds and medicinal use thereof. WO1999-011647, WO2001-072684.
[Conference presentations (invited lectures)]
  • Fujimura M: Site-specific neural hyperactivity via the activation of MAPK and PKA/CREB pathways triggers neuronal degeneration in methylmercury-intoxicated mice. JSOT/SOT joint symposium, 49th Japanese Society of Toxicology (2022).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Site-specific neural hyperactivity via the activation of MAPK and PKA/CREB pathways triggers neuronal degeneration in methylmercury-intoxicated mice. 35th Korean Society of Toxicology, (2019).
  • Fujimura M: Role of Rho proteins on methylmercury neurotoxicity.18th Annual Meeting of the Protein Science Society of Japan,(2018).
  • Fujimura M: Recovery effect of a ROCK inhibitor, Fasudil, on axonal degeneration of dorsal spinal nerve root in methylmercury-intoxicated rats. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2017, (2017).
  • Fujimura M: Role of Rho proteins on methylmercury neurotoxicity.Metal Bioscience 2017, (2017).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Research on selective neuronopathy of cerebral cortex in methylmercury intoxication. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2016, (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nagano M: Effect of methylmercury on CREB phosphorylation in brain. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2015, (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Cheng J, Zhao W: Perinatal exposure to low-dose methylmercury induces dysfunction of motor coordination with decrease in synaptophysin expression in the cerebellar granule cells of rats. 42nd Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Inhibition of the Rho/ROCK pathway prevents neuronal degeneration in vitro and in vivo following methylmercury exposure. ASIATOX 2015, (2015).
  • Fujimura M: Methylmercury toxicity and Rho proteins. 24th Japanese Clinical Environment Medical Society (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Experimental research on the relief of methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2014, (2014).
  • Fujimura M: Decrease of translation elongation factor eEF1A by methylmercury. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2013, (2013).
  • Fujimura M: Selective neuronal injury by methylmercury -Expression analyses of antioxidant enzymes in various neurons using microdissection method-. Methylmercury Cadmium meeting in fiscal year 2012, (2012).
  • Fujimura M: Axonal degeneration by methylmercury contributes neuronal cell death, and inhibition of Rho/ROCK pathway prevents the neurotoxicity. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2011, (2012).
  • Fujimura M: Methylmercury toxicity and Tau protein. Hokuriku University Frontier, Satellite meeting, (2010).
  • Fujimura M: Molecular mechanism of methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in cerebrocortical neuron. Forum 2008: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2008).
  • Fujimura M: Tau phosphorylation induced by methylmercury. Hokuriku University Frontier, Satellite meeting, (2007).
  • Fujimura M: La maladie de Minamata. Lundis de Saint-Antoine Séminaires, (2006).
[Conference presentation (out of invited lecture)]
  • Basu N, Dorea J, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Zastenskaya I, Leaner J, Toda E: Health risks of mercury in the context of global socio-environmental variability. 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2022).
  • Nomura R, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T: Contribution of unfolded protein responses to methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in the mouse brain. 49th Japanese Society of Toxicology (2022)
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Sulfane sulfur transition in the cells during methylmercury exposure. 49th Japanese Society of Toxicology (2022).
  • Fujimura M, Unoki T: BDNF specifically expressed in hippocampal neurons is involved in its resistance to methylmercury neurotoxicity. 61st Society of Toxicology (2022).
  • Sumioka A, Fujimura M: Development of methylmercury toxicity sensor. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2022, (2022).
  • Nomura R, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress by exposure to high-concentration methylmercury in central nervous system of mice. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2022, (2022). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Fujimura M: Comparison of methylmercury toxicity and gene expression profiles between primary cultured cerebrocortical and hippocampal neurons from rats. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2022, (2022).
  • Fujimura M, Unoki T: Comparison of methylmercury toxicity between primary cultured cerebrocortical and hippocampal neurons from rat. 44th Molecular Biology Society of Japan (2021).
  • Fujimura M, Unoki T: Comparison of gene expression profiles between primary cultured cerebrocortical and hippocampal neurons from rats -Consideration on vulnerability/resistance to methylmercury toxicity. Metal Bioscience 2021 (2021).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Tada Y, Seko Y: Dietary fructooligosaccharides reduce mercury levels in the brain of mice exposed to methylmercury. Metal Bioscience 2021 (2021).
  • Basu N, Dorea J, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Zastenskaya I, Leaner J, Toda E: Health risks of mercury in the context of global socio-environmental variability. Minamata Online, Minamata Convention on Mercury (2021).
  • Kurita H, Go S, Fujimura M, Inden M, Hozumi I: Effect of methylmercury exposure on nerve differentiation and DNA methylation. Forum 2021: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2021).
  • Nomura R, Hiraoka H, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T: Endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in brain of mice by methylmercury exposure. 48th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2021).
  • Sumioka A, Fujimura M, Usuki F: Development of methylmercury toxicity sensor. 48th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2021).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Pregnant rats exposed to low level methylmercury exhibit cerebellar synaptic and neuritic remodeling during the perinatal period. 48th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2021).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A: Methylmercury induces allodynia through activation of inflammatory microglia in spinal cord and subsequent stimulation in somatosensory cortex od rats. 60th Society of Toxicology, (2021).
  • Nomura R, Hiraoka H, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Change in endoplasmic reticulum stress in central nervous system due to in vivo methylmercury exposure. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2020, (2020). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A, Nakano J, Okita M, Higuchi I: Local vibration stimuli induce mechanical stress-induced factors and facilitate recovery from skeletal muscle atrophy in rats. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2020, (2020).
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Shinkai Y, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Relationship between brain distribution of active sulfur molecules and methylmercury sensitivity. Metal Bioscience 2020, (2020).
  • Nogawa H, Go S, Kurita S, Fujimura M, Inden M, Hozumi I: Effects of environmental chemical exposure on neural differentiation and involvement of DNA methylation. Metal Bioscience 2020, (2020).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: Effects of food ingredients on tissue mercury levels after continuous oral administration of methylmercury. Metal Bioscience 2020, (2020).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A: Methylmercury exposure induces lower pain threshold (allodynia), a type of neuropathic pain, in planter of rats. Metal Bioscience 2020, (2020).
  • Hiraoka H, Iwawaki T, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T: Contribution of endoplasmic reticulum stress in site-specific neuropathy induced by methylmercury. 47th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2020).
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Shinkai Y, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Protection of electrophilic stress through active sulfur molecules. 47th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2020).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Neural hyperactivation by methylmercury and site-specific neuronal degeneration. 47th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2020).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T: Thiol antioxidant capacity in blood is a proper biomarker for individual sensitivity for methylmercury neurotoxicity in rats. 59th Society of Toxicology, (2020).
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Research on selective methylmercury cytotoxicity focusing on reactive sulfur species. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2019, (2019). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Hiraoka H, Iwawaki, T, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M, Uehara T: Analyses of methylmercury responses in brain using visualization mice of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2019, (2019). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, UnokiT: Thiol antioxidant capacity in blood is a biomarker for individual sensitivity against methylmercury neurotoxicity. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2019, (2019).
  • Sumioka A, Fujimura M: Development research on toxicity sensor of methylmercury. 42nd Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2019).
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Research on selective methylmercury cytotoxicity focusing on reactive sulfur species. 42nd Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2019).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A, Nakano J, Okita M, Higuchi I: Local vibration stimuli induce mechanical stress-induced factors and facilitate recovery from immobilization-induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rats. 42nd Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2019).
  • Hiraoka H, Fujimura M, Iwawaki, T, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Contribution of endoplasmic reticulum stress on methylmercury-induced nerve damage. Metal Bioscience 2019, (2019).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T: Blood thiol antioxidant capacity is important as a factor of individual sensitivity in methylmercury neurotoxicity. Metal Bioscience 2019, (2019).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: Nondigestible oligosaccharide decrease tissue concentration of mercury after methylmercury exposure in mice. 14th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2019).
  • Batista HCS, Ignacio ARA, Fujimura M, Lazaro WL: Evaluating risk to human health: mercury concentration in hair enced bake the fish intake in Mato Grosso, Brazil. 14th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2019).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nakamura A: Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, recovers methylmercury-induced axonal degeneration by changing microglial phenotype in rats. 14th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2019).
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Effects of sulfur-containing nucleophilic small molecule for cytotoxicity specificity of methylmercury. 46th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Takahashi T, Koyama M, Kanazawa M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Methylmercury causes blood-brain barrier damage in rats via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression. 46th Japanese Society of Toxicology, (2019).
  • Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Fujimura M, Iwawaki T, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Mechanism of methylmercury-induced cell death through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2018, (2018). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Unoki T, Akiyama M, Kumagai Y, Fujimura M: Effect of sulfur-containing nucleophilic low-molecular-weight on methylmercury-induced selective cellular injury. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2018, (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Gestational exposure to low level methylmercury induces neuritic and synaptic remodeling through TrkA pathway and synapse pruning in maternal brain of rats. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2018, (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Gestational exposure to low level methylmercury induces neuritic and synaptic remodeling through TrkA pathway and synapse pruning in maternal brain of rats. 41st Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2018).
  • Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Fujimura M, Iwawaki T, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Mechanism of methylmercury-induced cell death through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Metal Bioscience 2018, (2018). Judge’s encouraging prize.
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: The effect of fructooligosaccharide on tissue concentration of mercury after methylmercury exposure. Metal Bioscience 2018, (2018).
  • Fujimura M: Experimental study on regeneration of nerve axon and muscle fiber against methylmercury induced nerve and muscle dysfunction. Metal Bioscience 2018, (2018).
  • Fujimura M: Examination of hair mercury in areas concerned with methylmercury pollution around the world. NIMD Forum 2018, (2018).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Kobayashi Y, Inaba K: The effect of wheat bran on tissue concentration and excretion of mercury after methylmercury exposure in mice. 57th Society of Toxicology, (2018).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Suppression of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay under environmental stresses.
    57th Society of Toxicology    , (2018).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Recovery effect of a ROCK inhibitor, Fasudil on axonal degeneration of dorsal spinal nerve root in methylmercury-intoxicated rats. 57th Society of Toxicology, (2018).
  • Hitomi M, Takeda T, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y: Research on sex difference of methylmercury effects for next generation. Meaning of adrenal steroid disturbance in male fetus. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2017, (2017). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Suppression of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay under environmental stresses. ConBio2017, (2017).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Methylmercury induces oxidative stress and subsequent neural hyperactivation through p38 MAPK-CREB pathway, leading to neuronal cell death in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. ConBio2017, (2017).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Kobayashi Y, Inaba K: The effect of wheat bran on tissue concentration and excretion of mercury after methylmercury exposure in mice. 5th Metallomics Research Forum, (2017).
  • Hiraoka H, Nakahara K, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Takasugi N, Uehara T: Mechanism of methylmercury-induced cell death through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Metal Bioscience 2017, (2017).
  • Hitomi M, Takeda T, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Tanaka Y, Ishii Y: Sex difference of methylmercury-produced toxicity in the next generation: An analysis focusing on the male-specific elevation of corticosterone during the fetal stage. Forum 2017: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2017).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M: Fructooligosaccharide enhances fecal elimination and reduces mercury levels in brain after methylmercury exposure in mice. 56th Society of Toxicology, (2017).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Change in intracellular mercury content through the upregulation of membrane transporters induced by integrated stress responses. 56th Society of Toxicology, (2017).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low expression of antioxidant enzymes causes vulnerability to methylmercury in deep layer of cerebrocortical neurons in mice. 56th Society of Toxicology, (2017).
  • Hitomi M, Takeda T, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H: Increase of corticosterone and its effect in methylmercury exposure during fetal period. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2016, (2016).
  • Takeda T, Hitomi M, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Yamada H: Change in fetal hepatic metabolome by maternal exposure to methylmercury: a search for cellular components linking to toxicity. NIMD Forum 2016, (2016).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Inaba K: The effects of wheat bran, fructooligosaccharide and glucomannan on tissue mercury concentration after methylmercury exposure in mice. NIMD Forum 2016, (2016).
    2016. 12, Minamata
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low in situ expression of antioxidative enzymes in brain susceptible to methylmercury in rodent models of Minamata Disease. NIMD Forum 2016, (2016).
  • Hitomi M, Takeda T, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H: Male fetus specific increase of corticosterone induced by methylmercury and its mechanism using metabolomics analysis. 33rd Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, Kyushu Branch. (2016).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Upregulation mechanism of membrane transporters through intracellular mercury content induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning. 39th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Increasing expression of c-fos protein through MAPK-CREB pathway precedes neuronal degeneration in site-specific region of methylmercury-intoxicated rodent model. 39th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2016).
  • Usui Y, Uehara F, Hiki S, Watanabe K, Tanaka H, Shouda A, Yokoshima S, Aritomo K, Adachi T, Fukunaga K, Kohara T, Nakayama K, Kusaka S, Sakai D, Sunada S, Mabeno M, Saito K, Eguchi J, Yamagami K, Asano S, Tanaka S, Yuki S, Yoshii N, Fujimura M, Mori A, Bessho T, Hayashi K, Horikawa T: Discovery of novel GSK-3β inhibitors containing piperazine moiety. 54th Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, (2016).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M, Inaba K: Wheat bran enhances urinary elimination and reduces mercury levels in blood and brain after methylmercury exposure in mice. Society of Toxicology, (2016).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning upregulates gene expression of membrane transporters. Society of Toxicology, (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low in situ expression of antioxidative enzymes in cerebellar granule cells susceptible to methylmercury in a rat model of Minamata Disease. 55th Society of Toxicology, (2016).
  • Takeda T, Hitomi M, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H: Sex difference of fetal metabolome by giving methylmercury-containing water to the dams. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2015, (2016). Encouraging prize for young researches.
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant barrier and selenoproteins as potential biomarkers for methylmercury intoxication. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2015, (2016).
  • Okuda K, Makino K, Toyama T, Fujimura M, Kumagai Y, Uehara T: Mechanism of neuronal cell death through the endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by methylmercury. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2015, (2016).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Perinatal exposure to low-dose methylmercury results in neuritic hypoplasia and change of synaptic homeostasis through the suppression of TrkA pathway and subsequent expression of eEF1A1 in rat brain. 38th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2015).
  • Hitomi M, Takeda T, Hattori Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H: Sex difference for a change in fetal hepatic metabolome by giving methylmercury-containing water to the dams: a search for the cellular components linking to toxicity. Forum 2015: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Matsuyama A: Examination of hair Hg in areas concerned with Hg pollution around the world. Parea exhibition in Kumamoto city international center (2015).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata Y: Blood-brain barrier dysfunction caused by vascular endothelial growth factor upregulation in a rat model of subacute methylmercury intoxication. Brain and Brain PET 2015 (2015).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Methylmercury-induced stress responses in astroglia cells. 54th Society of Toxicology, (2015).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low level of methylmercury inhibits cell proliferation through the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and subsequent degradation of cyclin E in cortical progenitor cells of rats. 54th Society of Toxicology, (2015).
  • Imada T, Nakamura S, Tsubota K, Fujimura M: Effects of methylmercury on tissues of the visual system. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2014, (2014).
  • Takeda T, Hattori Y, Kariyazono Y, Ishii Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H. Effect and its gender difference of perinatal exposure to methylmercury on the hormone synthesis system in pituitary and adrenal gland. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2014, (2014).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Activation of TrkA pathway by GM1 ganglioside and its analog prevents methylmercury-induced nerve damage in vitro and in vivo. 37th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2014).
  • Takeda T, Hattori Y, Kariyazono Y, Ishii Y, Fujimura M, Ishii Y, Yamada H. Effects of methylmercury exposure during fetal period on the hormone expression of pituitary gland and gonad. Forum 2014: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2014).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Koyama M, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Examination of blood-brain barrier feature and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suppressive therapy in methymercury intoxicated rats. 55th Japanese Society of Neurology, (2014).
  • Nagano M, Fujimura M,Iwasaki K, Inaba K,：Wheat bran promotesexcretion of methylmercury into urine, and decreases mercuryconcentration in tissues. Japan Society for Bioscience,Biotechnology and Agrochemistry,(2014)
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M: Thiol antioxidant barrier level in plasma as apotential biomarker for methylmercury-intoxication. 53rd Society of Toxicology, (2014).
  • Fujimura M,Usuki F: MeHg exposure inhibits NGF-triggered TrkA phosphorylation and leads to apoptotic neuronal cell death in differentiating PC12 cells. 53rd Society of Toxicology, (2014).
  • Imada T, Nakamura S, Tsubota K, Fujimura M: Effects of methylmercury on tissues of the visual system. Methylmercury meeting in fiscal year 2013, (2013).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning attenuates methylmercury (MeHg)-induced cellular damage through induction of integrated stress responses in MeHg-susceptible myogenic cell line. 36th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2013).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Low in situ expression of antioxidative enzymes in rat cerebellar granular cells susceptible to methylmercury. 36th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2013).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Examination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suppressive therapy in methymercury intoxicated rats. 25th Japanese Society of Cerebral Circulation and Metabolism, (2013).
  • Kariyazono Y, Takeda T, Taura J, Ishii Y, Fujimura M, Yamada H. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on sex hormone synthesis of fetus and their functional analysis. Forum 2013: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2013).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Examination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suppressive therapy in methymercury intoxicated rats. 54th Japanese Society of Neurology, (2013).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata Y: Vascular endothelial growth factor upregulation in blood brain barrier in rat models of subacute methylmercury intoxication. 65th American Academy of Neurology, (2013). Particularly noteworthy reports based on animal research.
  • Sasaki M, Yamamoto M, Fujimura M: Effects of methylmercury on heart rate variability in the rat. 52nd Society of Toxicology, (2013).
  • Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A: Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning attenuates methylmercury-induced cellular damage by inducing favorable stress responses. 52nd Society of Toxicology, (2013).
  • Fujimura M, Cheng J, Zhao W: Perinatal exposure to low dose of methylmercury induces dysfunction of motor coordination with decreases of synaptophysin expression in the cerebellar granule cells of rats. 52nd Society of Toxicology, (2013).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Differing effects of toxicants on cultured rat cerebrocortical neurons: Differential expression of Rho proteins associated with neurotoxicity. 35th Molecular Biology Society of Japan, (2012).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Examination of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression in methymercury intoxicated rats. 24th Japanese Society of Cerebral Circulation and Metabolism, (2012).
  • Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T: Examination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in methymercury intoxicated rats. 53rd Japanese Society of Neurology, (2012).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F: Inhibition of the Rho/ROCK pathway prevents neuronal degeneration in vitro and in vivo following methylmercury exposure. 51st Society of Toxicology, (2012).
  • Fujimura M: Neuritic degeneration contributes to methylmercury induced neuronal cell death. NIMD Forum 2011, (2011).
  • Yasutake A, Nakamura M, Fujimura M： Methylmercury toxicity on choroid plexus function in rats. Hokuriku University Frontier, (2010).
  • Kawamura M, Xing H, Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yasutake A, Izumo S: A study on the type of cell death I the dorsal ganglion of rats exposed with methylmercury. 51st Japanese Society of Neuropathogy, (2010).
  • Usuki F, Yamashita A, Fujimura M: Methylmercury causes oxidative stress through its posttranscriptional effect on antioxidant selenoenzymes. 17th International Congress of Neuropathology, (2010).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Takashima A: Methylmercury induces neuropathological changes with tau hyperphosphorylation mainly through the activation of the c-jun N-terminal kinase pathway in the cerebral cortex, but not in the hippocampus of the mouse brain. 17th International Congress of Neuropathology, (2010).
  • Fujimura M, Usuki F, Rostene W, Godefroy D, Takashima A: Methylmercuryof Rac1 and lead to neuritic degeneration and ultimately apoptosis in cerebrocortical neurons. 49th Society of Toxicology, (2010).
  • Fujimura M: Hair mercury examination of mercury-polluted area in the world. 9th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2009).
  • Fujimura M: Hair mercury examination of mercury-polluted area in the world. NIMD Forum 2009, (2009).
  • Kawamura M, Xing Huiqin, Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yasutake A, Izumo S: Examination of autophagic cell death in dorsal root ganglion of methylmercury intoxicated rats. 49th Japanese Society of Neurology, (2008).
  • Rostene W, Godefroy D, Yasutake A, Fujimura M, Melik-Parsadaniantz S, Romain-Daniel Gosselin RD, Bourdineaud JP: Implication of the chemokine CCL2/MCP-1 in methylmercury neurotoxicity. 38th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, (2008).
  • Bourdineaud JP, Brethes D, Gonzalez P, Laclau M, Marighetto A, Maury-Brachet R, Rossignol R, Rostene W, Fujimura M, Sawada M. Feeding mice with diet made up with mercury-contaminated fish flesh from French Guiana: a model for the environmental poisoning of the Wayana Amerindians. 25th Congress of the new European Society of Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, (2008).
  • Fujimura M, Sawada M, Takashima A: Methylmercury induces Alzheimer’s disease-like Tau phosphorylation in mouse brain. 47th Society of Toxicology, (2008).
  • Sawada M, Fujimura M, Yasutake A: Methylmercury exposure induces hyperactivity and neuronal loss in the caudate putamen in mice. 24th International Neurotoxicology Conference, (2007).
  • Fujimura M, Sawada M, Takashima A: Mechanism of neuronal cell death induced by methylmercury in rat primary cerebrocortical neuron. -Examination of focusing on expression of Rho proteins-. 80th Japanese Biochemical Society, (2007).
  • Yanagisawa Y, Fujimura M, Sukita Y, Adachi T: Influence of on in vivo kinetics of inorganic mercury. Forum 2006: Pharmaceutical Health and Environmental Toxicology, (2006).
  • Sawada M, Fujimura M, Yasutake A, Eto K: Trigemiinal nerve pathology and its pathogenesis in methylmercury-intoxicated rats. 8th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2006).
  • Fujimura M, Sawada M, Takashima A: Long-term exposure to low-concentration methylmercury induces neuronal cell death via neurite retraction in rat cultured neuron. 8th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2006).
  • Fujimura M, Sawada M, Takashima A: Methylmercury induces Tau degradation and neuronal cell death via Tau hyperphosphorylation in rat cultured neuron. 8th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, (2006).
  • Fujimura M, Hashimoto K, Yamagami K: The effect of the antipsychotic drug mosapramine on the expression of Fos protein in the rat brain comparison with haloperidol, clozapine and risperidone. 24th Collegium Internationale Neuro Psychopharmacologicum, (2001).
  • Fujimura M, Hashimoto K, Yamagami K: Suppressive effects of clozapine and olanzapine on the expression of Fos protein in rat brain by MK-801. 21st Collegium Internationale Neuro Psychopharmacologicum, (1998).
  • Fujimura M, Mikashima H: Effect of Y-20811 on photochemically induced cereberal embolism in rabbits. 65th Japanese Pharmacological Society, (1991).
  • Fujimura M, Uchikoba T, Kaneda M: Purification and characterization of aminopeptidase from soybean. Japanese Biochemical Society, Kyushu branch, (1989).
Researches by the external funds
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (B), No. 22H03768, 2022-2024, Japan (representative)
    [Development of biomarkers that objectively determine differences in individual susceptibility to methylmercury poisoning]
  • Ministry of education,science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (C), No. 19K07077, 2019-2021, Japan (representative)
    [Experimental research on regenerative treatment of axon and muscle fiber for nerve and muscle dysfunction by methylmercury]
  • The Japan Food Chemical Research Foundation, 2018 (cooperation) [Fundamental research on effect of fructo-oligosaccharide and wheat bran on tissue mercury concentration under low level methylmercury exposure from fish eating]
  • Sasagawa, grant-in aid for scientific research, 2017 (cooperation) [A new development toward mechanism elucidation on subsequent generation of methylmercury toxicity and sex difference: significance of glucocorticoid variation]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (C), No. 26460187, 2014-2016, Japan (representative)
    [Research on inciting factor of neurological symptoms following low dose methylmercury exposure in fetal period]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (C), No. 25460402, 2013-2015, Japan (assignment)
    [Research on variation of mRNA surveillance by environmental stress and its effect for pathological condition]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (S), No. 24221004, 2012-2016, Japan (assignment)
    [Molecular mechanism on sex immature imprinting and childcare collapse induced by environmental pollutant]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for defiant germ research, No. 24659426, 2012-2013, Japan (assignment)
    [Examination on vascular endothelial growth factor as a new molecular target for methylmercury poisoning]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (C), No. 23590167, 2011-2013, Japan (representative)
    [Experimental research on selective neuronal damage by methylmercury using microdissection method]
  • Ministry of education, science, sports and culture, grant-in aid for scientific research (C), No. 20590135, 2008-2010, Japan (representative)
    [Experimental research on effect of Rho kinase inhibitors against neurological impairment by environmental toxins]
  • Grants from French National Research Agency, ANR n° SEST 2005-034, France (assignment)
    ["Santéenvironnement et santé-travail" program]
The main history, academic background, degree, and citation etc.
  • Origin: Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture
  • Bachelor of Science (Kagoshima University)
   → Master of Science (Kagoshima University)
   → Senior researcher (Yoshitomi pharmaceutical industries, present Mitsubishi Tanabe pharma corporation)
   → Doctor of Pharmacology (Kyushu University)
   → Senior researcher (YRING in United Kingdom, present PsyRING)
   → Chief, Physiology Section (National Institute for Minamata Disease)
   → Chief, Pathology Section (National Institute for Minamata Disease)
   → Chief, Toxicologic Pathology Section (National Institute for Minamata Disease)
   → Director for Research General Coordination/ Director, Department of Basic Medical Science (National Institute for Minamata Disease)
   → Chief Director for Research Planning/ Director for Research General Coordination/ Director, Department of Basic Medical Science
  • Visiting professor (Bordeaux University in France), 2008-2009
  • Member of Editorial Board (Fundamental Toxicological Sciences), 2014 ~
  • Executive (The Japanese Society of Toxicology, Metal Bioscience group), 2018
  • Member of Scientific Steering Committee (International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant), 2018 ~
  • Councilor (The Japanese Society of Toxicology), 2019 ~
  • Standing Executive (The Japanese Society of Toxicology, Metal Bioscience group), 2019 ~
  • Expert Member of the Scientific Research Fund Committee (2-step written review, Basic Research B, Hygiene and Public Health Fields: Including Experimental Systems), 2019-2021