FACULTY
- Department
- Department of Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry
- Field of Study
- Biological Systems
- Degree
- Doctor (Medical Science)
History
Graduate School/University, etc.
1983 Graduated from National Defense Medical College
Why I Became a Researcher
I originally liked English, so I wanted to study abroad, even if for a little while, and try to live in a fully immersive English environment. I never thought about what I would do after that. I thought that I would think about it when the time came. And so, my desire came to be, and although I struggled, it was enjoyable in its own way. As my life overseas was coming to an end, I happened to be invited to take what is now called an assistant professor post, and from there, I’ve gradually continued to where I am now.
Research Information
Research Area and Theme
Functional analysis of genes related to neurodevelopmental disorders
I am analyzing the function and related genes of Necdin, a candidate cause of the neurodevelopmental disorder known as Prader-Willi syndrome. In Prader-Willi syndrome, developmental disorders of the brain, especially the hypothalamus, are recognized, but within this, I am analyzing feeding behaviors using Necdin-gene knockout mice. I am also investigating whether Necdin may be involved in mouse coat color. In addition, I am investigating Nse3, an evolutionary ancestor of the Necdin gene, and its related genes using a cellular slime mold as a model organism. Protein function is regulated by various modifications such as phosphorylation, but within that, I am investigating acetylation. I am conducting a functional analysis of the Sir2 gene expressed in cellular slime molds because it binds to Sirt1, which is Necdin's deacetylase.
Thoughts on Research Theme
I don’t have any particular thoughts on my research theme. However, when I'm doing research, I sometimes make surprising discoveries. From a third party’s point of view, these discoveries are trivial and probably insignificant, but I do get a small bit of pleasure from them. Unfortunately, in many cases, the verifications that follow will fail and turn into disappointment. But in some rare cases, they still remain. How wonderful would it be to have these remaining discoveries turn out to not be trivial and become something that also surprises people around the world? The things I've done so far haven't been useful to the world, and perhaps the things I will do in the future won’t be either, but I think it's important to logically verify these trivial pleasures at a steady pace. I think individuality is important in the world of research. Even if you’re conducting research on the same theme, it won’t be the same if you demonstrate your individuality without imitating others. That’s why I don’t really worry about working in a field that might be competitive. Perspectives will always differ on an individual basis. I think biological research is a treasure trove that still has many of those elements.
Message to Students
You can do things during this time that you won’t be able to do after graduation
When I was a student, I wanted to study English, so I would go to a nearby church. At the church, I was reading an English version of the Bible called “Good News.” The pastor there suggested that the best way to improve my English is to read specialized English books. Unlike a novel, specialized books do not have any omissions or slang, and they contain text with solid grammar, making them easy to read. The vocabulary will be difficult at first, but once you get used to them, you’ll see that they’re limited. I found myself getting absorbed in this. At first, I looked up words in the dictionary from scratch, but as I got used to it, I would skip any irrelevant modifiers and got faster at reading. By my final year in school, I was able to read 30-40 pages in 2-3 hours. I also read 500 pages a week. When I started my research, I could only read short texts like a dissertation, which was fairly disappointing. However, after getting older, it became useful again when I began teaching. Unfortunately, I still can't read novels and the news. I was only able to do these things during that period of my life. As you get older, time goes by faster, and if you’re not paying close attention to things, you’ll find your days quickly turning to evenings. When I was a university student, to my amazement, time would flow at a slow pace, and I was able to do many types of things. I even did hypnosis and played a good amount of billiards. Why don't you all try to do something in this period of your life when you have plenty of time? I think that you can do things during this time that you won’t be able to do after graduation.