FACULTY
- Department
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Laboratory
- Laboratory for Molecular Medical Science
- Field of Study
- Biological Systems
- Degree
- Doctor of Medical Science
History
Graduate School/University, etc.
1984 Graduated from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto University 1986 Completed First Term Doctoral Course, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate School, Kyoto University 1991 Ph.D., Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University (Biochemistry)
Why I Became a Researcher
When I was a student, I was given the task of isolating (cloning) bacterial genes as a research theme, and that caused me to step into the world of molecular biology. At the time, reagents and kits weren’t prepared like they are these days, and I have fond memories of many reaction systems being homemade. A variety of methodologies had not been established, and by progressing through experiments one by one while repeating things through trial and error with seniors and colleagues in the same laboratory, it was possible to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of individual operations and techniques while enjoying the experiments. Failure is a part of experimentation, so there were many times where things didn’t go as imagined, but despite that, the driving force that allowed me to incrementally advance through my research was my curiosity for “the mystery of living things.”
Research Information
Research Area and Theme
Drug Discovery Research Focused on the Intracellular Information Transmission System
Using molecular biological techniques, I will clarify the reaction mechanism of enzymes and the intracellular information transmission system network at the molecular level, and study diseases and their medications.
Thoughts on Research Theme
Multicellular organisms, including humans, engage in harmonious activities as individuals by way of individual cells responding appropriately to stimuli from the outside world and from other cells. In order for “receptors” on the cell surface to trigger various responses, information is transmitted through a network composed of many proteins inside the cell. Even if the same receptor is stimulated with the same molecule (ligand), having responses that differ depending on the cell is a common phenomenon observed in living organisms, indicating the importance of intracellular information transmission systems. In my research, while actively incorporating new technologies, I would like to engage in experiments to illuminate a part of the phenomena of life, and further contribute to society in a way that leads to drug discovery.
Message to Students
Value your individuality
It’s important to get along with the people around you. Whether you are studying, researching, or working, there is a limit to the things that you can do alone, and the results will be very different if you have the opinions and help of many people. To have smooth communication, it’s important to sincerely listen to your friends and the seniors around you. On the other hand, regardless of the time, it’s also important to have your own opinion. When you’re just going with the flow of the people around you, thinking on your own becomes a chore, and you fall into a habit of not thinking about anything. Having your own opinions, even those that are trivial, and having those around you hear them will invigorate and energize your group/community.