Researcher Background
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Developmental Biology, WashU Medicine
Training
- 1997 - 1999: Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- 1999 - 2001: Postdoctoral Associate, Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Education
- 1989: MD, Keio University, Tokyo
- 1995: PhD, Keio University, Tokyo
Research & Selected Publications
Research Interest
Aging is one of the most important predisposing factors for carcinogenesis. However, the molecular linkage between aging and carcinogenesis is not well understood. We are addressing this issue by studying the function of Sir2 NAD-dependent histone/protein deacetylases, which are known to control aging and longevity at least in yeast and worms. We recently found that mammalian Sir2alpha negatively regulates p53 and suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis. Thus, mammalian Sir2alpha may connect energy metabolism and aging to carcinogenesis.
Research Publications