Aki Takahashi | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Aki Takahashi | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Tsukuba, Japan

Dr. Aki Takahashi is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology from The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Japan, specializing in behavior genetics of emotionality. With a background in comparative cognitive science and psychology from the University of Tsukuba, Dr. Takahashi has held academic positions and conducted research internationally, including at Tufts University, USA. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression and emotional regulation in animals. Dr. Takahashi is actively involved in professional societies and has received several awards for his contributions to behavioral neuroendocrinology and genetics.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Aki Takahashi pursued his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, completing his thesis on “Altered sensitivity to anxiolytics in mice selectively bred for open-field activity” under the guidance of Dr. Junshiro Makino. He furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Comparative Cognitive Science at the same institution, focusing on “Multivariate analysis of temporal descriptions of open-field behavior in wild-derived mouse strains,” supervised by Dr. Junshiro Makino and Dr. Tsuyoshi Koide. Dr. Takahashi earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Biology from The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Japan in 2007. His doctoral research titled “Genetic analysis of emotionality using consomic mouse strains established from C57BL/6J and MSM/Ms,” was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Tsuyoshi Koide, exploring behavior genetics of emotionality.

Professional Experience

Dr. Aki Takahashi currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan, a position he has held since 2019. Prior to this role, he was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2014 to 2018. During his tenure as Assistant Professor, Dr. Takahashi also undertook visiting assistant professorships at the Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, USA from 2015 to 2017. Before joining the faculty at University of Tsukuba, he was an Assistant Professor at the Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Japan from 2010 to 2014. Dr. Takahashi commenced his academic career as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Department of Psychology, Tufts University, USA from 2007 to 2010, following a brief postdoctoral fellowship at the Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, NIG, Japan from April to October 2007.

Research Interest

Dr. Aki Takahashi’s research interests primarily focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying aggression, emotional regulation, and related behaviors in animals. His work spans across behavior genetics, neuroendocrinology, and neuroscience, exploring topics such as the genetic basis of emotionality using consomic mouse strains, the role of brain-gut interactions in aggression induced by social isolation, and the neural and molecular mechanisms involved in exercise-driven reduction of aggression. His research aims to elucidate how these mechanisms contribute to behavioral phenotypes and potential therapeutic implications for aggression-related disorders.

Award and Honors

Dr. Aki Takahashi has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. In 2022, he was honored with the Aya Irisawa Memorial Promotion Award for Excellence by Women Physiologists from the Physiological Society of Japan. His contributions to the field were further acknowledged with the Young Faculty Award from the Faculty of Human Sciences at the University of Tsukuba in 2018. Dr. Takahashi received the Kazuo Moriwaki Award in 2014 from the Society for Molossinus for his significant research contributions. His oral presentation at the Japanese Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology earned him the Presentation Award in 2013. In 2007, he was recognized with the Nature Genetics Award for his poster presentation at the International Mammalian Genome Conference held in Kyoto, Japan. Earlier in his academic journey, Dr. Takahashi received the Kamitake Incentive Award in 2005 from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. These accolades underscore his excellence in behavioral neuroendocrinology and genetics, reflecting his impactful contributions to the field of human sciences.

Research Skills

Dr. Aki Takahashi possesses a robust set of research skills encompassing behavior genetics, neuroendocrinology, and neuroscience. His expertise includes genetic analysis of emotionality using consomic mouse strains, multivariate analysis of behavioral data, and studying the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying aggression and emotional regulation. He is proficient in conducting comprehensive experimental designs, utilizing advanced statistical analyses for behavioral studies, and applying bioinformatics tools in his research. Dr. Takahashi’s research also involves collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches, as evidenced by his involvement in international research projects funded by grants from organizations like JST and JSPS. His skills contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in understanding the biological bases of behavior and potential therapeutic implications for related disorders.

Research Grants

Dr. Aki Takahashi has secured several prestigious research grants to support his investigations in behavioral neuroendocrinology and related fields. His recent grants include the Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders 2023 Research Grant, focusing on the relationship between aggression escalation and microglia. He has also been awarded the JST Fusion Oriented Research for disruptive Science and Technology (FOREST JPMJFR214A), aiming to understand biological mechanisms to suppress the explosion of anger. Additionally, Dr. Takahashi has received funding from the JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (KAKEN 22H02660) to explore the role of brain-gut interaction in escalated aggression induced by social isolation, and the JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research (KAKEN 15K12773), investigating neural and molecular mechanisms of exercise-driven reduction of aggression. These grants underscore his leadership in securing competitive funding for innovative research that contributes significantly to the understanding of behavior and its physiological underpinnings.

Publications

  1. Associations of the immune system in aggression traits and the role of microglia as mediators
    • Author: Takahashi, A.
    • Journal: Neuropharmacology, 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Toward understanding the neural mechanisms involved in early life stress-induced aggression
    • Author: Takahashi, A.
    • Journal: Journal of Neurochemistry, 2024
    • Volume: 168(6)
    • Pages: 957–960
    • Citations: 0
  3. Aggression modulator: Understanding the multifaceted role of the dorsal raphe nucleus
    • Authors: Mitsui, K., Takahashi, A.
    • Journal: BioEssays, 2024
    • Volume: 46(4)
    • Pages: 2300213
    • Citations: 0
  4. Lateral habenula glutamatergic neurons projecting to the dorsal raphe nucleus promote aggressive arousal in mice
    • Authors: Takahashi, A., Durand-de Cuttoli, R., Flanigan, M.E., Ogawa, S., Russo, S.J.
    • Journal: Nature Communications, 2022
    • Volume: 13(1)
    • Pages: 4039
    • Citations: 12
  5. Neuromodulatory effect of interleukin 1β in the dorsal raphe nucleus on individual differences in aggression
    • Authors: Takahashi, A., Aleyasin, H., Stavarache, M.A., McEwen, B.S., Russo, S.J.
    • Journal: Molecular Psychiatry, 2022
    • Volume: 27(5)
    • Pages: 2563–2579
    • Citations: 10
  6. The role of social isolation stress in escalated aggression in rodent models
    • Author: Takahashi, A.
    • Journal: Neuroscience Research, 2022
    • Citations: 10
  7. Social Stress and Aggression in Murine Models
    • Author: Takahashi, A.
    • Book: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 2022
    • Volume: 54
    • Pages: 181–208
    • Citations: 5
  8. Toward Understanding the Sex Differences in the Biological Mechanism of Social Stress in Mouse Models
    • Author: Takahashi, A.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2021
    • Volume: 12
    • Pages: 644161
    • Citations: 11
  9. Orexin signaling in GABAergic lateral habenula neurons modulates aggressive behavior in male mice
    • Authors: Flanigan, M.E., Aleyasin, H., Li, L., Clem, R.L., Russo, S.J.
    • Journal: Nature Neuroscience, 2020
    • Volume: 23(5)
    • Pages: 638–650
    • Citations: 85
  10. Serotonin and aggression—an update
    • Authors: Quadros, I.M., Takahashi, A., Miczek, K.A.
    • Book: Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, 2020
    • Volume: 31
    • Pages: 635–663
    • Citations: 8

 

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong – Neuroscience – Academic Brilliance Star Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong - Neuroscience - Academic Brilliance Star Award

National Neuroscience Institute - Singapore

Professional Profiles

Scopus

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Graduating as a medical doctor in 1991 marked the beginning of a journey steeped in rigorous academic and clinical training. Following this achievement, I undertook five years of postgraduate clinical training in internal medicine. This phase was crucial for honing my clinical skills and gaining a profound understanding of patient care. The experience provided a solid foundation for my subsequent shift towards research. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the scientific underpinnings of medical conditions, I pursued a PhD at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Science. This period was instrumental in developing my expertise in biochemistry and biophysics, laying the groundwork for my future contributions to translational neuroscience.

Professional Endeavors

In 2003, I embarked on post-doctoral training at the National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on research in Parkinson's Disease (PD). This transition marked the beginning of my professional endeavors in neuroscience. The comprehensive training at NUS equipped me with advanced research skills and an in-depth understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. My journey then led me to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), where I joined the National PD Translational Bench to Bedside team. At NNI, I engaged in pioneering research aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. My role as a Clinician Scientist at NNI and Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School underscores my commitment to both clinical practice and academic research.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

My research primarily focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson's Disease (PD). My lab is dedicated to identifying and validating new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This work is critical for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate medicine, biochemistry, and biophysics, my research aims to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, I have successfully administered and completed five major research grants on PD in Singapore, highlighting my capability in leading complex research projects and contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Throughout my career, I have received substantial support and recognition for my research contributions. My work has been funded by prestigious grants from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the Singapore Health Foundation (SHF), and collaborative pilot grants from Duke-Duke-NUS. These grants not only underscore the significance of my research but also reflect the confidence the scientific community has in my ability to advance the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The successful administration of these grants and the impactful outcomes of my projects have earned me a respected position within the research community.

Impact and Influence

My research has made significant strides in enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on the molecular pathogenesis of conditions like Parkinson's Disease, my work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can revolutionize the way these diseases are diagnosed and treated. The interdisciplinary nature of my research, combining elements of biochemistry, biophysics, and translational neuroscience, ensures a comprehensive approach to tackling these complex diseases. The collaborative efforts and the impactful achievements of my research projects have contributed to the advancement of medical science and have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

Looking ahead, my commitment to advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research remains steadfast. I aim to continue exploring new frontiers in translational neuroscience, driven by the goal of uncovering innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. The foundation I have built through my academic and professional endeavors positions me to make lasting contributions to the field. My ongoing research, supported by prestigious grants and collaborations, will undoubtedly yield further insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Through these efforts, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the scientific understanding and clinical management of neurodegenerative disorders, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.

Notable Publications

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors and Dopamine Receptor Agonists Combination Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease 2024

Passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: challenges & future directions 2024

Role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease 2023

Dr. Yiling Hong – Neuroscience – Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Yiling Hong - Neuroscience - Women Researcher Award

Western University of Health Sciences - United States

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Yiling Hong, Ph.D., embarked on her academic journey at Xiamen University in China, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1984. Building upon her foundational knowledge, she pursued a Master's degree in Genetics at the same institution in 1987. Dr. Hong's passion for scientific inquiry led her to the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cell Biology in 1997. Following this, she engaged in postdoctoral research in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky until 2001.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Hong's career spans across various prestigious institutions, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. She served as an Assistant Professor at Xiamen University from 1987 to 1992, contributing to both research and education in the field of biology. Subsequently, she transitioned to the United States, where she held positions at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton, focusing on cell biology and neurobiology. Notably, she joined Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and eventually to Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

Throughout her career, Dr. Hong has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and molecular biology. Her research interests encompass diverse areas, including cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry. She has conducted pioneering studies elucidating fundamental mechanisms underlying cellular processes, with a particular emphasis on understanding the molecular basis of diseases. Dr. Hong's interdisciplinary approach and innovative methodologies have advanced our understanding of complex biological systems.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Dr. Hong's exceptional contributions have garnered widespread recognition within the scientific community. She has received numerous honors and awards, underscoring her outstanding achievements. Notably, she was honored with the Grant Writing Award by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in 2018, highlighting her prowess in securing research funding. Additionally, her research excellence was acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Merck-AAAS Undergraduate Research Award and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Hong's influence extends beyond her individual accomplishments to the training and mentorship of future scientists. She has supervised and mentored a diverse cohort of trainees, guiding them towards excellence in research and academic endeavors. Her dedication to nurturing talent is evident in the numerous awards obtained by her trainees, including the College of Veterinary Science Day First Place Awards and the Merial Veterinary Scholars Awards. Dr. Hong's mentorship has empowered emerging scholars to make significant contributions to the scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

As a respected educator, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Hong's legacy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to scientific discovery and academic excellence. Her innovative research endeavors continue to shape the landscape of veterinary medicine and molecular biology. Dr. Hong's future contributions are poised to further advance our understanding of complex biological processes and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. Through her mentorship and leadership, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and make meaningful contributions to society.

Notable Publications

Microglia-containing cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for the study of neurological diseases 2023

Global gene expression signatures in response to citrate-coated silver nanoparticles exposure 2023

Heat Shock Responsive Gene Expression Modulated by mRNA Poly(A) Tail Length 2020