Extracellular signaling plays a central role in cell-cell communication for all multicellular organisms, orchestrating various life processes from body formation to brain function. This diverse and important signaling is exquisitely controlled by a variety of membrane-spanning proteins, including transporters and ion channels. Our research interest focuses on understanding how these dynamic and fine-tuned proteins are built, how they release/receive signals, and how they integrate and convey these signals across the cell membrane. In particular, we are interested in the ion channels that regulate extracellular ATP-mediated signaling, a newly emerging field in cell-cell communication throughout the human body.

• Ph D, Cellular, Molecular, Biophysical Studies, Columbia University, 2005
• MS, Medical Science, Osaka University, 2000
• BS, Biology, Osaka University, 1998