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Our Techniques
Science is evolving at a rapid pace. For those who wish to enter the field of life sciences and conduct research, the amount of basic knowledge and techniques they must acquire is growing. In order to understand the phenomenon of life and create new discoveries, the Sasaki Laboratory is conducting research using five approaches: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, cancer metabolic biology, and in vivo experimental medicine. These are the warp threads in wet research, and can be considered important experimental methods for digging into and developing various research themes at the molecular, cellular, and individual levels.
I (Atsuo Sasaki) learned these five approaches from world-class researchers. I studied molecular biology and biochemistry from Professor Akihiko Yoshimura (currently Professor at Keio University), who made numerous discoveries in cytokine signaling research, cell biology from Professor Richard Firtel (Distinguished Professor at UCSD), a leading researcher in cell motility using cellular slime molds, and translational biology (in vivo experimental medicine), which is the foundation of cancer metabolic biology and clinical application, from Professor Lewis Cantley (currently Professor at Weill Cornell University and Director of the Cancer Institute at Harvard University), who discovered PI3K and opened the field of cancer metabolism research. As the explosion of knowledge in science accelerates, it is becoming increasingly important to master these five approaches in order to capture new life phenomena, freely manipulate them, read the phenomena occurring in cells and individuals, and verify applications to various diseases and healthier lives.
GTP Project
One of the major features of the Sasaki Lab is that it has research bases in both Japan and the US. At the University of Cincinnati lab in Ohio, we conduct analysis using cells and individual mice, which are the gateway to clinical application. At the Keio University Institute for Advanced Life Sciences lab, we conduct research using world-class metabolic analysis technology. In addition to the favorable international research environment, we are developing Integrated GTP Metabology, which combines the world-class expertise and technology of our GTP Group colleagues. Phenomena that may appear blurry in one team can be captured in clear and vivid colors in the GTP Group, and can be analyzed in detail. We have repeated such experiences to become who we are today.
For young researchers
"Enjoy science!"
I believe that each and every one of us has amazing talents that no one else can imitate. If we can bring out these talents and use them to our advantage, I believe the path will open up and lead to great success.
How do you discover and hone talent?
There are various ways to do this, but I think the key is to enjoy science and always approach it with a positive, cheerful, light-hearted attitude. In research, there are times when you try out 10 hypotheses and they all fail, and there are also times when the experiment itself doesn't go well. These are all part of the process, and you can be pessimistic or see it as progress. You can see which is more advantageous, right?
It is related to honing your talents, but I think whether you can meet a good mentor will be an important crossroads in your research career. Just as there are many different types of people, I think there is a mentor that suits you. The GTP group may actually be best characterized as a gathering of wonderful researchers. In the Sasaki group, we accept enthusiastic colleagues who want to elucidate the role of GTP in cells and individuals, and develop treatments for cancer and metabolic diseases, using our five approaches. It is possible to study abroad seamlessly at Keio University and the University of Cincinnati, which I think will be a great advantage for your career. If you feel something, please feel free to contact us.
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