Takeshi Sakurai | Neuroanatomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Takeshi Sakurai | Neuroanatomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Takeshi Sakurai, University of Tsukuba, Japan.

Takeshi Sakurai, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished academic whose career spans across key positions in neuroscience, pharmacology, and integrative sleep medicine. After earning his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Tsukuba, he embarked on a journey of groundbreaking research, primarily focusing on neurotransmission and sleep regulation. Sakurai’s postdoctoral work in prestigious institutions, coupled with his leadership of major projects like the Yanagisawa Orphan Receptor Project, established him as a leader in molecular neuroscience. Over the years, he has earned recognition through accolades and significant academic positions, including his current role as Professor and Vice Director at the University of Tsukuba’s International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine. His research continues to shape the understanding of sleep and brain function, while his influence extends to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚


Takeshi Sakurai’s academic journey began with his medical studies at the University of Tsukuba, where he earned his M.D. in 1989. During his early years at the university, he developed a keen interest in the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. This curiosity led him to pursue a Ph.D. in medicine, which he completed in 1993. His doctoral research focused on the cloning of a cDNA encoding a non-isopetide-selective subtype of the endothelin receptor, a project that was published in Nature in 1990, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to molecular pharmacology.

Professional Endeavors 👨‍⚕️


Following his Ph.D., Sakurai embarked on a promising career in academic research, starting as a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences in 1993. His career rapidly advanced as he took on various roles, including Assistant Professor at the same institute. During his tenure, he also worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas from 1995 to 1996. These experiences broadened his expertise in pharmacology and molecular neuroscience, laying the foundation for his future academic leadership roles. By 1999, he became an Associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba and contributed significantly to the university’s research landscape.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧬


Sakurai’s research is primarily centered around molecular neuroscience, pharmacology, and integrative physiology. His work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of biological systems and their regulation at the molecular level. Notably, his leadership of the Yanagisawa Orphan Receptor Project under the Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO) of the Japan Science and Technology Corporation highlights his role in pioneering research on orphan receptors. His continued focus on the mechanisms of neurotransmission and their involvement in sleep regulation has earned him a place as a leading researcher in the field of integrative sleep medicine.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆


Throughout his career, Sakurai has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to medicine and neuroscience. His groundbreaking work on neurotransmitter systems and sleep regulation has led to his appointment as a Professor and Vice Director at the University of Tsukuba’s International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine. His research has not only shaped the scientific community’s understanding of brain function but also garnered him numerous accolades, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍


Sakurai’s impact extends far beyond his own research. As a professor, he has mentored countless students and researchers who have gone on to make their own significant contributions in the fields of neuroscience and pharmacology. His interdisciplinary approach to sleep medicine has influenced research on neurodegenerative diseases, mental health, and drug development. The work he has pioneered in molecular neuroscience has also paved the way for advances in treatment approaches for disorders related to sleep and neurotransmission, offering hope for improved therapeutic interventions.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔬


Looking ahead, Sakurai’s legacy in neuroscience and integrative sleep medicine is poised to continue influencing both academic research and clinical practice. His innovative research on sleep regulation and the molecular mechanisms underpinning brain function will undoubtedly remain foundational in the future of both basic and applied medical sciences. As he continues his work at the University of Tsukuba, Sakurai’s future contributions will likely expand our understanding of the brain’s intricate systems and their broader implications for human health. His career exemplifies a dedication to advancing science, and his ongoing research promises to address critical challenges in medicine and health.

Academic Leadership and Mentorship 🎓


In addition to his personal research achievements, Sakurai’s role in academic leadership cannot be understated. As a professor at the University of Tsukuba, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s research direction and academic programs, particularly within the fields of integrative physiology and sleep medicine. His influence extends through the mentorship of students, guiding the next generation of researchers who will continue to build on his work. Sakurai’s commitment to education and his support for innovative research initiatives are key to his lasting impact on the academic and medical communities.

Publication

  • Orexins and orexin receptors: a family of hypothalamic neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors that regulate feeding behavior
    Authors: T Sakurai, A Amemiya, M Ishii, I Matsuzaki, RM Chemelli, H Tanaka, …
    Year: 1998

 

  • Cloning of a cDNA encoding a non-isopeptide-selective subtype of the endothelin receptor
    Authors: T Sakurai, M Yanagisawa, Y Takuwat, H Miyazakit, S Kimura, K Goto, …
    Year: 1990

 

  • Genetic ablation of orexin neurons in mice results in narcolepsy, hypophagia, and obesity
    Authors: J Hara, CT Beuckmann, T Nambu, JT Willie, RM Chemelli, CM Sinton, …
    Year: 2001

 

  • Autism genome-wide copy number variation reveals ubiquitin and neuronal genes
    Authors: JT Glessner, K Wang, G Cai, O Korvatska, CE Kim, S Wood, H Zhang, …
    Year: 2009

 

  • The neural circuit of orexin (hypocretin): maintaining sleep and wakefulness
    Author: T Sakurai
    Year: 2007

 

  • Distribution of orexin neurons in the adult rat brain
    Authors: T Nambu, T Sakurai, K Mizukami, Y Hosoya, M Yanagisawa, K Goto
    Year: 1999

 

  • Orexins, orexigenic hypothalamic peptides, interact with autonomic, neuroendocrine and neuroregulatory systems
    Authors: Y Date, Y Ueta, H Yamashita, H Yamaguchi, S Matsukura, K Kangawa, …
    Year: 1999

 

  • Hypothalamic orexin neurons regulate arousal according to energy balance in mice
    Authors: A Yamanaka, CT Beuckmann, JT Willie, J Hara, N Tsujino, M Mieda, …
    Year: 2003

 

  • Plastic stress-strain matrix and its application for the solution of elastic-plastic problems by the finite element method
    Authors: Y Yamada, N Yoshimura, T Sakurai
    Year: 1968

 

  • Chemically defined projections linking the mediobasal hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamic area
    Authors: CF Elias, CB Saper, E Maratos‐Flier, NA Tritos, C Lee, J Kelly, JB Tatro, …
    Year: 1998

 

Conclusion


Takeshi Sakurai’s work has profoundly impacted the fields of neuroscience, pharmacology, and sleep medicine. His contributions have not only advanced scientific understanding but have also paved the way for practical applications in medical therapies. Through his leadership and mentorship, Sakurai’s legacy is set to endure, with his future research promising further advancements in understanding the complexities of the brain and its regulation. His dedication to advancing both science and education ensures that his influence will continue to resonate in academic and clinical circles for years to come.

 

Camilla Bellone | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Camilla Bellone | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Camilla Bellone,  University of Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Camilla Bellone is a renowned neuroscientist whose academic and research career has been marked by excellence, innovation, and impact. From her foundational training in Italy to her leadership role in Geneva, she has made pioneering contributions to understanding the neural underpinnings of social behavior. Her work bridges basic science and clinical relevance, and she has played a vital role in training, mentorship, and international collaboration within the neuroscience community.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Camilla Bellone began her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Milano in 2000. With a strong foundation in pharmacology and medical chemistry, she pursued her Ph.D. in “Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Medical Chemotherapy” at the same institution, completing it in 2006. Her early education shaped a robust scientific mindset, preparing her for a career at the intersection of neuroscience and pharmacology. These formative years set the tone for her later work on the molecular mechanisms that govern complex behaviors in both healthy and diseased states.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

After her doctoral studies, Dr. Bellone enhanced her research acumen through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), gaining international exposure. She later returned to Switzerland, where she served as a scientist under the Ambizione Fellowship at the University of Geneva. Her academic path took a significant leap when she became an Assistant Professor at the University of Lausanne in 2014, followed by a transition to the University of Geneva in 2016. In 2020, she was promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Neuroscience, where she continues to lead cutting-edge investigations and mentor future neuroscientists.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

At the core of Dr. Bellone’s research lies a deep interest in the neurobiological basis of social behavior, with a particular focus on how these processes are disrupted in neuropsychiatric disorders. Her lab explores the synaptic and circuit-level mechanisms that underpin social cognition, often using advanced molecular and behavioral techniques. Her work has provided critical insights into how alterations in neural plasticity and connectivity contribute to diseases such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience and Neuron, Dr. Bellone’s research continues to advance the field of behavioral neuroscience.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bellone’s scientific excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors. In 2023, she received the EBBS Mid-Career Award and the Leenaards Scientific Prize for her collaborative project on cerebellar stimulation in schizophrenia. Earlier, she was elected to the distinguished FENS-KAVLI Network of Excellence in 2015, highlighting her position among Europe’s most promising neuroscientists. In 2014, she was honored with the Fondation du Prix Pfizer de la Recherche, marking an early milestone in her independent research career.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond her lab, Dr. Bellone has made meaningful contributions to the academic and scientific community. She has delivered over 20 invited lectures at international conferences and institutions, sharing her discoveries with a global audience. As a dedicated mentor, she has guided eight master’s students and seven PhD candidates, nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists. Her commitment extends to active service on academic committees, grant review panels, and editorial boards, reflecting her role as a respected leader in the field.

👩‍🔬 Balancing Science and Life

A champion of work-life integration, Dr. Bellone has managed to thrive professionally while embracing motherhood. She took two career breaks following the birth of her three children, exemplifying resilience and balance in a demanding academic landscape. Her story is an inspiration to young scientists, especially women, striving to build careers in STEM while honoring personal life choices.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Bellone’s work holds promise for transforming our understanding of social dysfunction in mental illness. Her innovative approaches—blending circuit neuroscience, pharmacology, and behavior—position her as a leading voice in the neurobiology of social behavior. With continued support from initiatives like the ERC Consolidator Grant, her research will likely pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, leaving a lasting legacy in neuroscience and psychiatry.

Publication

  • Title: NMDA receptor subunit diversity: impact on receptor properties, synaptic plasticity and disease
    Author: P Paoletti, C Bellone, Q Zhou
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Cocaine triggered AMPA receptor redistribution is reversed in vivo by mGluR-dependent long-term depression
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher
    Year: 2006

 

  • Title: Rapid bidirectional switching of synaptic NMDA receptors
    Author: C Bellone, RA Nicoll
    Year: 2007

 

  • Title: Cocaine inverts rules for synaptic plasticity of glutamate transmission in the ventral tegmental area
    Author: M Mameli, C Bellone, MTC Brown, C Lüscher
    Year: 2011

 

  • Title: In vivo reprogramming of circuit connectivity in postmitotic neocortical neurons
    Author: A De la Rossa, C Bellone, B Golding, I Vitali, J Moss, N Toni, C Lüscher, …
    Year: 2013

 

  • Title: Mechanisms of synaptic depression triggered by metabotropic glutamate receptors
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher, M Mameli
    Year: 2008

 

  • Title: Effects of streptozotocin‐diabetes on the hippocampal NMDA receptor complex in rats
    Author: F Gardoni, A Kamal, C Bellone, GJ Biessels, GMJ Ramakers, F Cattabeni, …
    Year: 2002

 

  • Title: Neurons under T cell attack coordinate phagocyte-mediated synaptic stripping
    Author: G Di Liberto, S Pantelyushin, M Kreutzfeldt, N Page, S Musardo, R Coras, …
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: mGluRs induce a long‐term depression in the ventral tegmental area that involves a switch of the subunit composition of AMPA receptors
    Author: C Bellone, C Lüscher
    Year: 2005

 

  • Title: SHANK3 controls maturation of social reward circuits in the VTA
    Author: S Bariselli, S Tzanoulinou, C Glangetas, C Prévost-Solié, L Pucci, …
    Year: 2016

 

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Bellone’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of scientific curiosity, academic leadership, and personal resilience. As she continues to explore the brain’s most intricate social circuits, her influence will undoubtedly expand across neuroscience, psychiatry, and therapeutic innovation. Her career serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration for emerging scientists navigating the evolving landscape of brain research.