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Award Ceremony for the 10th Science of Living Organisms

The prestigious ceremony for the 10th Science of Living Organisms Award took place on March 5, 2026, at the Medical Book Institute in Bunkyo, Tokyo. This award, established by the Kanehara Ichiro Memorial Foundation, offers substantial financial support to groundbreaking research in the field of basic medical science. This year's honoree, Dr. Akiyoshi Fukamizu, is a distinguished professor at the Center for Survival Dynamics, University of Tsukuba.

The award comes with a grant of 5 million yen and recognizes Dr. Fukamizu's research on "A Novel Mechanism of Intracellular–Extracellular Coupled Homeostatic Regulation Mediated by Arginine Methyltransferases." This innovative theme is representative of Dr. Fukamizu's lifelong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in vascular health, particularly concerning cardiovascular regulation through the renin-angiotensin system.

About the Science of Living Organisms Award

The Science of Living Organisms Award has been dedicated to fostering unique and progressive themes in basic medical research since its inception in 1949. Each year, one research endeavor receives a grant of 5 million yen, designed to support researchers dedicated to enhancing Japan's contributions to the fields of basic medicine and life sciences.

In recent years, despite an increase in funding opportunities for young researchers, mid-career scientists often face challenges in obtaining grants. The continued merit and relevance of the Science of Living Organisms Award highlight its significance in rewarding sustained efforts in medical research.

Honoree Profile: Dr. Akiyoshi Fukamizu

Dr. Akiyoshi Fukamizu, born on September 5, 1959, has significantly expanded our understanding of how neurohumoral factors regulate the cardiovascular system's homeostasis. His early work in mouse genetics laid the groundwork for model systems to study hypertension and gestational hypertension syndrome.

The selection committee emphasizes Dr. Fukamizu's role in elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, particularly through his studies on the production of inflammatory methylarginines and their impact on vascular function. His recent research explores the novel molecular dynamics of arginine methyltransferases, aiming to uncover new mechanisms integral to physiological homeostasis and cardiovascular therapy applications.

Research Objective

This research aims to elucidate the intricate balance of homeostatic control at cellular and systemic levels. Understanding how cellular responses translate to extracellular dynamics has become crucial, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. Work thus far has shown that post-translational modifications, historically viewed as intracellular events, have broader implications affecting immune responses and tissue homeostasis.

The research focuses on how the arginine methylation network, particularly PRMT (protein arginine methyltransferase), contributes to vital homeostatic processes in cardiovascular and neural systems. It aims to redefine homeostatic control, proposing that alterations in PRMT activity may link cellular stress responses with changes in extracellular environments, establishing another layer of proteostasis.

The findings from this research could pave the way for deeper insights into how molecular interactions steer systemic health, and could have significant implications for understanding chronic inflammatory conditions and aging-related diseases.

Award Ceremony Details

The ceremony for the 10th Science of Living Organisms Award was held at the Medical Book Institute located in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Those interested in attending future ceremonies or seeking more information can reach out directly to the Kanehara Foundation’s office.

Acknowledgment

Through the continued support of the Kanehara Ichiro Memorial Foundation, researchers such as Dr. Fukamizu can further their inquiries and enhance our understanding of complex biological systems. Their work not only improves medical science but ultimately contributes to better health outcomes in society.

For inquiries regarding the foundation or the award, interested parties can visit Kanehara Foundation's official site or contact via email at [email protected].