#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #YÖSUKE #Togashi

Professor Yosuke Togashi of Okayama University Awarded JSPS Prize

In a significant achievement for Japan's scientific community, Professor Yosuke Togashi from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Okayama University has been honored with the 22nd Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Prize. The award ceremony will take place on February 3, 2025, at the Japan Academy in Tokyo.

The JSPS Prize recognizes young researchers who demonstrate outstanding creativity and research capabilities in promoting the advancement of academia in Japan to global standards. The prize aims to encourage their research efforts and support the development of their scholarly pursuits.

Overview of Awarded Research

Professor Togashi has made groundbreaking contributions in unveiling new mechanisms of cancer immune evasion through mitochondrial transmission. His work identifies how mutated mitochondria derived from cancer cells can be transferred to T cells, leading to impaired immune functions in these essential cells. The findings reveal that in the tumor microenvironment, T cells—critical components of anti-cancer immunity—often experience reduced functionality.

Through mouse experimental models, Professor Togashi demonstrated that T cells containing mutated mitochondria exhibited decreased functionality, which further diminished the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Moreover, analysis of human clinical samples indicated that patients with mutated mitochondria had poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors compared to those without.

While the phenomenon of mitochondrial intercellular transmission has been previously recognized, Professor Togashi's discovery of its role in cancer immune evasion is fundamentally transformative from an academic perspective and holds significant implications for cancer treatment development.

A Distinguished Career

In addition to his notable research work, Professor Togashi holds the title of Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Okayama University. His dual role has positioned him as a critical figure in fostering the development of Physician Scientists in Japan. His continued contributions position him as a leading talent anticipated to spearhead innovations in Japanese medicine and healthcare.

“I am deeply honored to have received the 22nd JSPS Prize,” remarked Professor Togashi. He attributes this achievement to the relentless efforts of his research collaborators, laboratory members, and the clinical support they received. Professor Togashi also expressed gratitude to the various research grants and his institution's backing, indicating that this award motivates him to continue tackling unresolved challenges and contributing to the advancement of science and its benefits to society. He also emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Conclusion

The recognition of Professor Togashi’s research underscores the vital role played by academic institutions like Okayama University in cultivating innovative research that addresses critical health challenges. As the university continues to enhance its contributions to scientific advancement, the future looks promising for breakthroughs in medical research, particularly in cancer immunotherapy, and the overall advancement of healthcare practices in Japan and beyond.

For further inquiries or collaborations, please feel free to contact University Hospital’s Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at Okayama University. Professor Togashi is eager to engage with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, aiming to enhance research and development in this crucial area.

Stay tuned for more updates on the academic journey of groundbreaking researchers like Professor Togashi, and join us in celebrating the significant strides being made in the field of oncology research.