あなたの研究テーマについて教えてください。What is your research theme?
My research focuses on improving the efficiency of nuclear-based recombinant protein production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a fast-growing green alga that recently gained attention for its potential as a sustainable protein production platform. While its chloroplast expression system is highly productive, it cannot perform certain post-translational modifications needed for functional or complex proteins. The nuclear expression system can produce these kinds of proteins, but suffers from low and inconsistent yield due to the epigenetic silencing and transgene instability that occur in the nuclear genome. To address this, my team and I are currently developing an optimized vector that incorporates strong promoters and effective untranslated regions (UTRs) to enhance mRNA stability and translation efficiency. The ultimate goal is to maximize nuclear transgene expression and boost recombinant protein yields in C. reinhardtii.
Through this study, we aim to tackle one of the main challenges in algal molecular biology by developing a more reliable and higher-yield nuclear expression system for C. reinhardtii. This work will not only deepen our understanding regarding gene regulation in the nucleus, but also help make C. reinhardtii a stronger alternative to traditional protein production systems like bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. Ultimately, improving nuclear-based protein expression in this microalga could open the door to producing complex, high-value proteins—such as those used in medicines, industrial enzymes, and agricultural products—in a way that is affordable, scalable, and environmentally friendly.
なぜ博士課程へ進学しましたか？Why did you decide to pursue a doctoral program?
After completing my master’s in downstream processing, I realized that maximizing recombinant protein production also requires a strong grasp of molecular optimization. To fill this knowledge gap, I applied for the NAIST Pre-screening Internship, which I learned about through Universiti Sains Malaysia. The one-week online program in January 2023 introduced me to various laboratories, and I was especially drawn to Ko Kato’s bioengineering lab for its focus on molecular strategies to enhance useful protein yields. Following the internship, I was thrilled to be accepted into Ko Kato’s lab, where I am now expanding my expertise in the molecular field.
Graniteの支援で役立っている・助かっていることを教えてください。Please share what has been helpful or beneficial through the support provided by Granite.
For many students, including myself, financial constraints are a major hurdle when pursuing studies abroad. Coming from a middle-income family where finances can be uncertain, I was determined not to burden my parents with the cost of supporting my life at NAIST. Although my initial scholarship applications were unsuccessful, just as I was close to giving up, I was fortunate to be awarded the NAIST Granite Scholarship. This generous support covered my flight tickets, tuition fees, and monthly stipend, allowing me to put aside financial worries and focus entirely on my studies. Beyond financial aid, the NAIST Granite Program offers valuable opportunities to strengthen both research and soft skills through initiatives such as overseas study and international training, along with extensive career guidance. In essence, the NAIST Granite Scholarship not only provides essential financial assistance but also empowers students to develop their full potential across multiple fields.
将来の目標、もしくはあなたが胸に秘めた野望があればぜひ教えてください。Please share your future goals or any ambitions you hold close to your heart.
I aspire to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained not only in research but across a variety of fields where they are needed. Above all, I hope to be a valuable and humble individual who can make meaningful contributions to society and give back in impactful ways. Someone especially meaningful to me once told me, "To be knowledgeable is not for our own benefit, but to open doors and create opportunities for those less fortunate." I carry this belief with me as a guiding principle in both my personal and professional life.
博士課程進学を考えている人へのメッセージをください。Please share a message for those considering pursuing a doctoral program.
Pursuing a doctoral degree is one of the most meaningful and personal investments anyone can make. It requires a lot of time, energy and passion while we juggle with work, family, and life’s responsibilities. The path is not the same for everyone; some of us may find it smoother, while others may face tougher challenges along the way. But what truly matters is having the determination and perseverance to turn those challenges into stepping stones. Real success is not just about reaching the finish line; it is about the courage and resilience we show throughout the journey.
To cultivate this strong willpower, it is important to embrace a mindset that values the learning process itself, not just the end results. When you embrace growth, understanding, and continuous improvement, you equip yourself to handle whatever obstacles come your way. In my opinion, the eagerness to learn and the resilience to keep going through the hard parts are those crucial strengths that ultimately make pursuing a doctoral degree so rewarding.
