Ph.D. Program in

HUMAN
BIOLOGY
To understand human beings in the contexts of the natural and social
environments and thereby contribute to the happiness of a sustainable earth

Ph.D. Program in

HUMAN
BIOLOGY

Nurturing future leaders who will
create a rich human society
Human biology is the area of study to understand the maintenancemechanism of the homeostasis.
When carrying out research on human beings, ethical boundaries dictate
which experimental methods are acceptable, and thus collaboration andintegration with computational science are required to apply biological findings to human beings.
The HBP offers a program of individualized, global overseas training, as
exemplified by the Appropriate Technology course. (1) Students experience
the cutting-edge, global-standard education and research of a scientificallyadvanced country based on their own research proposal plan. (2) Throughtheir participation in the creative process of planning research projects indeveloping countries, students develop the abilities of decision-making,making breakthroughs in research, and bringing a research project to completion. To develop the spirit of challenge and organizational and strategicplanning needed for entrepreneurship, students can also do coursework atoverseas partner universities or in collaboration with industry.

Breakthroughs

Toward solutions
to global-scale
problems
Conclusive
actionSpecialistskill

Judgment

Global lenext
generatiaders able to lead thneology
on of science & tech

Human Biology
Biological
Science

Computational
Science
Material
Science

MedicineWelcome to the Ph.D. Program in

HUMAN
BIOLOGY

Nurturing global leaders towards
future human society

IRIE Kenji

Program Leader Professor

The University of Tsukuba's PhD Program in Human Biology (HBP) was chosen
as one of the Leading Graduate School Doctoral Programs supported by theJapanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT),and has started in 2011. In the 21st Century, humanity faces numerous global
crises: environmental problems, dwindling natural resources, disasters, disease, andpoverty. To solve these problems we have to transcend disciplinary and national
borders, and work together towards a brighter future. We share the same destiny
and are all passengers in the same boat: our planet Earth.
In the HBP, we aim to nurture leaders of the future, who will bring together
expertise in various fields relating to human biology, to identify and work towards
overcoming global issues. We call this the Shipmaster Program. An excellent
captain has strong leadership skills and takes the responsibility of directing the
ship's crew, making good use of various technologies and resources, to navigate
the ship through the roughest of seas towards the final destination. To nurturesuch leaders, we have brought together world-class academics from many
research areas, not only biology, but also medicine, computational sciences, andmaterials sciences, to be faculty members of the HBP.
A competent captain needs more than just technical ability, and so we also aim
to foster professional skills in our students, what we refer to as the ABC of Human
Power, namely the power of accomplishment (A: Accomplishment), the powerof breakthrough (B: Breakthrough), and the power of judgment (C: Cognoscente).
In the HBP, we prepare various programs to cultivate these abilities. For example,
students have the chance to actively study in other countries through three
innovative courses: Appropriate Technology in Developing Countries, International
Research Rotation, and Internship in Overseas Companies.
HBP has been accepting students since 2012 school year and has produced
many graduates so far. The HBP graduates who have acquired strong human ability
in addition to a wide range of research abilities are actively working in domestic
and overseas companies, various research institutes, and academia. In the final
evaluation of the Leading Graduate School Doctoral Programs, HBP obtained
the highest S evaluation (it can be evaluated that the purpose of this project was
sufficiently achieved because the efforts beyond the plan were performed andthe excellent results were obtained). We have realized that students are growing
through the HBP educational program.
Although support from the Leading Graduate School Doctoral Programs was
terminated in 2017, it will be restarted with a new system from 2018, and studentsof this course will continue to receive financial assistance for 5 years.
Please enroll in HBP and experience your growth in an environment where you
can grow up and work hard with your friends. We welcome young people with big
dreams and high ambitions.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

1Program Features
Human Biology - The biology of the human being
Human biology looks at the human being as a single unit of life on earth and in space. It seeks tounderstand the homeostasis and mechanisms of the human body in its place on the temporalaxes of the global environment and biological evolution.

In the Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, students can
1.	Figure out problems and frameworks of possible solutions to
global issues with broad perspective and deep insight.
2.	Possess knowledge, skills, intellect and creativity for planningresearch or activities to solve problems.
3.	Have enthusiasm, administrative ability on cooperativenegotiation, leadership and integrated humanity, meeting theneeds of the society on a global mass scale.
The nature host of influenza virus is migratory waterfowl. The
avian influenza viruses are transmitted from waterfowl reservoirs
to human communities by adaptation to mammals, causing
pandemics. However, the adaptation process remains unknown
and is difficult to reproduce in non-primate animal models (e.g.,mouse models). Thus, it is necessary to understand the molecularbasis of viral pathogenicity and the adaptive evolution in humans
by using computational models of host responses against viral
infection, including immune responses and changes in physiological functions.
Based on these, we will be able to predict the viruses that will be
emerged in the future for vaccine development. It is also possible
to design antiviral drugs by in silico technique that are less likely
to cause the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

2

Why is Influenza Virus Highpathogenic to Human?
MedicalScience

Evolution

Biology

Prediction of Viral Mutation

Intectome
Computational Science

Identificationof New
Biomolecule

Vaccine Based on
the Prediction ofVirus Evolution
HTP
screening
Chemical
Biology
Agriculture

Functional Structure

T2K@Center for Computational Sciences
Mathematical
Science

Antiviral Drug against
Broader Spectrumof Flu Strains

in silico
Screening
Pharmacology

Our Vision for Human Biology Research

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Develop and create interdisciplinary degree programs
As humankind made scientific and technological discoveries, it
unwittingly exposed its health and wellbeing to many kinds of threats.
Today, our global environment is deteriorating as the delicate balanceof its water and atmospheric systems becomes disturbed by pollution.
Within this increasingly precarious environment are chemical substances, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are the byproduct of the technological inventions of humankind.
Elsewhere, the spread of new and reemerging infectious diseases is a
result of the high speed at which people and goods travel the world
today. To control this kind of global threat, we cannot rely on medicine alone, the primary aim of which is to prevent and to heal disease.
Rather, we must combine multiple related disciplines, starting withthe field of biology.
When carrying out research on human beings, ethical boundaries
dictate which experimental methods are acceptable, and thus collaboration and integration with computational science are required toapply biological findings to human beings.

Global overseas training
The HBP offers a program of individualized, global overseas training, as exemplified by the Appropriate Technology course. (1) Students experience thecutting-edge, global-standard education and research of a scientifically-advanced country based on their own research proposal plan. (2) Through their
participation in the creative process of planning research projects in developing countries, students develop the abilities of decision-making, making breakthroughs in research, and bringing a research project to completion. To develop the spirit of challenge and organizational and strategic planning needed for
entrepreneurship, students can also do coursework at overseas partner universities or in collaboration with industry.

The perfect study environment created throgh international
collaboration between academia, government, and industry
The PhD Program in Human Biology is proud of its multi-tiered teachingsystem that brings together international and domestic faculty members
from a wide range of interdisciplinary fields - experts from academia,
government, and industry. Through interaction with such a diverse andexperienced faculty team, students receive invaluable insights and advice tosteer them in their future career paths. Our program further encourages
students to engage in coursework at overseas partner universities or incollaboration with industry.

The University of Tsukuba
Medicine, Biological Science, Computational Science and Medical Science

Companies
Shimadzu Corporation, Kao Corporation, Mizuho Information & Research Institute,
Inc. etc.

Overseas Universities
University of Edinburgh, National Taiwan University, Uppsala University, etc.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

35 years in HBP
The desired students and the image of Ph.D. students to be trainedThis degree program seeks individuals who have the ability to understand the mechanisms of maintenance, adaptation, and inheritance of human life, and who have the qualities to become global leaders in a wide range of industry, academia, and government.
We do not question the amount of knowledge that the applicant currently possesses, but rather evaluate the applicant's capabilities, specifically whether they can reason logically using the given environment and their current
knowledge and skills, whether they can explain things to others in an easy-to-understand manner, whether they
can understand other.
Initiation Subjects

Common Subjects- Initiation Seminar- World-science Leaders' Seminar- Business Leaders' Seminar- Serendipity in Human Biology

Curriculum Policy

International Subjects

Understand the concept of human biology, acquire
the expertise of epigenetic biomolecules science andits control technology that cannot be handled byconventional central dogmas centered on DNA
analysis, and apply these findings to the field ofsociety. The educational course for cultivating connoisseurs, breakthroughs, and completeness to be utilized
to solve problems will be organized as follows.

- nternational research rotation- nternship in Overseas Companies- Appropriate Technology- Entrepreneurship Training

Basic Subjects- Scientific Ethics (Year 1)- International Discussion on Human Biology I (Year 1)- International Discussion on Human Biology II (Year 1)- Research Presentation and Discussion (Year 2)

Medical Subjects

Basic Specialized Subjects I

Year 1 · Year 2- Human Anatomy and Embryology- Human Pathology and Oncology- Human Infection and Immunology- Human Endocrinology and Metabolism- Environmental Medicine

Molecular Subjects- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Year 1)- Molecular Cell Biology (Year 1)- Basic Toxicology (Year 1)- Frontier Science in Drug Discovery (Year 1)- Prominent Discoveries in Neuroscience (Year 1 or 2)- Neurobiology (Year 1)

Basic Specialized Subjects II
Human Biology Specialized Subjects

Human Biology Specialized Subjects- Basic Experiments in Human Biology (Year 1)- Special Lectures in Human Biology I (Year 1)- Special Seminars in Human Biology I (Year 1)- Special Lectures in Human Biology II (Year 2)- Special Seminars in Human Biology II (Year 2)- Special Research in Human Biology II (Year 2)- Special Practice in Human Biology I (Year 1)- Special Practice in Human Biology II (Year 2)- Laboratory Training in Human Biology I (Year 1)

Through Graduate General Education Courses

Mathematics and Computational Science- Application of Information Technology in Science(Year 1)
- Basic Computational Biology (Year 1)- Computational Algorithms (Year 2)- High Performance Computing Technology (Year 2)- Computational Structural Biology and Drug Discovery(Year 2)- Genomics Database Access and Application (Year 1)

Basic Specialized Subjects- Gene Engineering and Genetically Modified Mice- Epigenome Physiology- Signal Transduction and Drug Design- Stem Cell Therapy

Students will acquire(1)	a strong desire to play an active role in the world,(2)	a sincere spirit, a sense of ethics, the ability tonegotiate internationally, and the fundamentals of
leadership and entrepreneurship, and(3)	the ability to adapt to the environment and thepractical ability to learn to navigate the globe,
extracting problems to be solved from complex
realities.

In Foundation Subjects for Major I
Students will acquire(1)	knowledge of human biology at a level equivalent
to that of Japanese(2)	specialized knowledge of chemical substances andtheir research methods, and(3)	exercises in computer-aided biological research. In
this course, students will acquire computer-aided
complex research methods for research on humansubjects, where experimental research is limited.

In Foundation Subjects for Major II
Students will systematically learn about the latest
achievements in human biology and researchmethods in the life sciences.

Ability to acquire in specialized subjects
With the aim of improving each student's expertisethrough Major Subjects, students will deepen their
specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen field,
develop their research skills, and learn how to
extrapolate the results of animal experiments tohumans by introducing computational science.

the Qualifying Examination 1 (QE1)(1)	A clear commitment to contribute to the world.
(2)	The ability to solve problems by negotiating with people from all over the world
and with knowledge of medical degree-level human biology and computational
sciences(3)	A basic understanding of human biology research(4)	Confirmation of students' ability to conduct research independently and assessment of their overseas activities
The principal academic advisers determine the successful candidates.

4Ú

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Pass

3rd year ofÚ Startthe programSpecialized
Subjects

Curriculum Policy

Special Practice in Human Biology III

In the third through fifth years, students develop their individuality and establish theirown future career goals in the world.

Preparation of thesis

Basic Subjects

Through this overseas training, they develop the ability to adapt to new environments and to hone inon complex problems and identify the questions that need to be answered.

Advanced International Subjects- Advanced International Research Rotation- Advanced Internship in Overseas Companies- Advanced Appropriate Technology- Advanced Entrepreneurship Practice- Practical Training of Career Management

In addition to the primary advisor, two or more secondary advisors, including one
from overseas universities, industry, or independent research institutes, will be selected
for specialized research through regular multi-teacher guidance using e-mail, theInternet, and other means of communication.

The QE2 evaluates students based on their (i) Accomplishment power, (ii) Breakthrough power, and (iii) Cognoscente power to solve global-scale issues that they acquired through their
Global Overseas Training.

In the first half of the fourth year, a midterm
evaluation is conducted by the midterm evaluationcommittee, and students receive guidance on the
preparation of their dissertations.

Ú

Pass

A-1	Improvement of English proficiency (equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 90, a TOEIC score of 860 or higher, or other language
proficiency test). Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level 1 (applicable only to international students who wish tofind employment in Japan).
A-2 Leadership capability (ability to take initiative to solve problems in a group; debate skills; and leadership)
B-1 Practical project planning ability results achieved in the Appropriate Technology and International Research Rotation
B-2 Achievements in Overseas Internship and Company Business Plan Competition
B-3 Project management ability (from patent acquisition to organization and enterprise)* A: Required B: Elective: select 1 or more items from 1, 2, and 3

Preliminary dissertation defenseÚ Final examination

Pass

Year 3 · Year 4 · Year 5

Mid-term Evaluation and Qualifying Examination 2 (QE2)

Final examination(i) The original proposal has been evaluated positively by a commercial business.
(ii) a Business plan describing patent acquisition and financial plan.
(iii) a Dissertation defense of the original research project.

Examination items(1) A topic that is suitable for the world-class leader who can “steer the global voyage” into the next era.
(2) Originality and Planning - describing the background, significance, originality, feasibility, and expected outcomes of the project.
(3) Accomplishments - quality and quantity of research achievements.
(4) Proposal Execution - Planning skills, the credibility of the results obtained from their studies, and understanding the significance of their findings.
(5) Communication strengths. To be able to present a persuasive proposal or dissertations through logical interpretation from the results.

ÜGraduation

Criteria for Degree Conferral
1. Ability to create knowledge: Ability to create new knowledge to be able to contribute to future society.
2.	Management ability: Ability to plan and implement measures to identify and solve challenges from a higher perspective.
3.	Communication ability: Ability to express the nature of academic findings positively and clearly.
4.	Leadership ability: Ability to accomplish objectives under one’s leadership.
5.	International character: High level of awareness and motivation to be internationally active and contribute to international society.
6.	Professional skills: Academic skills in human biology necessary for solving global issues.
7.	Connoisseurship: Ability to independently discover issues that may lead to a paradigm shift.
8.	Breakthrough ability: Ability to solve problems with sincerity and diligence.
9	Conclusion: Ability to disseminate the results of solutions to society and apply them to social contribution.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

5

HBP Curriculum an Innovative
Research lab rotation
HBP students engage in a research lab rotation as part of “Basic Experiments in Human Biology” for amonth and a half in spring or autumn.
The students learn the outline of each research and basic experimental methods/research concepts andperform elementary experiments/simulation at research laboratories headed by program professors.

Students' Comment on Lab Rotation
A. Wakimoto

M. Fujino

N. GotoW. LyuWhat was particularly impressive about theI had clear purposes of the lab rotation, that is

We could have a wide persupective, not fo-

Stepping out of the comfort zone and learn-lab rotations was not only the technology

to experience to use many kinds of experi-

cusing on one thing too much. Also we could

ing knowledge of different fields helped methat each lab possessed, but also the com-mental animals and to know about non-re-

get acquainted with professor/seniors who

know my drawbacks and strengths and thepletely different atmosphere of the lab itself.

search aspects such as creating an atmos-

are working in different fields from us, theylab rotation is such a chance. Discussing with

It was a very enjoyable experience because

phere and rules necessary for having one's

advised my research from the different view.

the professors and lab members about what

you can learn about the technology to a cer-own laboratory in my future. During this peri-That were very good opportunities.

tain extent from the papers, but you can nev-

od, I had a very fulfilling period with one lab-to do but not just following their ongoingprojects, I used the rotation as an opportunity

er know the atmosphere unless you actually

oratory that I attended for three weeks or that

L. Shago there.

I conducted experiments for figures of myI observed cellular responses to growth factor

own lab. Also, the techniques learnt frompaper. It is not easy to adjust the time withstimuli through a fluorescence microscopeother labs gave me alternative ways to lever-

my own experiment and I have experimented

and entire biological responses of geneticallyage the knowledge and experience which

I was able to spend a valuable time while en-until midnight during this period, but I feel

modified nematodes to temperature stress.

can even be used to delve deeper into mygaging in the laboratories of a variety ofthat I have grown by overcoming it. I'm think-

From this experience, I became more inter-own study field.

fields. I was able to gain knowledge and tech-ing about long-term overseas lab rotation, so

ested in the issues concerning the relationsniques outside of my field and get to know

I think I was able to do a good simulation for

between life and environment. I believe that I

A Takemura

faculty members who worked together in thethat.

can apply the new aspects and approaches I

During my lab rotation, I extracted proteins

Y. Miura

laboratories.

learnt to my own research.

C. Louisto learn experiments that I cannot do in myfrom cancer cells, took the skin off laboratory
mice, and solved eigenvalue problems. Those

T. Kikuchi

For the curious ones, Lab Rotation is such a

M. Hashimoto

I was able to deepen my interest and insightwonderful opportunity to explore different

I have expanded my academic perspective

merely handle bacteria. This invaluable expe-

experiments were quite shocking to me who

through the experimental studies in which I

approaches in scientific study. From the fun-through learning immunology, yeast research,rience broadened my perspectives of my re-engaged using other model organism thandamental research on yeast where famous

bioinformatics, and embryology from the ba-

search.

mice that I normally use in my laboratory,

autophagy was discovered up to the transla-

sic to the experimental level from the facultysuch as yeast and nematodes. Those experi-tional research on animal study. Please take amembers in a short period of time. I found it

ments in different fields enabled me to pene-

good use of this opportunity to explore yourexciting that all the techniques being usedtrate insight to my research from different an-

motivation and passion in research.

conventionally in other research fields can be

gles.

6

applied to my research.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Approach to Education
Entrepreneurship Training

Basic Experiments in Human Biology

In the Entrepreneurship Training course, taught by professional leaders fromvarious fields, students learn the knowledge and skills necessary for developing
scientific research into enterprising business ventures. AS part of this course
students also visit a number of companies to gain firsthand experience ofentrepreneurial business. Students learn the entrepreneurial way of thinking, thedetermination to expand their own capacity in order to overcome any difficulties that life in the business world might throw at them.

The Basic Experiments in Human Biology course is designed for first-year
students to gain their first experience at working in laboratory. in this course,
students work in four different laboratories headed by program professors. The
students learn the outline of each laboratory’s research, the basic experimental
methods and techniques, and perform elementary experiments.

International Discussion on Human Biology

Appropriate Technology

The International Discussion on Human Biology Course brings together threeresearch and education powerhouses: Kyoto University, the National Taiwan
University and the University of Tsukuba. Students from the three universities
engage in interactive online distance learning via state-of-the-art telecommunications links. It is a great opportunity to present their thesis, enjoy discussion,and meet like-minded friends and colleagues.

In terms of local needs, cultures, environments, and people, Appropriate
Technology provides opportunities for the students to develop the optimum
technology needed for targeted communities and to generate problem-solving
skills, improvisational capabilities, and entrepreneurial abilities for future social
needs.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

7Superviser Spotlight
Biochemistry · Molecular Biology · Cell Biology
Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology

IRIE Kenji

http://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/public/basic-med/molcellbiol/index.html

In our laboratory, we are focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms and the physiological
functions of the following processes. (1) Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNAbinding proteins. (2) Molecular mechanism of mRNA localization and local translation regulating cell
polarity, asymmetric cell division, and cell-fate. (3) Regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stressresponse by protein kinases. (4) Prospore membrane formation by vesicle docking.

kirie@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

FUKAMIZU Akiyoshi
akif@tara.tsukuba.ac.jp

Physiological genetics

NIWA Ryusuke
ryusuke-niwa@tara.tsukuba.ac.jp

Molecular and Developmental Biology

KOBAYASHI Makoto
makobayash@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology

CHIBA Tomoki

Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics

http://akif2.tara.tsukuba.ac.jp/Top_iweb/Welcome.html

What is longevity? What factors do determine how long we live? We have discovered that methylation(the biological reaction to transfer the methyl group [-CH3]) has the key to determine the longevity by
investigating the regulation of gene expression. The reaction is deeply involved not only in protein
methylation, but also in that of DNA and RNA. To understand the longevity of multicellular organisms,
we are approaching the molecular entity of the longevity by applying the techniques of genetics,
biochemistry, chemistry, and metabolomics of mouse and C. elegans. Through advances of thelongevity research, our laboratory is working on with the aim of knowing how long organisms can live
and survive, and feeding back to the increase in the quality of health and life.

Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics
https://sites.google.com/view/niwa-lab-tsukuba

We are interested in understanding interorgan communication to regulate animal homeostasis andtransistasis by studying neuroendocrine systems in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and its
parasitoid wasps. We are currently focusing on the following research topics: (1) Interorgan
communication of germline stem cell proliferation and energy homeostasis; (2) Regulatory system ofreproductive dormancy in insects; (3) Molecular, cellular, and systemic interactions between parasitic
wasps and their hosts; (4) Regulation of morphology and developmental timing by steroid hormone(ecdysone); (5) Elucidation of the mechanisms of action of various chemical compounds andxenobiotics.

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/MDBiology/mdbiol.index.html

We are studying Human Biology using zebrafish and short-lived annual killifish as model animals. Our
aim is to discover interesting biological events in animal life and clarify their molecular mechanisms
using techniques of genetics, embryology, and molecular biology. Current themes are: 1) dietary
antioxidants/lactic acid bacteria and extension of healthy life expectancy; 2) biological defense
mechanisms against oxidative stress and/or cellular stress; 3) hematopoiesis and formation of digestiveorgans; 4) animal behavior and epigenetic control; 5) animal models of congenital human diseases.

http://tchibalab.org

The proteins in our cells are selectively degraded in a spatiotemporal manner, and such degradation isessential for the regulation of a wide range of cellular events, such as cell cycle progression, stressresponse, and so on. The major pathway that mediates the selective protein degradation is the
Ubiquitin and Proteasome System (UPS). Our laboratory is analyzing the regulatory mechanism of the
UPS to understand the physiology of “regulated protein degradation”.

chiba.tomoki.fp@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

8

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Gene Regulation

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/biochem/gene/

NISHIMURA Ken
ken-nishimura@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Our group studies transcription factor and chromatin structure to understand cellular differentiationand the roles of gene expression in this process. Utilizing the iPS cell production, adipocyte
differentiation, and chondrocyte induction system, we analyze mechanisms of epigenetictranscriptional regulation that will provide an invaluable intellectual background necessary for medical
application of these cells. We also try to apply our original gene transfer system to obtain safe
differentiated tissue cells for regenerative medicine.

Anatomy · Pathology · Laboratory Animal Science
Anatomy and Embryology

TAKAHASHI Satoru
satoruta@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Laboratory Animal Science

SUGIYAMA Fumihiro
bunbun@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Experimental Pathology

KATO Mitsuyasu
mit-kato@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/anatomy/embryology/index.html

・Elucidation of molecular mechanism of pancreatic beta- cell development and its application.
・Functional analysis of large Maf transcription factor family, MafB and c-Maf in macrophagedevelopment and functions.
・Elucidating biological roles of carbohydrates using glycosyltransferase conditional KO mice.
・Transcriptome analysis of mice in the space.
・Molecular function of autophagy receptor p62.

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/lab-animal/

Using genome-edited mice, we aim to reveal the molecular mechanisms of phenomena that are
difficult to analyze without experimental animals, such as germ cells maintenance, embryonicdevelopment, and cardiovascular systems. In particular, by using originally developed genome-editing
tools and new gene-modification systems, we will conduct research into the essence of the robust andflexible homeostasis mechanisms, including analysis of the non-coding genomic regions and multigene redundancy that has rarely been analyzed before. Each student will be given an independent
theme and will be responsible for producing the genetically modified mice necessary for the theme.
Through this experience, students will be able to acquire basic skills in reproductive biology andgenetic modification.

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/epatho/

Cancer cells continue to proliferate as a population. This is the primary characteristic of cancer cells.
Recent cancer research indicated that only cancer stem cells are capable of tumorigenesis, recurrence,and metastasis, and we originally discovered the phenomenon of stem cell induction, in which stem
cell properties are newly acquired in a cancer cell population. Based on this discovery, we have been
conducting research from a new perspective on the characteristics of cancer cells, such as thedetermination of cell division lifespan of non-stem cancer cells and the mechanism of release from thelifespan during stem cell induction, while analyzing the dynamics of cancer stem cells by visualization.

Virus · Microbiology · Immunology
Molecular Virology

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/infectionbiology/virology/

KAWAGUCHI Atsushi

We focus on emerging virus diseases such as influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2. These viral infections
originate from wild animals and are transmitted to humans after receiving adaptive mutations(zoonosis). We are analyzing the mechanisms by which viruses adapt from their natural hosts tohumans, and the expression mechanisms of viral pathogenesis via excessive immune responses. We
are also working on the development of antiviral drugs.

ats-kawaguchi@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

9Superviser Spotlight
Bacteriology

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/infectionbiology/microbiology/

MORIKAWA Kazuya

We aim to clarify bacterial survival strategies in the context of the establishment of infectious diseases
or symbiotic status. We have found a group of genes named “esp (expression in minor subpopulation)”that are expressed in a minor subpopulation. Some were responsible for horizontal gene transfer andacquisition of antibiotics resistance genes. However, the function of many esp genes remains to beclarified, which must be clues for unknown bacterial properties based on population heterogeneity.
Other topics include dynamics of nucleoid, and anti-virulence drugs.

Immunology

http://immuno-tsukuba.com

SHIBUYA Kazuko
kazukos@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Humans have built a highly integrated immune system as a biological defense mechanism against
pathogenic microorganisms. However, infectious diseases are still the greatest threat to humankind eventoday. On the other hand, abnormalities in the immune system are also an essential cause of intractablediseases such as autoimmune diseases and allergies. In addition, cancers and rejection of transplanted
organs are also issues that are directly related to the immune system.
Our laboratory identified several novel immunoreceptors, including DNAM-1 (CD226), MAIR (CD300), Fcα/μR(CD351), Allergin-1, and Clec10a, which are involved in the development of inflammatory diseases, allergy,
cancer, infectious diseases or autoimmune diseases. Our goal is to clarify the basic principles of the immune
system, and then to develop innovative molecular targeting therapies for these intractable diseases.

Bacterial cell-cell communication and bacterial biofilm

NOMURA Nobuhikonomura.nobuhiko.ge@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

Molecular Parasitology · RNA modification

Ho Kiong
kiongho@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

URL: https://www.u.tsukuba.ac.jp/~nomura.nobuhiko.ge/index.html

Comprehension and application of microbial cell-cell interactions, diversity, community
Microbial communities demonstrate a wealth of behavior in response to environmental stimuli due to thevariety of and interactions between microbes in these communities. Furthermore, they have a significant
impact on human life and well-being, highlighting the need for innovative technologies to control microbialcommunity development. We aim to elucidate the behavior of individualbacteria within communities andinteractions between communities and to clarify community adaptation to the environment and microbialinteractions with other environmental organisms. To achieve this, we will develop novel technologies toimage and analyze microbial communities from the individual to the community level. We will clarify therole of heterogeneity and cell-cell interactions within these communities.

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/kiongho/Ho_Lab/Welcome.html

In kinetoplastid parasites, post-transcriptional events have central roles in controlling gene expression.
Recent studies suggest that certain transcripts are silenced by removal of 5’-cap structure and silenced
in the cytoplasm. The silenced transcripts can reacquire the 5’-cap to regenerate translatable mRNAs.
The purpose of this research is to elucidate how gene expression is regulated through mRNA
decapping and recapping pathway. The mRNA recapping pathway could potentially expand theinformation content of genes by regulating abundance and stability of translatable mRNA. We are alsointerested in how RNA are repaired in the cells This is accomplished by understand the targets for RNA
ligase, which act to join the the breakage in the RNA molecules in the cells.

Neuroscience · Physiology
Molecular Neurobiology

MASU Masayuki

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/molneurobiol/

Our main research focus is to study the molecular mechanisms that regulate neural network formationand higher brain functions using integrative approaches, which include molecular biology,
biochemistry, pharmacology, developmental biology, neuroanatomy, and behavioral sciences. Major
research topics are development and function of the corticospinal tract, regulatory mechanism of
spinal motor nerve formation, and regulation of dopamine signal transmission.

mmasu@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

10

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Neurophysiology

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/physiology/t-kogane/index.html

KOGANEZAWA Tadachika

Cardiovascular and respiratory regulations by the central nervous system play crucial roles inhomeostasis. Disorder of the systems causes severe problems in a living body. Despite this, it hasremained that lots of unknown mechanisms in the cardiovascular and respiratory centers. To
investigate these mechanisms, we are electrophysiologically approaching neural mechanisms of the
cardiovascular and respiratory regulations using in vivo and in situ preparations of rodents.

t-kogane@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Developmental Biology

KOBAYASHI Satoru
skob@tara.tsukuba.ac.jp

Molecular and cellular neurobiology

TSURUTA Fuminori

Vascular Matrix Biology

YANAGISAWA Hiromi
hkyanagisawa@tara.tsukuba.ac.jp

Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics
http://skob.tara.tsukuba.ac.jp/Top/index.html

Mechanisms underlying Germ Cell Formation
Germ cells are specialized cells that can transmit genetic materials from one generation to the next insexual reproduction. All of the other cells of the body are somatic cells. This separation of germ andsomatic cells is one of the oldest problems in developmental and reproductive biology. In many animalgroups, a specialized portion of egg cytoplasm, or germ plasm, is inherited by the cell lineage(germline) which gives rise to germ cells. It has been demonstrated that the germ plasm contains
maternal factors required and sufficient for germline development. Our laboratory aims to find thematernal factors for germline segregation, and molecular mechanisms regulating germline sex
determination in Drosophila.

https://ftsuruta.wixsite.com/fuminori-tsuruta

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the mechanisms of how glial cells contribute to neurogenesis,
synaptogenesis, and neural circuits formations. Also, we have been investigating mechanisms by which glial
dysfunctions cause an increased risk of neuronal disorders. Currently, we implement several projects, such as (1)microglial diversity regulated by extracellular micronuclei, (2) microglial maturation and purine metabolism, (3)atypical secretory pathway in neurons and astrocytes, (4) hypothermia control mediated by neuron-astrocyte
interaction. Moreover, we have been developing tools and screening systems to elucidate abnormal posttranslational modifications that induce neuroinflammation. We aim to clarify some of the principles of neuronglia interactions in the developing brain through these challenging projects. We welcome highly motivatedstudents interested in molecular neuroscience to investigate the mechanisms underlying glial functions.

Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics
https://www.saggymousehkytsukuba.com

Based on our long-term interest in vascular biology and matrix biology, our laboratory aims to identify
the components of the extracellular microenvironment (i.e., extracellular matrix (ECM), mechanicalstress, hypoxia, etc.) in development, homeostasis, and aging, and to elucidate their molecularinteractions with responding cells. In addition, we will investigate how the extracellular
microenvironment is altered in various diseases and affects cellular properties and behavior. We will
identify intervention points and methods, which will lead to clinical applications. We use a mouse as amodel system and study various tissues, including cardiovascular, kidney, skin, and bone. Furthermore,
we plan to identify niche factors involved in the construction of cerebral blood vessels and the brain
and the maintenance of tissue stem cells.

Stem Cells · Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology

OHNEDA Osamu
oohneda@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

http://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/stemcell/

Analysis of Tissue Stem Cells derived from Patients
Our laboratory mainly focus on the development of tissue stem cells for clinical application. Tissue
stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in variety of tissues, which induce immense potential in theform of a long-time rejuvenation ability, and differentiation potency to several type of cells.
However, in clinical setting, the success of stem cell transplantation depends on the donor’s
background; factors such as age, pathological condition or drug consumption. In order to maximize
the best potential of tissue stem cells for clinical application, our laboratory study how tissue stem cells
could function depends on their backgrounds after the transplantation.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

11Superviser Spotlight
Stem Cell Therapy

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/sct/

YAMAZAKI Satoshi
y-sato4@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

In our laboratory, we are conducting basic research on stem cell biology and its applications. In recent
years, the field of stem cell research has been greatly enhanced by the discovery of various pluripotent
stem cells and adult stem cells (tissue-specific stem cells). However, one of the most exciting aspects ofstem cell research is that it is still largely unexplored. To answer these questions, we are trying topropose new biological concepts by using analytical methods that integrate molecular biology,
developmental engineering, immunology, engineering, and mathematical science.

Medical Genetics · Informatics
Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology

TSUCHIYA Naoyuki
tsuchiya@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Bioinformatics

Functional genes in the immune system are highly polymorphic, and some of them are associatedwith individual differences in susceptibility and/or clinical course of various diseases, or in responses todrugs. Our laboratory is interested in the search of genetic variants (polymorphisms) associated withintractable immune system disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, ANCA-associatedvasculitis and systemic sclerosis, using human genome analysis. We hope our research will lead tounderstanding of disease pathogenesis, identification of drug targets and biomarkers, anddevelopment of precision medicine in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

https://sites.google.com/view/ozakilab-jp

OZAKI Haruka
haruka.ozaki@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Genome Biology

Bigdata and informatics have become very important in the biomedical field. We work on thedevelopment of bioinformatic methods for understanding and interpreting diverse massive biological
data: (1) Development of methods for interpreting and predicting the function of genome sequences,(2) Development of methods for analyzing single-cell and spatial omics, (3) Automation of life science
research (Laboratory automation), (4) Medical data analyses. In addition, we apply bioinformatics,
programming, informatics, statistics, and applied mathematics to biological and disease research. We
welcome students from diverse backgrounds who have the ambition to integrate biomedical andinformation sciences.

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/basic-med/genome/index.html

MURATANI Masafumi
muratani@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

In silico Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology

HIROKAWA Takatsugu
t-hirokawa@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

12

https://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/community-med/publicmd/GE/

The main research interests in our group is genomics and epigenomics in space medicine and clinicalresearch, with particular focus on development of technologies for limited sample analysis. We alsocollaborate with clinicians and industry partners* to implement our methods to personalized medicine
and automated laboratory testing using AI and robotics. These collaborative projects provide ourgroup members with opportunities to learn real-world technological demands and to shape uniqueresearch programs fitting to individual career aspiration.

http://www.md.tsukuba.ac.jp/tmrc/research_lab/informatics/

With the development of increasing number of genome sequence data and protein structure determination,
pharmacological and drug discovery research based on the structural biology data have been accelerated.
However, some of experimental structural data may be inconvenient to use for drug discovery due to theconstraints on crystallization conditions or undesirable biological state. Molecular modeling and simulation can help
to bridge the gap between original state of experimental structural data and drug discovery oriented structuralmodels. Structural models from the collaboration between the experimental data and in silico technology will be
useful to guide sophisticated drug discovery process. We propose the supporting and developing of in silico drug
discovery using molecular modeling and simulation based on fundamental technologies such as homology
modeling, docking simulation, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, chemical biology and cheminformatics.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Molecular mechanism of sleep regulation
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Yanagisawa/Funato Laboratory

YANAGISAWA Masashi
yanagisawa.masa.fu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://sleepymouse.jp/

We spend nearly one –third of our lives asleep. The mechanism and function of sleep, however, remains
unclear. Many factors such as mental illness, food, drugs, and emotions, can affect sleep/wake regulation.
Disorder of sleep is not only by itself a major problem in modern society, but also an established risk
factor for metabolic syndrome and other lifestyle diseases. We discovered the neuropeptide “orexin” that
regulates sleep. Over 10 years of orexin research have convinced us that we have to take boldly new
approaches to gain fundamental insights on the mechanism of sleep/wake regulation. Our approaches
include real-time visualization and manipulation of the activity of multiple neurons within the sleep/wakeregulatory circuits in freely behaving mice. We also carry out a large-scale forward genetic screen in mice,
looking for new genes directly responsible for sleep/wake regulation.

Neural circuits controlling sleep and hibernation
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
T Sakurai/Hirano Laboratory

SAKURAI Takeshi

https://sakurai-lab.com/

Sleep and wakefulness are controlled by the functional connections between the hypothalamus, brain
stem and cerebral cortex. Various biologically active factors are involved in this process. We areattempting to clarify the whole picture of the control system of sleep and wakefulness by elucidating
the functions of these brain substances and their receptors, and the neural circuits that connect thesesystems.

sakurai.takeshi.gf@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

Glia/neuron interactions in sleep · Sleep / wake neuronal circuits
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Lazarus/Oishi Laboratory

LAZARUS Michaellazarus.michael.ka@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

http://www.wpiiiislazaruslab.org/

The investigative focus of our laboratory is the cellular and synaptic basis by which the brain regulates
sleep and wakeful consciousness. Our experiments seek to link the activity of defined sets of neurons
with neurobehavioral and electroencephalographic outcomes in behaving animals by using innovative
genetically or chemically engineered systems (optogenetics, chemogenetics or optopharmacology) in
conjunction with in-vivo imaging (e.g. fiber-optic endomicroscopy). We also employ single-cell or
spatial gene expression profiling to understand how the sleep/immune system crosstalk is regulated atcellular and molecular levels. We made key contributions to our understanding of sleep/wakebehaviors, for example, why coffee wakes us up, why we fall asleep when bored, or how REM sleep loss
increases the desire for junk food.

Neural activity dynamics across sleep-wake cycles
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Honjoh Laboratory

HONJOH Sakiko
honjoh.sakiko.gf@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

http://www.u.tsukuba.ac.jp/~honjoh.sakiko.gf/index.html

Sleep is a universal biological process across organisms with a nervous system. Prolonged wakefulness
beyond spontaneous sleep/wake rhythm results in marked cognitive decline, showing that sleep isessential for the maintenance of normal cognitive functions. Although the detrimental effects of sleep
loss have been long established, it still remains unclear why the brain cannot sustain waking cognition
over a certain duration, and how sleep restores fatigue of the brain. Therefore, to better understand
why we need to sleep, we investigate neural activity and gene expression dynamics across the sleepwake cycle. We use mice as an model organism and mainly focus on the thalamocortical system thatplays critical roles in cognition.

Brain plasticity during sleep and its application
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Sakaguchi Laboratory

SAKAGUCHI Masanori
sakaguchi.masa.fp@alumni.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://sakaguchi-lab.org/

As the brain grows, its plasticity shifts from tissue and cells to synapses. In the dentate gyrus of the
hippocampus, however, an exceptionally small number of neurons continue to be generated evenafter brain maturation. We found that these newborn neurons decrease their activity during REM sleep
after learning, and surprisingly, a small amount of their activity is required for memory consolidation(Kumar et al., Neuron, 2020). We are currently investigating the mechanisms of memory circuit
reorganization based on the cellular plasticity of the adult brain. In addition, we are conducting aclinical study on patients to apply these research results.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

13Superviser SpotlightRole of sleep in human mind and behavior
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Abe Laboratory

ABE Takashi
abe.takashi.gp@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://www.u.tsukuba.ac.jp/~abe.takashi.gp/

Our laboratory aims to understand how sleep is related to the human mind and behavior, and tomanipulate this relationship. Currently, we are investigating methods to effectively facilitate specificprocesses of human sleep by non-invasive stimulations using such as auditory stimulation, odor
stimulation, or vestibular stimulation. We also aim to establish a novel method that evaluates
neurobehavioral responses to sleep loss based on an accurate and unobtrusive measure of alertness.
These researches will contribute to solving social problems related to sleep as well as understanding
how sleep relates to the human mind and behavior.

Brain circuit organization and sleep function
International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS)
Greene/Vogt Laboratory

VOGT Kaspar
vogt.kaspar.fu@u.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://wpi-iiis.tsukuba.ac.jp/japanese/research/member/detail/kaspervogt/

We all need regular sleep to maintain our brain function. In sleep the brain is still active, but the activity
looks very different from waking. We want to find out how the brain produces these different patterns
and how they help us to wake up in the morning, refreshed and ready for a new day. For this we study
signals from groups of neurons and from individual neurons in mice in waking and sleep, using
functional imaging and implanted electrodes. We try to detect patterns that indicate how neurons
communicate in waking and sleep. For electro-encephalographic (EEG) recordings from humans andmice we develop novel analytical tools to determine how much a subject is active, how much it needs
to sleep, or how good that sleep is.

Clinical medicine
Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Lipid Biology

SHIMANO Hitoshi
hshimano@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Lipid Medicine

We have been enchanted by mystery of bio-lipids. We are enjoying the following projects and try to break the
dogma of molecular biology.
#	Fatty acid elongase Elovl6 and its role in energy homeostasis and metabolic diseases– Development of new
strategy for the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases by qualitative control of fatty acids –#	CtBP2, a new energy sensor -Unraveling and therapeutic exploitation of a novel metabolic systemorchestrated by an energy metabolite sensor#	SREBP vs. CREBH -Elucidation of transcription factor network regulating gene expression of enzymes
involved in metabolic syndrome#	Nutrigenomics Genomic and epigenomic approaches to nutritional gene expression#	Visualization and manipulation technology of metabolic responsive transomics networkhttps://sites.google.com/view/matsuzakalab-tsukuba/home

MATSUZAKA Takashi
t-matsuz@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Hematology

Fatty acids are essential for our life as a source of energy, structural components of membranes, andsignaling molecules. We identified and characterized a novel mammalian fatty acid elongase, Elovl6,
which catalyzes the elongation of C16 saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids to form C18 fatty
acids. Our work is focused on the regulation of fatty acid chain length and its role in metabolic disease,neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and rare disease. As well as unravelling the mysteries of the fatty
acid diversity and biology, we are interested in the development of new therapeutic approaches totreat various diseases based on the quality control of fatty acids.

http://www.ketsunai.com

CHIBA Shigeru
schiba-t@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

14

http://www.u-tsukuba-endocrinology.jp

We aim at developing new therapeutics for blood cancers such as leukemias and malignant
lymphomas, through elucidating their pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular levels. To this end,
we analyze genomic abnormalities of the tumors and their microenvironments. New technologies
such as single-cell RNA sequencing are incorporated, as well as advanced bioinformatics approachrequired for the analysis. Blood, bone marrow, and a part of resected tumors provided by patients will
be used, together with genetically modified mice as a disease model. Students have individual themes
and write at least one English paper, in principle, as the first author under the guidance.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Mathematical algorithms / artificial intelligence
Mathematical Modeling and Algorithms Lab.

SAKURAI Tetsuya

https://www.cs.tsukuba.ac.jp/~sakurai/

We are developing computer algorithms for data analysis using artificial intelligence and simulation
using mathematical models. In particular, we are developing data collaboration analysis techniques toanalyze distributed data from hospitals, research institutions, and companies while protecting privacy
and confidential information. We are also developing analysis methods for data in the medical andhealthcare fields, such as genome, gene expression, metabolome, and medical data.

sakurai@cs.tsukuba.ac.jp

Computational Life Science / Theoretical Structural Biology / Quantum Chemistry
Computational Life Science

SHIGETA Yasuteru
shigeta@ccs.tsukuba.ac.jp

https://www.ccs.tsukuba.ac.jp/eng/research-divisions/division-of-life-sciences/biological-function-and-information-group/

Phenomena concerning to Life are often governed by a series of chemical reactions driven by
biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and sugars. Therefore, the fundamental
molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena can be clarified by exploring the changes inelectronic states and spatial rearrangement of atoms during chemical reactions. In this group, we use
computational methods such as first-principles calculations based on quantum theory and molecular
dynamics calculations based on classical (statistical) mechanics to elucidate the dynamic structurefunction relationships inherent in biological molecules and to understand the essence of biologicalphenomena.

Faculty Members from Companies
Takeshi Nagata

Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd. Information and Communication Research Division. Senior Manager, Professor, SIGMA

Hiroaki Tateno

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Research faculty members from other Universities
Aristidis Moustakas

Uppsala University

Arthur D. Lander

University of California Irvine

Bernd Fleischmann

University of Bonn

Carl-Henrik Heldin

Uppsala University

Hong-Gang Wang

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Joseph S. Takahashi

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Seong-Jin Kim

Research Institute of GILO Foundation

Lewis L.Lanier

University of California, San Francisco

Michael Kann

University of Gothenburg

Peter ten Dijke

Leiden University

Tsai-Kun Li

National Taiwan University

Kyoko Yokomori

University of California Irvine

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

15

Student Support

In the Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, the Student Support Committee plays a central role and conducts
various activities to support enrolled students in their studies. For example, it provides support for students'
living expenses and tuition fees from the Financial Support Scheme for Special Fellows, as well as financial
support for overseas activities and for students' self-initiated activities.

Financial support

Housing support

 Estimated stipend in the amount of 70,000 yen per month.
 Support for Overseas Activities
 Estimated tuition Fee Exemption: 0 yen per year (for 5 years)

 Priority Allocation of Dormitory Accommodation
Monthly rent: about 30,000 yen per month (at one's own expense) Secure dormitory accommodation consisting of a private roomwith its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, and furnished witha single bed and a desk.

Financial Support Scheme for Special Fellows

OthersFor the students who are accepted into the Ph.D. Program in Human
Biology, financial support in the form of a stipend will be provided under the Financial Support Scheme for Special Fellows. The objective of
the scheme is to support the students of this Ph.D. Program to takethe initiative in conducting creative research and lead them to become the global leaders of the future.

 Support for globalization
TOEFL Course, International Symposia / Overseas Summer School Risk management support
Mentor system Mental health-care support
Initial mentor system, support by Student Support Committee Career support
Initiation Seminar, Business Leaders Seminar, Internship in Overseas
Companies

16

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Application

The Entrance Examination: August(Enrollment for April)

The Entrance Examination: JanuaryFebruary (Enrollment for April or October) Application Period: July
 Examination: Late August
The result will be announced on September(See details on our website) Application Period: December Examination: Late January – early February
The result will be announced on February(See details on our website)

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

17Messages from Faculty
Expectations for the HBP family

SHIBUYA Akira
Professor (Life Science Center for
Survival Dynamics), Immunology,
Former Program Leader

I was the program leader for seven years from 2012 to this spring. During this time, we wereable to welcome 78 students from 15 countries around the world to HBP. At the time of its
founding, it was a groping situation, but now HBP has grown tremendously as a program thatis highly evaluated not only on campus but also off campus. Being in the path of program
growth and being able to interact directly with many excellent students is a fortunate as afaculty member at the University of Tsukuba and a great pride in my faculty life.
This program started from the beginning with the full support of the Ministry of Education,and is still receiving special support from the university. Currently, the program has a capacityof only 8 students per grade, but a huge number of faculty members from inside and outside
the university participate in the program, and it is operated together with the administrative
staff. Students should always remember that HBP is such a special program and have thepride of learning here. HBP graduates are obliged to become captains who can steer unknown routes aimed at creating a society in which humans live like humans. I have no doubtthat the HBP family will be active in the oceans around the world in the near future.

Aiming to be a world leader

TAKAHASHI Satoshi
Professor, Anatomy andEmbryology Laboratory

The Human Biology Program (HBP) was launched in 2011 as a program to develop world
leaders. Unlike traditional Japanese graduate schools, all education is conducted in English foracquiring the ability to perform discussions in English. In addition, overseas laboratory andcompany rotation and appropriate technology course are obligatory. Because of these, it ispossible to cultivate the ability to work around the world. HBP is an innovative program thatreforms previous graduate school education in Japan. I've been in charge since I applied forthe program, and I was worried if we could really achieve such a high goal, but our graduates
so far have proved that the goal has been fully achieved. As examples, there are several graduates who have found employment as postdocs at well-known overseas Universities such as
Stanford University, MIT, and the University of Michigan, and some of them have publishedtheir papers with their current affiliations in top journals. In addition, some students were
hired as faculty members at the University of Tsukuba and Gifu University immediately after
graduation. In this way, HBP functions as a program to develop true world leaders.
I hope that everyone will join HBP with the aim of becoming the next world leader.

Bringing the power of computational science to life
science!

NAGATA Takeshi
Research Manager, Information andCommunication Research Department,
Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd.

18

There are very few modern science researches that does not require computational science. I
am a technical consultant, solving the problems of various customers with the power of computational science. Computational science includes various fields such as physical simulation,
computational mathematics including optimal solution search, signal processing, cryptographic processing, image recognition, statistical analysis, machine learning, and many experts
are not familiar with non-specialty fields. My strength is having knowledge and experience insuch various fields. Therefore, I can proceed with multifaceted research.
Many of the issues facing humanity today cannot be solved by experts in one field alone, andit will be necessary for experts in various fields to gather and proceed with multifaceted research. I believe that this program will foster the human resources who will lead such research.
I have no doubt that computational science is essential there, so I am providing my own
knowledge and experience to this program. I look forward to the new light that guides humanity from sessions in computational science and other fields in this program.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Develop Your Scientific Leadership Skills for Human Society

HO Kiong
Assoc.Professor, Molecular Parasitology

In less than a decade, the HBP had gained recognition as one of the most successful graduate
programs in the nation and has served as a prototype for the other graduate programs in Japan. The program has attracted students from overseas, with more than 70% of students
from abroad. The success of HBP can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly the diversityof the faculty members, drawn from the academia, government, and industrial sectors. Students learn interdisciplinary approaches to developing projects towards addressing global
questions that cannot be approached within single traditional disciplines. Secondly, its uniquecurriculum, such as the Appropriate Technology Course, and the availability of travel scholarships to attend conferences and advanced training courses overseas.
Aside from the traditional Ph.D. requirements, HBP students need to satisfy two qualifying examinations, consisting of oral examinations focused on the student-written research or business proposals. The first qualifying exam is taken in the early stages of their research projectto encourage students to think critically about their theoretical and practical aspects of theirdissertation project. The second qualifying exam is scheduled in the 5th year of the program
focus on students' original proposal on the topic outside of their dissertation, with the expectation that they will be able to apply for individual funding for their future career. Upon completing the degree, I am confident that HBP graduates will have an adequate breadth anddepth of knowledge to become global leaders in the emerging field of Human Biology.

Breaking down the status quo and future oriented

YADA Yukihiro
KAO Corporation
R&D-Development Research-Sanitary
Products Research
Senior Principal Research Scientist

Eight years have passed since I started working for Doctoral Program in Human Biology, during which time I have had the opportunity to perform experiments and participate in activities with many students and teachers. I have also served as a mediator between companies
and students, helping students desiring to work as a corporate researcher after graduation.
Now, in 2020, the whole world is in the middle of a corona virus crisis. The pandemic hastransformed social life in a way that no one could have imagined, and has already presented
numerous challenges for how to reconstruct our lives. This situation has made me realize
once again that our generation can pass on our experience and knowledge to the next generation, but we may not be able to provide a guide on how to cope with the arrival of a newsociety that we had never expected and on how it should be transformed in the future. We
need to propose and implement different social systems and lifestyles. In that sense, I look for
the willingness and effort of young, future-oriented people who will forge a way through thiscurrent situation.

Diversity of HBP students

YANAGISAWA Hiromi
Professor (Life Science Center for
Survival Dynamics),
Vascular Matrix Biology

I have welcomed five HBP students to my laboratory since I arrived at the University of Tsukuba from the University of Texas in 2015. All HBP students are energetic and have big goals fortheir lives in graduate school. In fact, since the program's inception in 2012, I learned thatmany of our graduates are doing very well in research and business around the world. We value diversity, and all students have equal opportunities to focus their efforts on domestic andinternational training. In addition, experts in various fields such as medicine, biology, andmathematics work around the axis of the students and act as advisors to the students in theirresearch. One of the main features of our program is that it allows each student to constructhis/her own research based on their rich character and passion. In addition, although we cannot get together easily due to the pandemic, we have many opportunities to deepen our ties
with each other, such as organizing initiation seminars, mutual preparation meetings for the
Qualifying Examinations, and training at the University of Edinburgh. The office for student
support is always ready to assist them. We hope you will become leaders who will steer theworld voyage through the HBP Program.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

19Voices of Student
FIGHT ON, GET ON, KEEP ON, STEP UP!
Getting results and publish papers are the requirements for being “good” Ph.D candidate. However, the information we can get is limited as long as we sit down to our desk or bench. In this program, we can goout of the lab anytime and get opportunities to know what happens in the world and what the world really need. Not only in my lab but also in the world, I want to be attractive global leader who have wide
perspective and flexible thinking.

GOTO Nohara
Enrolled in April 2019

A whole new level of Diversity, Multidisciplinarity and International
Networking

Thanasis Poullikkas

A PhD program like nothing else! Enrolling in Human Biology Program I gain not only laboratory skills but
a plethora of extracurricular experiences which rocketed my CV high enough to reach global standards.
The calculus offers lectures from a wide range of fields; from Stem Cells to Appropriate Technology. Also,
the process and grants for joining international symposiums and laboratories through HBP is easy andgenerous. I recommend this program for anyone that wants to seize his/her dreams as a global leader figure.

Enrolled in April 2018

The excellent supportive environment for Ph.D. students

ISHITSUKA Akari
Enrolled in April 2018

Human Biology Program (HBP) is 5-year Ph.D. program that offers a lot of opportunities to students, notonly in research but also in business field. I think one good point of HBP is that it allows us to do laboratory rotation. By doing so, we will be able to find the field that we are much interested in or the laboratorythat suits us best. I feel that this is a great advantage for aspiring PhD candidates like me. In addition, thisprogram provides ample amount of financial supports such as scholarship, overseas travel grant, and preferential occupancy in student dormitories. Through such, we can just focus on our research without worrying about our finances. Considering all these, I think HBP is an excellent program for students who want
to broaden their perspective and be experts on their chosen field.

An environment where you can feel your growth as a researcher every day

MURATA Rikito

HBP offers lectures by professors who lead current world's science. I'm convinced that these lectures provided me to obtain scientific knowledge, logical thinking and discussion skills, which largely contributed
to my growth as a researcher. In addition, an international internship at Shimadzu Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. in
Singapore was a great opportunity to discover the appeal of working abroad and my strengths that I
hadn't noticed before. Altogether, I'm thinking that HBP is a best place where I can feel my growth as a researcher every day.

Enrolled in April 2018

HBP provides an excellent environment for developing ours towards
science multidimensionally.
The human biology program(HBP) has provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn from basics
and identify my research interest through several lab rotations associated with the HBP. Among the laboratories working with different life science and computational biology disciplines, I had chosen one as per
my interest and incorporated a multidimensional approach in my research through learning.

Manoj Kumar Yadav
Enrolled in April 201520

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Voices of Alumni
A view beyond hard work
To be honest, it is very hard to fulfill the graduation requirements while studying life science, medicine,computational science, material science, appropriate technology, and overseas laboratory rotations to understand the concept of human biology.
However, it is a solid fact that these five years have been the fastest-growing years of my life. This is because HBP is an environment where you can't help but work hard. If you keep stepping forward from yourcurrent position, the scenery around you will change before you know it.

NIIZUMA Kouta
Enrolled in April 2013
TOEIC 520 when I enrolled and
TOEIC 865 when I completed.

The Best Way to Achieve Your Goals
You may want to be a researcher in academia or get a position in the company. No matter what kind ofgoals you have before your Ph.D. program, you can make it come true in HBP! There are a lot of opportunities such as lab rotation and internship in companies both in national and abroad. These wonderful experience helped me to achieve my own goal as well. In addition, I made friends from all over the worldthat let me understand different culture. Although there were many challenges in HBP, all of it became
good memory finally!

Weizhe Lu
Enrolled in September 2014
TOEIC 730 when I enrolled and
TOEIC 870 when I completed.

The three attractions of HBP ~Diversity at HBP and Speciality on you~

KUNO Akihiro
Enrolled in April 2013
TOEIC885 when I enrolled

I would like to introduce three of valuable points of HBP. Firstly, you have a plenty of interdisciplinary research opportunities. I have changed a suitable specialty from these experiences. Secondly, HBP has anextensive support for students. There were incentives and travel grants, so you can really concentrate on
your activities. Lastly, you can meet various different and promising students. I was always inspired by the
HBP's friends. I am sure that your life will be broadened by this experience at HBP.
I think the best thing about HBP is to show us the ‘diversity'. This is because of the diverse backgrounds
and interests of all the students, faculty and staff at HBP. As a student, you will be exposed to different andfascinating research and activities on a daily basis, and you may not be able to decide where to go. However, you will be able to choose a path with confidence with your experiences and knowledge through
HBP. Please enjoy having thoughts of your way.

Lab rotation in different places
HBP lab rotation is one of the great programs. I went to the US twice and UK once during my Ph.D. These
opportunities prompt you to see your own research from different ways, which is really helpful. Even if
you go to a lab in different fields from your research topic, enjoy thinking how to link the new knowledge
to your own study. HBP people are very helpful for supporting your originality.

HASHIMOTO Misuzu
Enrolled in April 2012
TOEIC 825 when I enrolled and
TOEIC 910 when I completed.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

21Career Path

ISHIKAWA Yu HBP provides interdisciplinary education to expand my curiosity
Enrolled in September 2013
TOEIC 400 when I enrolled and
TOEIC 880 when I completed.

The great attraction of HBP is that you can take various classes in practice as well as classroom lectures
without bias in your research field. In appropriate technology education, I learned about business indeveloping countries and had many discussions within the team members. When I visited East Timor,
I was able to experience many “Facts” and “Finds” through field trips. This experience has been put togood use not only in business but also in my research. Thus, the interdisciplinary environment provided by HBP has enriched my graduate school life.

KIKUCHI Takuya Excellent study opportunities and environment of HBP
Enrolled in April 2012
TOEIC 780 when I enrolled and
TOEIC 880 when I completed.

22

The Ph.D. Program in Human Biology provides various financial supports for students' living expenses,
overseas activities, dormitory accommodation, etc. Furthermore, we can select the field of study fromthe excellent opportunities in domestic and foreign industry, government and academia. Thus, in the
program we can concentrate on self-initiated activities and do our best to dream come true. After mygraduation from HBP, I can make use of great experiences I've got in five years of HBP at the current
job as a corporate researcher.

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

HBP is a program that embodies the “internationary” and “interdisciplinary” of the University ofTsukuba. In an environment where students can study with international students, they havetrained global leaders by making full use of complex methodologies that cross life sciences,medicine, material sciences, and computational sciences. HBP graduates are active in the world asoverseas postdocs, corporate researchers, and university faculty members.
Year of admission

2015

April

September

April

2014
September

2013

April

Position or Employment
Academia
Postdoc / Researcher
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Company
Company
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Company
Academia
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Company
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Company
Company
Company
Academia
Company
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Postdoc / Researcher
Postdoc / Researcher

Year of admission
2013

September

April

2012

AugustPh.D. Program in Human Biology

Position or Employment
Postdoc / Researcher
Company
Postdoc / Researcher
Academia
Company
Postdoc / Researcher
Postdoc / Researcher
Company
Academia
Postdoc / Researcher
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Academia
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Information
HBP Homepage

http://hbp.tsukuba.ac.jp/

HBP Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Tsukuba.HumanBiology/

HBP YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/hbptsukuba

University of Tsukuba Homepage
http://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/

24

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

Access
60 min4 min

Hitachinoushiku
bus stop 1

5 min

Arakawaoki
west exit, bus stop 4

Tsuchiura

50 minori

JR joban Line

Ueno

igashi Od

Ph.D. Program in
Human Biology

Gakuen-H

IchinoyaResidence
Hall

Mito

bus stop 2

TRAIN
Tsukuba Express (TX)
45 minutes by rapid train

Tsukuba

Highway Express Bus
Tokyo

Tokyo

Tsukuba Center

Bus
About 10min

Hira
tsuk
a-D

Universityof Tsukuba

Tsukuba Daigaku
Chuo

ori

9km

By carJoban Expressway 60km

Administration
CenterBus About 30 min

Akihabara

Joban Expressway 70km

45km

Mito

Sakura Tsuchiura Interchange

School of Health andPhysical Education
School of Art and
DesignMedical Area

Gakuen-Nishi Odori

School ofInformatics

Kasuga Area

Bus route

Tsukuba Center

Tsukuba Express
Tsukuba

Ph.D. Program in Human Biology

25

Ph.D. Program in

HUMAN
BIOLOGY

School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), the University of Tsukuba
1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
Tel: +81-29-853-7085 Fax: +81-29-853-5967

mail: sigma@un.tsukuba.ac.jp