Research Internship at NCGM_Adomako I

Keio SFC Academic Society Research Grants for Research Projects

Results Report for the research project on:“Internship at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) ResearchInstitute in Tokyo, Japan: A General Study on Malaria parasites, Infections, Disease
Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics, and Development of Basic Laboratory
Experimental Skills.”
Adomako Ivy Acheampomaa
Faculty of Environment and Information Studies; Year 4

The National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is home to oneof Japan's leading research institutions focused on health and medicine. As an undergraduatestudent passionate about infectious disease biology, I was fortunate to secure a 6-month internship(February – July) in the Department of Malaria and Tropical Medicine at NCGM. Under theguidance of esteemed researchers, particularly led by Dr. Shigeyuki Kano, I delved into cuttingedge research in this field.

As part of the internship at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) in Tokyo,
Japan, a comprehensive study on malaria parasites, infections, disease pathogenesis, diagnosis,and therapeutics was undertaken. The purpose was to deepen understanding of malaria, aninfectious disease prevalent in tropical regions, particularly Africa, and develop essentiallaboratory experimental skills. Although intended to span from February to July, I completed atrial month in February to assess the internship and resumed in April after applying for funds tocontinue. Consequently, the internship was typically held in part of April, May, June, and July,encompassing both theoretical and practical components. I worked two days a week, specificallyon Wednesdays and Fridays, typically from 10 am to 4 pm each day.

During the research internship, I investigated the characteristics, life cycle, and specific symptomsof the five well-known malaria parasites. This included conducting a comprehensive review ofacademic literature, textbooks, and illustrative materials. Additionally, I engaged in practicalactivities such as microscopy to observe and identify the different parasites, discerning theirdifferences and similarities. These efforts enabled me to achieve a thorough understanding ofmalaria infections and their diverse manifestations.

Research Internship at NCGM_Adomako I

As an aspiring medical scientist, this internship provided me with an introduction to practical
medical laboratory techniques used in disease research. Under the guidance of Dr. Komaki-Yasuda
and Dr. Yano, research scientists in the Department of Malaria and Tropical Medicine, I conductedvarious fundamental laboratory experiments including cell culturing, nested PCR tests, microscopy,
Rapid Diagnostic Tests, LAMP method, and Automated Hematology Analysis. These techniques
are essential for researching malaria and other tropical diseases. One of the projects I worked on
was Kelch13 sequencing, where I studied the Kelch13 (K13) propeller protein and its association
with Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections. This protein is crucial, and mutations in it havebeen linked to delayed clearance of malaria parasites in patients treated with Artemisinin-based
Combination Therapies (ACTs), the primary treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Thesemutations are believed to contribute significantly to the growing resistance of malaria parasites tocurrent therapeutics.

Through the lens of sequencing genes (K13 sequencing), I learned the process of collecting blood
samples as dried specimens and extracting them from their storage compartments. I acquired skills
in conducting PCR tests to detect malaria infection, isolating a gene (K13) from malaria-infectedblood samples, and conducting a series of tests leading to the sequencing of a gene to eventuallyobtain a complete DNA sequence through computational analysis. Additionally, I gained
proficiency in presenting scientific data and figures during presentations and in reports.

Overall, I acquired in-depth knowledge of malaria and fundamental laboratory skills. The practicalexperience I gained significantly contributed to my understanding of malaria pathogenesis,
diagnosis, and potential therapeutics, applicable to various medical research fields, including drugand vaccine development, aligning with my career aspirations in infectious disease research andglobal health. Furthermore, the internship provided me with valuable networks in tropical
medicine, which I anticipate will be invaluable as I pursue my journey as a researcher in similarfields. Through this experience, I identified and affirmed suitable courses and research areas forpostgraduate studies, guided by the methods and topics explored during the internship.

The internship has greatly enriched my understanding and abilities in global health research, laying
a solid foundation for my future endeavors within the scientific realm. It has been an invaluable
journey at the NCGM, offering not only practical skills but also vital theoretical insights crucial
for tackling the urgent health issues presented by diseases like malaria. This experience has
equipped me to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community and address theongoing challenges in infectious disease research.