Fellows (3rd-term)

SAITO, Tsuyoshi

Associate Professor
Institute of Medicine / International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS )
University of Tsukuba

Research fields
Organic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, Electron Transfer Chemistry
Research project
Development of novel drug discovery methods utilizing electron transfer chemistry
Keywords
GPCR ligand, Chemical Biology, Electrolysis, Photoreaction
Researchers Information
https://trios.tsukuba.ac.jp/researcher/0000003353
researchmap
https://researchmap.jp/tsuyoshi_saitoh

Biography

Mar. 2007 BSc, Department of Chemistry, Keio University
Mar. 2009 MSc, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University
Apr. 2011–Mar. 2013 Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Keio University
Mar. 2012 Ph.D., Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University
2012 Visiting Researcher, Johanes-Gutenberg University in Mainz
Apr. 2013–Feb. 2023 Assistant Professor, International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba
Mar. 2023 Associate Associate Professor, International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba
Apr. 2023–Present Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine/International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba

Research Outline

My research group is dedicated to crafting innovative molecules with the potential to revolutionize biology and medical science. A significant portion of our work centers on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors are pivotal in the pharmaceutical world, being the target for nearly 30% of all drugs. Our endeavors span both drug discovery and chemical biology research, aiming to artificially regulate the functions of GPCRs. We are particularly interested in orexin receptors, which play roles in sleep-wake cycles and emotion, as well as opioid receptors, which are crucial for pain and emotional processing. Through our research, we are paving the way for new treatments for sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy, pain management, and various psychiatric conditions.
From my early academic carrier, I've been studied organic electron-transfer reactions powered by external sources like electricity and light. By merging this knowledge with our drug discovery research, we are pioneering environmentally friendly synthetic methods for pharmaceutical molecules as well as exploring photopharmacological probes, which offer the exciting possibility of controlling drug activity with precision.

What is my goal as a transborder researcher?

私の理想とする研究者像は、既存の学問の枠組みにとらわれず、自らの興味や探求心に従って研究を進めるボーダーレスな存在です。化学、物理学、生物学といった分野は、人類が複雑で壮大な科学を理解しやすくするための門として設けられました。しかし、本質的に科学は境界を持たず、アプローチには無限の可能性があり、その選択も制限されるべきではないと考えます。私は化学を専門としてきましたが、現在の私の関心は医学や生物学の領域に広がっています。自分の興味や疑問が導く先に、どのような学問の境界があろうとも、果敢に挑戦し続ける。そんなトランスボーダー研究者になりたいと考えています。

The ideal researcher I envision is one who transcends the established boundaries of academic disciplines, following their own interests and curiosity. Academic fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology were established as gateways to help humanity grasp the complexities and grandeur of science. However, science knows no boundaries. There are infinite possibilities in approaches, and I believe that choices should not be restricted. While my expertise lies in chemistry, my current interests have expanded into the realms of medicine and biology. Regardless of the academic boundaries, I wish to be driven to boldly pursue wherever my interests and questions lead. It is my aspiration to become such a transborder researcher.

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