NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Investigator Alumnus Takanori Takebe Receives 2023 ISSCR Outstanding Young Investigator Award

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) announced this month that NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Investigator Alumnus Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Osaka University, and Tokyo Medical and Dental University will receive the 2023 Outstanding Young Investigator Award. This award recognizes the exceptional achievements of an investigator in the early part of his or her independent career in stem cell research. 

“Dr. Takebe is an extremely collaborative and accomplished independent, young investigator with an exceptional reputation for producing innovative and creative research,” said ISSCR President Haifan Lin, PhD, in a press release. “While he has made numerous contributions to stem cell science and its translation, one of the most enduring is his unwavering persistence and determination toward his goal of developing tissue-based therapies for patients with liver disease. Congratulations, Takanori, on this prestigious honor.”

A Closer Look at the Liver

Dr. Takebe received the NYSCF – Robertson Investigator Award for his pioneering work in understanding liver disease by creating liver organoids – 3D avatars of human liver tissue – from stem cells. With these liver organoids, Dr. Takebe aims to understand exactly how liver diseases form and progress, as well as develop strategies to better treat them. His interest in this area of research was brought on by his experience as a surgical intern at a leading liver transplant center, where he met many patients in need of a liver who might not survive until reaching their position on the waiting list. 

Some of Dr. Takebe’s recent studies include:

• Discovery of a certain gene that can trigger dangerous liver fat accumulation in those with type 2 diabetes
• Creating a system containing 3 organoids (modeling the liver, pancreas, and bile duct) to provide a more comprehensive picture of how these tissues interact in liver development and disease
• Establishing a ‘genetic score’ test to indicate whether a patient will be at risk for drug-induced liver injury

Outside of his liver-related studies, Dr. Takebe has also developed a strategy for treating low oxygen that involves breathing through the rectum (yes, you read that right).

Congratulations, Taka!