2023/04/27
“Traditionally, cancer genes have been thought to mutate and activate independently. However, our analysis revealed that in some cancer genes, such as PIK3CA and EGFR, multiple mutations occur within the same gene at a relatively high frequency of about 10% of cases with mutations. These multiple mutations were clustered in functionally weaker sites where mutations typically do not occur independently. Furthermore, we were able to discover a new mechanism in which a synergistic effect resulting from multiple mutations strongly promotes cancer development.”
“At the National Cancer Center, we conduct research to uncover the molecular pathogenesis of cancer based on genetic abnormalities and explore clinical applications. As the name suggests, the center specializes in exhaustive research on cancer, so we often gain insights from research into other types of cancer. On the other hand, at Keio, our research scope extends beyond cancer to include various blood disorders. We are actively working on developing cell therapies like hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and CAR-T cell therapy, broadening the range of our research. I hope to contribute to the development of medicine and health care by leveraging the strengths and expertise of both institutions in research and clinical practice.”
It has been less than 20 years since Prof. Kataoka graduated from medical school, yet his research has led to significant findings and numerous awards. Looking back on his journey, he says his eagerness to study and gain experience in different areas has paid off.
“I have conducted both 'wet research,' focusing on molecular biology at The University of Tokyo, and 'dry research,' including big data analysis using informatics at Kyoto University, and I have also been involved in clinical work. I believe that my ability to integrate all of these areas of expertise is one of my strengths.”
He also says that he is driven by an unlimited curiosity for new things.
“Research is something that, the more you do it, the more you encounter things that you don't understand. It's like getting closer to your goal only to suddenly see something new much further ahead. But that's what makes it interesting and why I've been able to continue my work for so long. One area of research that I am currently focusing on, for example, is single-cell analysis. If we can uncover the characteristics of each individual tumor cell, we can reveal aspects that cannot be explained by genetic abnormalities alone, which would help cancer research advance even further.”
Prof. Kataoka was also kind enough to share a message for the next generation of medical students.
“There’s no need to rush to decide which path to take while you're still young. It's the privilege of young people to have many choices, so I want you to be interested in fields beyond medicine and to pursue diverse experiences that may prove useful somewhere down the line. And remember that being a doctor or researcher is a job that requires continuous learning throughout your life. It's important to pace yourself and work steadily—without overdoing it—in ways that can be sustained over the long term. I wish you all good luck.
Keisuke Kataoka
Prof. Kataoka graduated from The University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine in 2005. After working at Toranomon Hospital and The University of Tokyo Hospital, he completed a doctoral course at The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Medicine. In 2012, he was appointed project assistant professor at The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Medicine. In 2013, he became a project assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. As of 2017, he has served as director of the Division of Molecular Oncology at the National Cancer Center Research Institute. And starting in 2020, he joined the Keio University School of Medicine as a professor in the Department of Hematology. He has received numerous awards, including the Young Scientists’ Award at the 2017 Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Encouragement Award in Internal Medicine at the 2019 General Assembly of The Japan Medical Congress.