Research Focus

As a molecular biologist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Asahara's research focuses on examining the precise mechanism of chromatin-dependent gene regulation related to limb development. Combining these new findings in molecular and developmental biology, with clinical research in the field of locomotive science, our aim is to develop innovative new therapies that will benefit patients with arthritis, bone tumor and spinal cord injuries.

Awards & Professional Activities

Arthritis National Research Foundation Grant Award, 2000
Hulda Irene Arthritis Investigator Award, 2002
Arthritis Investigator Award, Arthritis Foundation, 2002
Arthritis Foundation, Molecular Immunology Study Section, 2004
Ad Hoc member, NIH MOSS Study Section, NIH SBDD Study Section, 2004

Selected References

Y. Kawakami, M. Tsuda, S. Takahashi, N. Taniguchi, C.R. Esteban, M. Zemmyo,T. Furumatsu, M. Lotz, J.C. Belmonte, H. Asahara. "Transcriptional coactivator PGC-1a regulates chondrogenesis via association with Sox9." Proc Natl Acad Sci, USA, 102(7), 2414-9, 2005.

T. Furumatsu, M. Tsuda, N. Taniguchi Y. Tajima, H. Asahara. "Smad3 induces chondrogenesis through the activation of SOX9 via CBP/p300 recruitment." J Biol Chem, 280(9), 8843-350, 2005.

Y. Kawakami, J. Rodriguez-Leon, C. M. Koth, D. Buscher, T. Itoh, A. Raya, J. K. Ng, C. Rodriguez Esteban, S. Takahashi, D. Henrique, M. F. Schwarz, H. Asahara, J. C. Belmonte. "MKP3 mediates the cellular response to FGF8 signalling in the vertebrate limb." Nat Cell Biol, 5(6) 513-9, 2003.

M. Tsuda, S. Takahashi, Y. Takahashi, H. Asahara. " Transcriptional co-activators CBP/p300 regulate chondrocyte specific gene expression via association with Sox9." J Biol Chem, 278(29) 27224-9, 2003.