Team Leader
Aya Ito-Ishida
aya.ishida[at]riken.jp
Born and raised in Tokyo, my career has been shaped by the desire to understand the basic principles for children's brain development. After obtaining MD at U of Tokyo and a brief training in Pediatrics at Jichi Medical School, I obtained PhD at Keio Univ. I started studying Rett syndrome at Baylor College of Medicine, and joined Riken in 2021. On weekends, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my teenage daughter and a miniature dachshund.
Research Scientist
Luc Gailhouste
luc.gailhouste[at]riken.jp
Bonjour. I’m Luc from France. I was born in Paris and grew up in Brittany, one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. After graduating from the University of Rennes in 2009, I started research in National Cancer Center in Tokyo and joined RIKEN in 2019. Thus far, I have been investigating the impact of small non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifications in human diseases, especially cancer and viral infections. In Ishida-lab, I am examining how our basic knowledge in epigenetics and non-coding RNA biology can contribute to a better understanding of brain development. I like exploring the contrast between modern and traditional Japan with my wife and young son.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Akiko Shibata
akiko.shibata[at]riken.jp
I obtained MD at U of Tokyo in 2007. After working as a child neurologist, I obtained PhD at U of Tokyo. I am interested in genetic factors of neurological disorders. During my PhD course, I was engaged in the research on susceptibility genes for acute encephalopathy which is severe complication of child common infection. As my next step, I became fascinated by basic neuroscience research associated with child neurology. I hope to explore the pathogenesis of genetic brain disorders in developing brain. On holidays, I enjoy going on a trip with my husband and two kids. I am a newcomer to the field of basic neuroscience, but I’ll do my best in this lab!
JSPS Researcher
Yui Murata
yui.murata[at]riken.jp
I am interested in the mechanisms of “mind”, and gain experience in DNA methylation and transposon research for psychiatric disorders. From the data, I realized that epigenetic changes of development-related genes are key factors to understand the pathophysiology of many psychiatric disorders. I wanted to pursue early brain development, so the hierarchial analyses from molecular – cellular – neural projection – behavior that Ishida’s lab makes a full use of, was the best choice to achieve my goal. Using novel experimental techniques and applications, I am very excited to reveal full picture of neurodevelopment, and contribute to better understanding of psychiatric & neurodevelopmental disorders.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Xuanjing Wu
xuanjing.wu[at]riken.jp
Visiting Researcher (Doshisha University)
Ruixiang Li
PhD Student (Univ of Tokyo)
Mai Anzai
I have been working as a clinician specializing in pediatrics, pediatric neurology, and rehabilitation so far. Amazingly, children with physical disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders often change dramatically as they grow up. I want to investigate their neurodevelopmental mechanism and thus decided to pursue graduate studies. I am honored to join this lab; I want to keep progressing.
Technical Staff I
Mika Takahashi
mika.takahashi[at]riken.jp
Through parenting, I am amazed at the development of the child's brain and find it very interesting.
I like trying new things, and I'm excited every day to try new things in the new lab.
Technical Staff I
Mizuki Kurosawa
mizuki.kurosawa[at]riken.jp
Assistant
Kazuyo Kuba
kazuyo.kuba[at]riken.jp
I will support lab from behind the scenes so that the research activities can proceed smoothly as possible! !
Technical Staff (temporary)
Kanae Saito