Discovering New Possibilities for Cancer Therapy through Daily Experiments

ZHAO, Haobo  (Doctoral Program, 3rd Year)

 

✓日本語版はこちら/Click here for the Japanese version

Research Theme

In our laboratory, we are working on research aimed at contributing to the further development of cancer therapy, particularly through photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiodynamic therapy (RDT). These therapeutic approaches are based on the activation of photosensitizers or related molecules to induce cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. In particular, our research focuses on protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is induced intracellularly after the administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Since the accumulation and behavior of PpIX are closely related to both diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy, understanding its biological and physicochemical properties is essential for improving 5-ALA-based cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Research Methods

Our laboratory conducts research from multiple perspectives, including solution-based experiments, cell-based experiments, and animal experiments. By combining these different experimental approaches, we can investigate PDT and RDT more comprehensively. We also use a wide range of analytical methods, such as PCR for gene expression analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy for observing intracellular localization, fluorescence measurements, and cell viability assays. These techniques allow us to examine not only the overall therapeutic effects but also the underlying mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels.
My own research now focuses on the relationship between the cell cycle and PpIX behavior. Cancer cells change their biological characteristics depending on the phase of the cell cycle, and I am interested in whether PpIX accumulation, localization, and related metabolic pathways are also regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. By clarifying these relationships, I hope to find new strategies to improve the effectiveness of PDT, RDT, and other 5-ALA-based modalities.

Research in the Lab

Professor Takahashi provides careful and thoughtful guidance on both experimental design and data interpretation. She encourages us to think deeply about our results and to consider the next steps from a broad scientific perspective. The laboratory also has a supportive atmosphere, where students can easily discuss their experiments and help each other when facing difficulties. Although daily research sometimes involves challenges and unexpected results, I find great motivation in the process of gradually developing my project and discovering new findings. Through my research, I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to the advancement of future cancer treatment.