Itagawa, Rei
I completed my Master’s Degree of pharmaceutical science in 2019 at Tokyo University of Science under Prof. Yoshikazu Higami. My thesis investigated the relationship between obesity and autophagy. Through this research, I acquired multiple skills for molecular imaging, genetic engineering and biology. After graduation, I entered Kowa Company and joined in drug discovery research department. I participated in the establishment of enzymatic assay system for drug screening and High-Throughput-Screening (HTS) and performed a drug administration to rodents. I am currently investigating the role of carnitine O-octanoyltransferase (CROT) as a novel contributor to mitochondrial function and valvular calcification under the mentorship of Prof. Elena Aikawa at CICS. I am also interested in discovering new therapeutic targets for treatment of calcific aortic valve disease. I strongly hope my research will contribute to development of a novel anti-fibrocalcific therapy in valvular disease.