In our lab we investigate immunology and homeostasis of the brain in health and disease by using multidisciplinary approaches of neurobiology, immunology, and epigenetics. Our long-term research goal is to understand the role of immune mechanisms in brain health and disease, and to develop new preventive/interventional treatment for chronic brain disorders such as mental illness and somatic disorders impairing brain function. Regarding my hobbies out from the lab, I like exploring new places, playing with kids, and doing yard work (!). They recharge my mental energy although they exhaust me physically.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Shin-ichi Kano, MD, Ph.D, and I am a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States. Here is our website: https://sites.uab.edu/kanolab/.
Where did you do your training?
I completed my Ph.D. in Immunology at the University of Tokyo, where I worked on the role of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) in innate and adaptive immunity under the guidance of Dr. Tadatsugu Taniguchi. I mainly focused on how IRF1 regulates IL-12/IL-23 signaling in CD4+ T cells. I then transitioned to the field of Neurobiology and Psychiatry as a postdoctoral researcher, conducting translational research using human patient-derived neuronal cells and mouse models to identify common biological pathways dysregulated in schizophrenia and related disorders at Johns Hopkins University (advisor: Dr. Akira Sawa in Psychiatry). Through genomic analyses, we discovered immune/inflammatory signatures in neuronal cells biopsied from patients with schizophrenia for the first time in the world. Toward the end of my postdoc, I began to deepen my dedication to neuroimmunology and established my independent research program studying how immune cells influence neuronal function and behavior in health and disease.
Briefly, what is your research about?
Our research aims to understand the mechanisms by which the immune system supports the brain in maintaining its homeostasis throughout life, from early development to aging. Our ultimate goal is to harness the research findings to develop new therapeutic strategies for psychiatric conditions across neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. Currently, we are very active in three areas: 1) Immune signaling by astrocytes and microglia in shaping synapse networks in the developing brain, 2) T cell-neuron communication underlying neuron function and behavior in adulthood, and 3) Beneficial and detrimental immune responses by myeloid cells in brain inflammation associated with physiological and pathological aging. We use a wide range of cutting-edge immunology and neurobiology tools to address various emerging questions. In some projects, we are also going beyond cytokines to investigate non-protein mediators of intercellular communication, such as extracellular RNAs.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
ICIS is a unique society in that it unites cytokine researchers across multiple traditionally defined research fields, such as immunology, infection biology, and cancer biology. As a researcher pursuing a career at the intersection of neurobiology and immunology, it is encouraging to know that researchers in different fields can explore their shared interests. ICIS helps me feel confident about my career development.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Not yet, as I was away from cytokine research for a while since my Ph.D. Now that my lab has multiple ongoing studies on cytokines and brain function, it is a good time to return to Cytokine meetings with my trainees.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
2007 Cytokines meeting in San Francisco. It was the first meeting where I was given an opportunity to present my work in an oral session. I travelled all the way from Japan alone and got very nervous, but ended up enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the Cytokines meeting.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Exploring new places, playing with kids, and doing yard work (!). They recharge my mental energy although they exhaust me physically.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
“We should listen carefully to other people’s advice, but we do not have to follow all of it.”
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
To be honest, none at this moment.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Working on a variety of cytokines so far, including IL-12, IFN-g, and IL-33, I cannot name one out of all those attractive cytokines. I hope to discover a new cytokine through our research.
Reach Shin-Ichi on Twitter/X: @shin1kano