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教員紹介
HARSHA PRAKASH
Research Interests
"Artificial meat production using smooth muscle cells"
"Production of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to identify seed cells suitable for cultured meat"
"Functional analysis of the Atrogin-1 gene in smooth muscle development using Day 15 chicken embryos as a model"
Profile
Outline Activities
Research activities
My current research focuses on the Atrogin-1 gene, which plays an important role in muscle cell differentiation and atrophy by affecting transcription factors like MyoD. I study this gene in smooth muscle cells from chicken embryos to better understand how muscle tissues form. This work helps us move closer to developing cultured meat by allowing us to grow muscle cells in the lab. One of the main parts of my research is making monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against surface markers and proteins like Atrogin-1. These antibodies help identify the best seed cells to grow cultured meat and also help in studying the molecular signals behind muscle development. In the future, I also plan to apply these cell culture and antibody techniques to study endometriosis. This is a chronic disease that affects many women, and by using cell models in the lab, I hope to understand its causes and find better treatments. I have been working on antibody development since the early days of my research career. During my Ph.D. and postdoctoral work at Kyushu University, I was involved in many projects that used antibodies in different ways. I helped create antibody-based tools for detecting fish diseases in aquaculture, including aquarium filters and detection kits made with affinity silk. I also worked on developing oral vaccines using affinity silk for fish health management.
Educational activities
1. President, Indian Alumni Association of Kyushu University: Established and currently lead the association to strengthen connections among Indian alumni and facilitate collaborative opportunities between India and Kyushu University.
2. Q-AOS Brown Bag Seminar Series: Actively organize and manage weekly seminars that feature research presentations by faculty and researchers from Kyushu University and beyond.
3. KYUDAI NOW: I am involved in organizing upcoming events that will introduce the latest research conducted by Kyushu University’s faculties across various fields, to audiences in India and Malaysia.
4. Kyushu University Asia Week: Involved in organizing events for Asia Week, an initiative that leverages Kyushu University's extensive research, education, and cultural connections related to Asia.
Message
From a young age, I have been passionate about science and its ability to tackle global food scarcity. My experiences in aquaculture and animal life sciences have shown me how innovation and sustainability can reshape our food systems. I believe collaboration and inclusivity are key to addressing today’s challenges. My goal is to contribute to solutions that not only improve food production but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.