Fall-Newsletter-2025-New - Flipbook - Page 12
47th Sysmex Scienti昀椀c Seminar
Somatic Mosaicism in Normal Tissues &
New Developments in Cancer Research
Genomic Variations Associated with Aging & the Origin of Cancer
The Origin and Signi昀椀cance of Somatic Mosaicism
Nobuyuki Kakiuchi, MD, PhD
Program-Speci昀椀c Associate Professor, The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University
Normal cells accumulate mutations throughout life, leading to mutant clones that remodel tissues and set
the stage for cancer. Dr. Kakiuchi highlights groundbreaking discoveries showing how somatic mosaicism
overturns the long-standing assumption of genetic stability.
Somatic Mosaicism in Esophagus, Pharynx, and Buccal Mucosa
Akira Yokoyama, MD, PhD
Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Hospital
Dr. Yokoyama’s team demonstrates how aging, alcohol and smoking fuel clonal expansion in squamous
epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract. Using advanced error-corrected sequencing, his research
reveals critical mutation patterns that elevate cancer risk.
Somatic Mutations in Normal Endometrium: Prevention and
Treatment Considerations
Hirofumi Nakaoka, PhD
Principal Investigator, Department of Cancer Genome Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation
Somatic mutations in cancer-associated genes occur long before tumors appear. Dr. Nakaoka presents
genomic evidence from normal endometrial tissue and its implications for preventing gynecological
cancers and infertility.
Evolutionary Histories of Breast Cancer and Related Clones
Tomomi Nishimura, MD, PhD
Deputy Director, Department of Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Fukui Hospital
Dr. Nishimura’s research examines how genetic changes in normal mammary cells contribute to breast
cancer development. Her team found that mutations in昀氀uenced by puberty, childbirth and aging play a key
role in certain breast cancers, providing valuable insight into the earliest stages of the disease.
Smoking and Somatic Mosaicism in Normal Bronchial Epithelium
Kenichi Yoshida, MD, PhD
Chief, Division of Cancer Evolution, National Cancer Center Research Institute
Dr. Yoshida explores how smoking accelerates somatic mutations in bronchial tissue. His 昀椀ndings on TP53 driver
mutations and clonal competition explain the heightened cancer risk in both current and former smokers.
Watch Now
12 | NEWS
