MEMBERS
Aiya Yesbolatova
(Special Project Faculty)
Hi, I’m Aiya! I was born and raised in Kazakhstan and completed my PhD at the National Institute of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Japan where I explored chromatin mobility during early development. This research sparked my deep interest in aging science, which led me to join the Sada Lab to pursue my aspiration of making meaningful contributions to aging research. Beyond the lab, I’m passionate about technology, cycling, and creating content that inspires and connects people.
Hung Manh Phung
Ph.D. student (MEXT)
Hi! I am a Vietnamese PhD student. I am curious about the mechanism of aging in the skin and the way the skin responds to various intrinsic and extrinsic stresses during the aging process. And now I am working with Dr. Sada to clarify the mechanism of epidermal stem cell aging and tissue regeneration. I hope that my studies will contribute to elucidating further skin aging and may be applied to provide a new therapeutic strategy to prevent skin aging and contribute to healthy longevity.
Trisha Biswas Shanta
Ph.D. student (MEXT)
Hello! I am Trisha from Bangladesh. I have interests in the epigenetics, stem cells, skin renewal and aging process. Currently, I am working with Dr. Aiko Sada. I am so glad to have a great team here. I also hope that I will improve my understanding of this field and can utilize my knowledge for future skin research. Though It is my new journey in the field of skin regeneration, I hope this new journey will be the best journey in my life. I like to spend leisure time by singing, reading story books and travelling.
Hinata Date
Ph.D. student
Hi, I am Date Hinata. I joined Sada Laboratory after obtaining my master's degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University. I am particularly interested in aging and regenerative medicine, and would like to understand how and why our bodies change as we age. Through my research in the Sada Laboratory, I hope to deepen my understanding of the aging system, which still remains a mystery.
Ikuto Nishikawa
Ph.D. student (JST SPRING fellowship)
Hi, I received my master's degree from Kumamoto University and then started a PhD at Kyushu University. I am interested in skin science and regenerative medicine, so join Sada lab. I am from Yokohama in Kanagawa and graduated from university of Rikkyo, faculty of science in Tokyo. And there, I learned cell biology. My hobby is playing basketball and eating delicious food. I will do my best to be able to make a great discovery!
Wanqing Li
Ph.D. student (The Sasakawa Medical Fellowship)
Hello! My name is Wanqing Li and I come from Beijing, China. I have completed a Master's degree at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. I am honored to join Dr. Sada's team in exploring the fields of skin regeneration and aging. I am particularly interested in skin stem cells because they hold the promise of addressing the aging-related concerns that affect us all. I hope to contribute to the development of innovative approaches to promote skin regeneration and combat the effects of aging.
Youna Katanosaka
Undergrad student
Hello, I am Youna katanosaka. I was born and raised in Miyazaki, Japan. Then now, I am an undergraduate student at the department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine in Kyushu university. I am interested in stem cell and tissue regeneration. It is my first time to join laboratory and work on my own project, so I will do my best to make some scientific contributions !
Ce Zhang
Research student
Hello! My name is Zhang Ce and I come from China. I graduated from Southeast University in Nanjing with a bachelor’s degree in medicine and I am now learning skin regeneration and aging under Dr. Sada’s team. I’m interested in stem cells and tissue regeneration, holding the belief that these small stem cells can create huge possibility. In my spare time I like listening to electronic music. I’ll try my best to make contribution to the research and science!
Muchen Huang
Research student
Hi, I’m Huang Muchen (黄 沐晨), a research student from China. I graduated from Anhui Medical University with a bachelor’s degree. As a clinical medical student interested in the skin science, I’m honored to join Sada’s lab. I want everyone’s skin to be free from scar and I hope my research can benefit more people!
Guangqi Gao
Research student
Hello! I’m Gao Guangqi (こう こうき), a dentist from China. I’m broadly interested in oral health, oral mucosa, and epithelial stem cells, and how they relate to healthy aging and wound healing. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, strength training, and learning languages.
Yifan Liao
Research student
Hi, I’m Liao Yifan from China. I graduated with two bachelor’s degrees: one in Clinical Medicine from Chongqing Medical University and one in Clinical Science from the University of Leicester. With the global trend of population aging, I am interested in aging research that has the potential to help people live better lives. It is my honor to join Dr. Sada’s team to further study skin stem cells and aging. In my spare time, I enjoy playing badminton and listening to music. I hope to make great progress not only in gaining research experience but also in contributing to the advancement of aging research.
Muchen Huang
Research student
Hi, I’m Huang Muchen (黄 沐晨), a research student from China. I graduated from Anhui Medical University with a bachelor’s degree. As a clinical medical student interested in the skin science, I’m honored to join Sada’s lab. I want everyone’s skin to be free from scar and I hope my research can benefit more people!
Namiko Imai
Laboratory Technician
Imai san supports laboratory experiments and management.
Sanae Yamaguchi
Secretary
Yamaguchi san supports administrative work.
Kazuyo Yano
Secretary
Yano san supports administrative work.
Aiko Sada
Professor
Aiko Sada received a Ph.D. in 2011 from the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Japan. Soon after her graduation, she joined Dr. Tudorita Tumbar’s laboratory at Cornell University, as a postdoctoral fellow, where she worked on identification and characterization of epidermal stem cells. In 2016, she started as a tenure-track Assistant professor at University of Tsukuba. In 2019, she started her own laboratory at IRCMS, Kumamoto University. In 2023, she moved to Kyushu University and was promoted to professor.
Makoto Takeo
Associate Professor
After Makoto Takeo received Ph.D in 2008 from the Hokkaido University for molecular study on earthworm regeneration, he jointed Dr. Mayumi Ito’s lab at New York University as postdoctoral fellow and worked on regeneration of hair follicle and digit regeneration in adult mouse. In 2016, he returned to Japan and worked in Dr. Takashi Tsuji’s lab as senior scientist and keep investigating using mouse hair follicle as a model. In 2024, he jointed Dr. Aiko Sada’s lab as an Associate Professor.
Mizuho Ishikawa
Assistant Professor
Hi, I am Mizuho Ishikawa. I graduated from Tottori University and now I joined Dr. Sada's lab. I am interested in skin stem cells, aging, and vasculature. Through doing research on stem cells and aging in this lab, I hope to solve a part of the mystery of life phenomena as much as possible.