Dr. Shigetada Nakanishi stands as a preeminent figure in molecular neuroscience whose career has fundamentally shaped our understanding of neural communication mechanisms. Born in Ogaki Japan on January 7 1942 he completed his medical education at Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine in 1966 before earning his PhD from Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine in 1974. His early career took him to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda where he conducted pioneering molecular biology research from 1971 to 1974 establishing the foundation for his future breakthroughs. He returned to Kyoto University where he rose through the academic ranks serving as Associate Professor from 1974 to 1981 and Professor from 1981 until his retirement at age 63 in 2005 when he assumed the directorship of the Osaka Bioscience Institute where he continues to lead cutting-edge neuroscience research.
Dr. Nakanishi's groundbreaking research elucidated the characteristic precursor architectures of various neuropeptides and vasoactive peptides through innovative application of recombinant DNA technology revolutionizing the field of neurochemistry. He subsequently established a novel functional cloning strategy that combined electrophysiology with Xenopus oocyte expression enabling the identification and characterization of previously unknown membrane receptors and ion channels. His laboratory made seminal contributions to understanding glutamatergic neurotransmission including cloning various glutamate receptors and determining the three-dimensional structure of the metabotropic glutamate receptor glutamate-binding domain. This work provided critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission in the retina cerebellum and accessory olfactory bulb establishing foundational knowledge for understanding neural circuit function and brain communication.
As Director of the Osaka Bioscience Institute Dr. Nakanishi oversees five research divisions and continues to advance neuroscience through innovative approaches to studying neurotransmission. His exceptional contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors including the 2007 Gruber Neuroscience Prize and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Distinguished Achievement in Neuroscience Research. Throughout his career he has mentored numerous scientists who have gone on to establish independent research programs worldwide significantly expanding the global impact of his scientific vision. Dr. Nakanishi's ongoing research at the Osaka Bioscience Institute focuses on developing novel methodologies to investigate reversible neurotransmission block and cellular communication mechanisms continuing his lifelong commitment to unraveling the molecular basis of brain function.
