Shohei Wakao, PhD

Biography

Dr. Shohei Wakao is a Senior Assistant Professor at the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology at Tohoku University School of Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in Medicine from Tohoku University and completed his master’s in health sciences at Fujita Health University. His research focuses heavily on Muse cells (Multilineage-differentiating Stress-Enduring cells). These are pluripotent stem cells found in human mesenchymal tissues, which do not form tumors and can differentiate into multiple cell types. Muse cells migrate to damaged tissues and contribute to tissue repair and regeneration. Key Research Contributions Demonstrated the regenerative potential of Muse cells in serious vascular conditions such as acute aortic dissection, where they help reconstruct vascular structures. Showed that Muse cells promote functional recovery in spinal cord infarction and other nervous system injuries. Discovered Muse cells’ ability to phagocytose apoptotic cell fragments and rapidly differentiate into specific cell types for targeted tissue repair. Dr. Wakao’s work makes significant contributions to the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. His research on the therapeutic potential of Muse cells offers promising avenues for future clinical applications.