Toru Yamashita, MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Professional Information
Biography
Toru Yamashita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at Okayama University Medical School, Japan. With approximately 24 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yamashita specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell therapies, and direct reprogramming techniques. Awards and Positions: - 2010: Young Scientist Award, Japan Stroke Society - 2010: Okayama Medical Society Award - Serves as a director of ISCBFM (International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism) - Secretary General of Vas-Cog Asia
Specialization
Neurology, Stem Cell Therapy, Direct Reprogramming
Education
- 2001: Earned his M.D. from Okayama University Medical School
- 2006: Received his Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Koji Abe at Okayama University
Throughout his career, he has worked as a research fellow at Keio University and a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University. He has also held clinical positions at Okayama University Hospital and the National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center.
Research & Publications
Dr. Yamashita's research centers on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through stem cell therapies and direct reprogramming. He explores the regenerative potential of pluripotent stem cells such as Muse cells (Multilineage-differentiating Stress-Enduring cells), which can migrate to damaged tissues and contribute to repair. A key area of his work involves converting somatic cells into neuronal cells through direct reprogramming, providing a potential new source of cells for treating neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. One of his studies suggests that directly reprogrammed neuronal cells may serve as a novel cell source for transplantation therapy. Contributions: Dr. Yamashita has published over 250 scientific papers in the fields of neurology and translational neuroscience. His work aims to develop novel treatment strategies for stroke, dementia, ALS, and other degenerative conditions. He also serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.