JP
Labs and Faculty
Inter-Institutional Cooperative Laboratories
Laboratory of Cancer Biology

KATOH Hiroto Assoc. Prof. MD, PhD

Other Affiliations: Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center
Theme

Genomic Pathology, Molecular Biology Using Cutting-edge Technologies, Cell Biology

Keyword

Immune repertoire, single cell analysis, spatial genomics, functional genomics screening

Message

Cancer tissue is not merely composed of cancer cells alone; it is a dynamic ecosystem formed by a diverse array of cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells, blood vessels, and nerves. These heterogeneous cell populations interact in a complex, multi-faceted manner, exhibiting relationships distinct from those found in normal tissues. Through these intricate interactions, they collectively support the initiation and progression of cancer. My lab's primary goal is to unravel the rules governing these complex cellular networks and to decode the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer. Ultimately, I aim to identify and target the "weak points" of cancer, leading to the development of innovative therapies and preventive strategies. I am committed to fostering an interactive research environment where students can nurture their own questions and discoveries, helping them grow into independent and creative researchers.

Introduction

My academic background lies in histopathology – the science of examining cancer tissues surgically removed from patients to explore the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Histopathology involves meticulously analyzing the morphology and spatial arrangement of cancer cells, striving to unveil their fundamental nature. In recent years, remarkable advancements in genomic analysis technologies have enabled us to obtain vast amounts of data – including genomic mutations and gene expression profiles – from a single experiment. This technological leap has sparked a revolution in cancer research. In my lab, I build on traditional histopathology while leveraging cutting-edge technologies to accumulate high-resolution, comprehensive data from cancer tissues. Our approach is "data-driven research," aimed at deciphering the molecular mechanisms of cancer through detailed and expansive analyses. I am particularly focused on unraveling the complex interactions between cancer cells and the diverse array of surrounding cells, such as immune cells, within the tumor microenvironment. My ultimate goal is to discover intriguing and impactful findings that can lead to novel cancer therapies and preventive strategies. I am committed to pushing the frontiers of cancer research, driven by the excitement of exploring uncharted territories and making groundbreaking discoveries.

  • Research Overview of the Katoh Laboratory

  • Active Interactive Discussions with Students

Biography

1996 Tokai High School
2002 MD, The University of Tokyo
2006 PhD, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
2006-2007 Staff Researcher, Division of Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute
2008-2011 Post-doctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan
2011-2013 Assistant Professor, Division of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Genomic Medicine, Hokkaido University
2013-2019 Assistant Professor, Department of Genomic Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
2015-2019 PRESTO, JST (concurrent)
2019-2024 Associate Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
2024- Division Head, Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center
2025- Cooperative Associate Professor, Inter-Institutional Cooperative Laboratories, Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo