Member Spotlight: Ryuichi Okomato, MD, PhD

Ryuichi Okomato, MD, PhD
Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

Hometown
Tokyo, Japan

Current Residence
Chiba, Japan

Graduate Degree
MD, PhD

Current Position
Professor

ISSCR Participation
Speaker at the ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting and Singapore International Symposium

• What is the current focus of your research?

  Organoid-based therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Engineering multi-layer intestinal tissue for transplantation.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  We have launched a first-in-human clinical trial for autologous organoid transplantation for ulcerative colitis patients. It may be the first clinical use of somatic stem cell-derived organoids.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  Gaining new results and evidence that may improve our organoid-based therapy or tissue engineering.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  Curiosity and deep interest in stem cell based architecture of the human tissue.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  The intestinal tissue has a simple but well-designed stem cell based system. Also, looking into the dynamic change in tissue regeneration environment may attract many trainees and researchers.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  Not in particular.

• How do you spend your free time?

  Running along the riverside. Spending time with my family. Enjoying good food and sake.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  Spent my childhood in London, UK.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  Finding opportunities to collaborate with worldwide peers.

• What excites you most about ISSCR 2025 in Hong Kong?

  Learning new findings or techniques from other groups. Connecting with peers of other countries.