The circadian clock, or biological clock, regulates a roughly 24-hour rhythm in most living organisms. While most biological processes are heavily influenced by temperature, the circadian clock defies this rule, maintaining a steady pace regardless of temperature changes. Why is it unaffected? To explore this question, we spoke with Akari Maeda, a third-year doctoral student at the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences. Her research earned the 2024 Nagoya University Academic Encouragement Award.
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Have you always been interested in plants?
As a child, I loved looking at beautiful photos of plants in textbooks and reference books. In high school, I was introduced to genetic engineering in biology class and was inspired to conduct research that could benefit people, like developing disease-resistant crops. That motivation led me to pursue university studies.
I was originally interested in molecules such as proteins. However, during my undergraduate years at Meijo University, I found myself doing more fieldwork on farms than I expected and ended up wanting to do more molecular biology experiments. As a third-year student, I thought about pursuing a research position in industry, so I attended several job-hunting events. At one of the job fairs, however, I was told that it would be difficult to get work in a research role without a master's degree. That advice encouraged me to continue my studies.
What led you to join your current lab?
During my undergraduate years, I researched plant roots and became interested in both the circadian clock and stem cells. I visited several labs, even outside Aichi Prefecture, and one of them was Professor Norihito Nakamichi's lab at Nagoya University, which focused on circadian clock research.
Professor Nakamichi not only explained his research but also gave me detailed advice about what it takes to become a researcher, including how often to publish papers. Seeing such clear guidance on academic growth, I felt this was an environment where I could thrive, so I chose his lab.
How has your experience in the lab been so far?
Professor Nakamichi is incredibly supportive, and the lab is an encouraging environment where I can concentrate on research. When I first joined, I knew very little about the circadian clock, but he patiently taught me from the ground up. At the end of each day, he always asks, "How did it go today?" and regularly checks in on my progress.
A photo with Professor Nakamichi taken during a conference visit to Kagoshima.
What made you decide to pursue a doctorate?
I learned about Nagoya University's five-year integrated WISE Program,* and at an information session for the GTR (Graduate Program of Transformative Chem-Bio Research), I heard statements like "there are jobs only available to doctoral graduates" and "without a doctorate, you may be assigned to non-research duties." Since I was set on a research career, that convinced me to go for a PhD.
I told myself, "If I pass the GTR selection, I will continue on to the doctoral program; if not, I will stop with just a master's degree." Fortunately, I managed to pass and the rest is history.
What benefits have you gained from GTR?
As an undergraduate, I had only learned experimental techniques, but I wanted to be a researcher capable of computational approaches as well. Through GTR, I joined Professor Takeshi Yanai's lab (Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules) for interdisciplinary research.
Biology and chemistry approach the same concepts in different ways. Learning both broadened my perspective and proved to be incredibly valuable. It was challenging balancing research in both Nakamichi's and Yanai's labs, but I am glad that I was able to finish my dissertation in the end.
At GTR, students plan and manage events. This event was a lecture on the protein structure prediction tool "AlphaFold2," which gained attention after this year's Nobel Prize.
You received the 2024 Nagoya University Academic Encouragement Award and the President's Special Award at "NU3MT" (Nagoya University 3 Minute Thesis Competition). How did that feel?
To apply for the Academic Encouragement Award, I needed a recommendation from my supervisor. Professor Nakamichi urged me to apply, saying, "Go for as many awards as you can. These achievements will help further your research career." Thanks to his support, I won the award, and I am deeply grateful to him and my lab members.
For NU3MT, I avoided all technical terms except for "circadian clock" and focused on making my research accessible to a broad audience. My parents attended my presentation that day, so I am glad they got to see what I have been working on in graduate school.
Maeda receiving the President's Special Award at "NU3MT" in 2024.
You have also received awards from GTR and at academic conferences. Why do you think your work is so well-received?
I believe my strength lies in remembering what it felt like to know nothing about circadian clocks. Because of that, I feel my presentations are easy to follow for those unfamiliar with the topic. I make sure to explain terms carefully and use visuals where they help, and I refine my slides continuously to make my research clear and engaging. I am especially mindful of the beginning of my presentations; losing the audience there can be hard to recover from.
2021 Outstanding Poster Award at the 28th Annual Japanese Society of Chronobiology Conference.
What research do you want to pursue in the future?
While circadian clock research applies to many organisms, I want to stay focused on plants. I find their adaptability to the environment fascinating and want to explore how they perceive temperature.
This spring, I was selected as a JSPS Special Research Fellow (DC2), which will support my work until next year. After graduation, I plan to stay in Professor Nakamichi's lab for one more year as a researcher before continuing my academic career.
I believe that doctoral studies, where one can freely and single-mindedly pursue their passion, are the last springtime of one's life. With just a few months left until graduation, I plan on enjoying these days to the fullest!
During a one-month language study trip to England. Maeda, a Harry Potter fan, said, "Just breathing the air there made me happy."
Members of the Nakamichi Lab. Apart from Professor Nakamichi (front row, center) and Assistant Professor Tomoaki Muranaka (front row, right), all members are women.
*WISE Program: A five-year integrated doctoral program introduced by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) in 2018. It promotes interdisciplinary research, spanning chemistry, life sciences, electronics, mechanical engineering, medical, and information sciences, in collaboration with international research teams and industry. Nagoya University offers four WISE programs, with financial support available.
The International Communications Office, Nagoya University wishes to thank the Public Relations Office, Nagoya University for the use of this article. It was originally written by Tatsuhiko Maruyama in Japanese for the "Public Relations Meidai" web magazine. It has been translated and edited for clarity and readability by the International Communications Office while preserving the original content's intent. This article was originally published on December 23, 2024, and some information may not be up to date. For the original in Japanese, please see here.