Keiko Ozato

Keiko Ozato

Keiko Ozato, Ph.D.

Nationality	Japanese-American
Known for	Research on interferons and chromatin

Keiko Ozato is a prominent Japanese-American immunologist and molecular biologist known for her pioneering research in the fields of interferon biology and chromatin regulation. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of how the immune system responds to viral infections and how gene expression is regulated in immune cells.

Early Life and Education

Keiko Ozato was born in Japan and pursued her undergraduate studies at Kyoto University, where she developed an interest in molecular biology. She later moved to the United States to continue her education and research.

Career

Dr. Ozato joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, where she has spent the majority of her career. At the NIH, she has held various positions, including Senior Investigator at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Research Contributions

Dr. Ozato's research has focused on the role of interferons in the immune response. Interferons are proteins that are crucial for the defense against viral infections. Her work has elucidated the mechanisms by which interferons activate immune cells and regulate the expression of genes involved in the immune response.

One of her notable contributions is the discovery of the role of BRD4, a member of the BET family of proteins, in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Her research demonstrated how BRD4 interacts with acetylated histones to facilitate transcriptional activation, which is critical for the rapid response of immune cells to pathogens.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ozato has received numerous awards for her contributions to science, including the NIH Director's Award and the American Association of Immunologists Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also a member of several prestigious scientific societies.

Personal Life

Dr. Ozato is known for her dedication to mentoring young scientists and promoting diversity in the scientific community. She has been an advocate for women in science and has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in biomedical research.

Also see

• Interferon
• Chromatin
• BRD4
• National Institutes of Health
• Immunology