Masashi Yanagisawa

Japanese neuroscientist

Masashi Yanagisawa in 2019

Masashi Yanagisawa (born 1959) is a prominent Japanese neuroscientist known for his discovery of the neuropeptide orexin (also known as hypocretin) and its role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the understanding of sleep disorders, particularly narcolepsy.

Early life and education

Masashi Yanagisawa was born in 1959 in Japan. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Tsukuba, where he developed an interest in neuroscience and pharmacology. After completing his medical degree, Yanagisawa continued his education, earning a Ph.D. in pharmacology, which laid the foundation for his future research endeavors.

Career

Yanagisawa began his career as a researcher at the University of Tsukuba, where he focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying various physiological processes. His early work involved studying the endothelin system, which plays a crucial role in vascular function.

In the 1990s, Yanagisawa moved to the United States to join the faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. It was here that he made his seminal discovery of orexin, a neuropeptide that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy).

Research on orexin

Yanagisawa's discovery of orexin was a major breakthrough in neuroscience. Orexin neurons, located in the hypothalamus, project widely throughout the brain and are involved in maintaining wakefulness. The absence or dysfunction of orexin-producing neurons is now known to be a primary cause of narcolepsy.

His research demonstrated that orexin deficiency leads to the symptoms of narcolepsy, providing a target for potential therapeutic interventions. This work has opened new avenues for the development of treatments for sleep disorders and has had a profound impact on the field of sleep medicine.

Awards and honors

Masashi Yanagisawa has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to neuroscience and sleep research. His accolades include prestigious awards from scientific societies and recognition from academic institutions worldwide.

Current work

Yanagisawa continues to be actively involved in research, focusing on the broader implications of orexin in various physiological and pathological processes. He holds a position at the University of Tsukuba and collaborates with international researchers to further explore the role of neuropeptides in health and disease.

Related pages

• Orexin
• Narcolepsy
• Hypothalamus
• University of Tsukuba
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center