Shinichi Kano, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, has been named 2023 Allen Distinguished Investigator for his research study titled "Blood-brain barrier communication via extracellular vesicles underlying brain function and behavior."
The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation has awarded $10.5 million to 18 new Allen Distinguished Investigators. These investigators will lead seven research projects, pioneering early-stage research to advance the fields of biology and medicine.
The objectives of the projects are centered on developing cutting-edge technologies, designing innovative approaches, and revealing insights into fundamental areas of human biology.
“I am honored and truly excited about this generous support from the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group to facilitate our high-risk project that may not be possible with traditional funding mechanisms,” says Kano.
Kano's research investigates how extracellular vesicles (EVs) influence neurons by crossing the blood-brain barrier. The study, which unveils blood-brain communication in rodent models, aligns with the UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s research focus on brain health and disease across the lifespan and possibly I-4ward.
This work will generate extensive datasets for developing novel EV-inspired drug delivery systems and will provide new insights into the foundational mechanisms of EV action in the body.
“I believe our fundamental scientific research will advance our understanding of how EVs play roles in blood-brain communications underlying various physiological and pathological conditions seen in brain disorders, including but not limited to the fields of psychiatry and neurology,” says Kano. “I am grateful for the great teamwork by the excellent UAB experts, Drs. Jame A. Mobley, David Crossman, and Minae Niwa. I also hope our research will synergize with many outstanding UAB research on EVs, neurobiology, and other related sciences in the coming years.”
Key collaborators in this research study include:
• Minae Niwa, Ph.D., associate professor of Dept. Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology
• James A. Mobley, Ph.D., professor of Dept. Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Director of UAB HSOM & O’Neal CCC Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Shared Resource
• David Crossman, Ph.D., professor of Dept. Genetics, Bioinformatics Director of UAB Genomics Core Facility