Draft:Yoshinori Asakawa

Yoshinori Asakawa

Professor Yoshinori Asakawa (born August 31, 1941) is an esteemed professor and director of the Institute of Pharmacognosy at Tokushima Bunri University in Japan..[1] He studies most in the fields of botany, organic chemistry, and stereochemistry, and has over 850 publications and 21,000 citations. He is the recipient of various prestigious awards both internationally and domestically. He was well known and respected internationally having lectured in over 35 different countries including, but not limited, to Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Czech, France, Italy, Korea, Madagascar, and Malaysia. He also received invitations to engage in post-doctoral studies in over 50 countries.[2] Overall, he was an extremely intelligent man who made strong contributions to his field.

Life and Career edit

Education edit

Professor Asakawa first attended Tokushima University where he graduated in 1964 with an Bachelor of Science in biology. He then attended graduate school at Hiroshima University where he obtained his master's and PhD studying organic chemistry. During his time there, he was also appointed as a research assistant. From 1972-1974 he worked alongside Professor Guy Ourisson as a postdoctoral fellow at Louis Pasteur University in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. [3] [2]

Personal Life edit

Yoshinori Asakawa is married to Hisa Asakawa. They have two daughters, Yoko and Tomomi. He is also a grandfather to Yoko's children Jun and Sakiko. Despite being busy with his career, Asakawa makes time to be an involved father and grandfather, often taking his children to his laboratory on weekends to help with technical experiments and afterwards playing ping pong with his grandchildren. He keeps various hobbies such as driving his motorcycle, traveling, Bamboo pencil calligraphy, and French conversation.[4]

Career edit

Yoshinori Asakawa has had a distinguished career in the scientific community, primarily focusing on botany, organic chemistry, and stereochemistry. Beginning his academic journey at Hiroshima University, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry from 1969 to 1976, and as an Associate Professor from 1976 to 1980. During 1972 to 1974, he furthered his research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Université Louis Pasteur in France under Professor Guy Ourisson. His expertise and contributions led to his promotion to Full Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tokushima Bunri University (TBU) in 1981, where he later held the positions of Dean of the Faculty (1986-1989 and 2000-2003) and Director of the Institute of Pharmacognosy since 1986.[5] [6]

Asakawa has played a significant role in the academic community as an editor and member of the editorial boards for numerous scientific journals, including Phytomedicine, Phytochemistry, and the Flavour and Fragrance Journal. He has served as an Associate Editor for "Current Chemical Biology". Additionally, he was also the Editor and Co-editor of "Phytomedicine" and the Editor of "Spectroscopy". Asakawa's editorial contributions reflect his profound influence in the fields of pharmacognosy, organic chemistry, and botany.[5]

Societal Activities edit

Professor Asakawa has had various societal involvements during his career. He served as both a Council member and President of the Chemistry of Terpenes, Essential Oils and Aromatics (TEAC). He has also served as President of the Japanese Bryological Society and the Phytochemical Society of Asia. Additionally, he is a permanent member of the International Symposium on Essential Oils (ISEO).[2] [1] [3]

Research edit

In the realm of Stereochemistry, Asakawa's research has delved into the intricate world of Chemotaxonomy, emphasizing the biological activity and chemotaxonomic implications of stereochemical configurations. His work in Botany extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing studies on the chemical constituents of plants with a particular emphasis on their antimicrobial properties.

Sesquiterpene, a key focus of Asakawa's investigations, intertwines with various fields, including Lactone, Hemiacetal, and Plagiochila. Through this line of inquiry, he sheds light on the complex relationships between these compounds, expanding our understanding of their diverse roles and applications. Similarly, his Terpenoid research addresses critical issues such as Biotransformation, Ether, and Biological Activity, offering valuable insights into the functional aspects of these organic compounds.[7]

Asakawa's scholarly output has been particularly concentrated in Stereochemistry, Botany, and Sesquiterpene. Notable among his works are studies on Ca2+ signaling in taste bud cells[8], antitumor principles from Ginkgo biloba[9], and the biological effects of drimane antifeedants against aphids[10]

Fundamentally, Yoshinori Asakawa's research legacy is characterized by a dedication to uncovering the complexities of Stereochemistry, Botany, Sesquiterpene, Terpenoid, and Organic Chemistry. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of these fields, leaving an permanent mark on scientific discourse.

Awards and Distinction edit

In 1983, Yoshinori Asakawa got 1st Hedwig Medal which was organized by International Association of Bryologists and received International Symposium on Essential Oil Award(ISEO) in 1984, 1998 and 2004. In 1997, Yoshinori Asakaa got the Tokushima New Paper Award and International Phytochemistry Prize and Certificate. In 2005, he got the Tucuman University Award and he got the Jack Cannon Gold Medal Award organized by Malaysian Natural Product Society. In 2011, he got the Medical University of Warsaw of Lublin Gold Medal in Poland. Next year, he became an Honorary Professor at Amity University, Noida in India. In the same year, he received the honorary doctorate degree from the Medical University of Lublin in Poland. In 2013, he got the Polish Pharmacy Embassy Certificate, and in 2014, he got the Gusi Peace Prize International for Academy and Research in Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science.[11]

Publications edit

Throughout his career, Yoshinori Asakawa has produced a prolific body of work, contributing significantly to the scientific literature across various disciplines. His publications span the fields of Stereochemistry, Botany, Sesquiterpene, Terpenoid, and Organic Chemistry, reflecting his expertise and diverse research interests. His interdisciplinary approach is evident in the diversity of topics covered, ranging from molecular signaling pathways to the bioactivity of natural compounds. Asakawa's body of work stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the scientific community and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in multiple domains.

Notable Works edit

  1. "CD36- and GPR120-Mediated Ca2+ Signaling in Human Taste Bud Cells Mediates Differential Responses to Fatty Acids and Is Altered in Obese Mice"[8]: In this study, Asakawa explores the intricate mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling in taste bud cells, shedding light on the differential responses to fatty acids and their alterations in obese mice.
  2. "Antitumor principles from Ginkgo biloba L."[9]: Asakawa's research on the antitumor properties of Ginkgo biloba L. stands as a significant contribution, unraveling the potential therapeutic principles derived from this botanical source.
  3. "Activity of drimane antifeedants and related compounds against aphids, and comparative biological effects and chemical reactivity of (-)- and (+)-polygodial"[10]: This publication delves into the activity of drimane antifeedants against aphids, offering a comparative analysis of the biological effects and chemical reactivity of different polygodial isomers.

Recent Works edit

  1. "Calyculin biogenesis from a pyrophosphate protoxin produced by a sponge symbiont"[12]: Asakawa's investigation into calyculin biogenesis from a sponge symbiont provides valuable insights into the synthesis of this biologically active compound.
  2. "Free fatty acid receptor GPR120 is highly expressed in enteroendocrine K cells of the upper small intestine and has a critical role in GIP secretion after fat ingestion"[13]: This publication explores the role of the free fatty acid receptor GPR120 in enteroendocrine K cells, emphasizing its critical involvement in GIP secretion following fat ingestion.

References edit

  1. ^ a b Natural Product Communications Vol. 11 (7) 2016
  2. ^ a b c Yoshinori Asakawa Curriculum vitae
  3. ^ a b Handbook of Dietary Phytochemicals: About the Editors
  4. ^ Message from the Family of Professor Yoshinori Asakawa
  5. ^ a b Curriculum vite of Professor Yoshinori Asakawa
  6. ^ Yoshinori Asakawa
  7. ^ Asakawa, Yoshinori; Fukuyama, Yoshiyasu (1991). "Novel neurotrophic isocuparane-type sesquiterpene dimers, mastigophorenes A, B, C and D, isolated from the liverwort Mastigophora diclados". Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 1 (11): 2737–2741. doi:10.1039/P19910002737.
  8. ^ a b Hakan Ozdener, Mehmet; Subramaniam, Selvakumar; Sundaresan, Sinju; Sery, Omar; Hashimoto, Toshihiro; Asakawa, Yoshinori (2014). "CD36- and GPR120-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in human taste bud cells mediates differential responses to fatty acids and is altered in obese mice". Gastroenterology. 146 (4): 995–1005. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2014.01.006. PMC 3979457. PMID 24412488.
  9. ^ a b Itokawa, Itokawa; Totsuka, Nobuo; Nakahara, Keisuke; Asakawa, Yoshinori; Takeya, Koichi; Lepoittevin, Jean-Pierre (1987). "CD36- and GPR120-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in human taste bud cells mediates differential responses to fatty acids and is altered in obese mice". Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 35 (7): 3016–3020. doi:10.1248/cpb.35.3016. PMID 3677249.
  10. ^ a b Asakawa, Y.; Dawson, G. W.; Griffiths, D. C.; Lallemand, J. -Y.; Ley, S. V.; Mori, K.; Mudd, A.; Pezechk-Leclaire, Massoume; Pickett, J. A.; Watanabe, H.; Woodcock, Christine M.; Zhong-Ning, Zhang (1988). "Activity of drimane antifeedants and related compounds against aphids, and comparative biological effects and chemical reactivity of (−)- and (+)-polygodial". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 14 (10): 1845–1855. Bibcode:1988JCEco..14.1845A. doi:10.1007/BF01013481. PMID 24277098.
  11. ^ "Yoshinori Asakawa Awards and Distinction" (PDF).
  12. ^ Wakimoto, Toshiyuki; Egami, Yoko; Nakashima, Yu; Wakimoto, Yukihiko; Mori, Takahiro; Awakawa, Takayoshi; Ito, Takuya; Kenmoku, Hiromichi; Asakawa, Yoshinori; Piel, Jörn; Abe, Ikuro (2014). "Calyculin biogenesis from a pyrophosphate protoxin produced by a sponge symbiont". Nature Chemical Biology. 10 (8): 648–655. doi:10.1038/nchembio.1573. PMID 24974231.
  13. ^ Iwasaki, Kanako; Harada, Norio; Sasaki, Kazuki; Yamane, Shunsuke; Iida, Keiko; Suzuki, Kazuyo; Hamasaki, Akihiro; Nasteska, Daniela; Shibue, Kimitaka; Joo, Erina; Harada, Takanari; Hashimoto, Toshihiro; Asakawa, Yoshinori; Hirasawa, Akira; Inagaki, Nobuya. "Free Fatty Acid Receptor GPR120 Is Highly Expressed in Enteroendocrine K Cells of the Upper Small Intestine and Has a Critical Role in GIP Secretion After Fat Ingestion". Oxford Academy. Endocrinology. PMID 25535828.