Dr. Rika Sasaki , Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University , Japan
Rika Sasaki is a researcher in the Department of Molecular Pathology at Nara Medical University, Japan. She completed her degree in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine, Nara Medical University in March 2023 and began her doctoral studies in April 2023. Currently, she is in the second year of her program, focusing on cancer research, particularly on the role of mitochondrial transfer in colorectal cancer. Rika is passionate about understanding the molecular mechanisms behind cancer malignancy and drug resistance. She has a growing academic presence, having published multiple papers in respected journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Her work has contributed to important discoveries, including the identification of HMGB1 as a key factor in mitochondrial transfer. Rika is a member of The Japanese Cancer Association and The Japanese Society of Pathology, and she is dedicated to furthering cancer-related research.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Rika Sasaki has demonstrated considerable promise as a young researcher in the field of molecular pathology, with a focused interest in cancer biology. Sasaki’s research on the therapeutic strategy for targeting drug resistance in colorectal cancer through mitochondrial transfer is both innovative and highly relevant. Her ability to identify key molecules, such as oxidized HMGB1, contributing to cancer malignancy and resistance, highlights her potential to shape future cancer therapies. Moreover, Sasaki’s publication record, including in high-impact journals, showcases the quality and impact of her work. Her membership in esteemed professional societies further strengthens her standing in the research community.
Areas for Improvement:
Although Sasaki is an emerging researcher with promising contributions, expanding her network through collaborative research and increasing the breadth of her publications could enhance her visibility in the scientific community. Additionally, the exploration of translational research, particularly through clinical applications, could be an important avenue for the future development of her work.
Education:
Rika Sasaki earned her degree in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine at Nara Medical University in March 2023. Shortly after graduation, she enrolled in the Doctoral Program at Nara Medical University in April 2023. As of February 2025, she is in the second year of her Ph.D. studies. During her academic career, Rika has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical and scientific research. Her education has provided her with a solid foundation in molecular pathology, particularly with an emphasis on cancer biology. Rika’s research interests have led her to focus on understanding the intricate mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells, particularly in colorectal cancer. Her research findings are contributing to the development of potential therapeutic strategies, which may play a significant role in overcoming treatment resistance. Her academic journey reflects dedication, rigor, and a passion for advancing medical knowledge.
Experience:
Rika Sasaki’s professional journey as a researcher began after her graduation from Nara Medical University in March 2023, when she immediately began her Doctoral Program. As a second-year Ph.D. student, she has already been involved in groundbreaking research focused on cancer drug resistance mechanisms. Her experience includes working on the project titled “Therapeutic Strategy for Colorectal Cancer Targeting Drug Resistance Induced by Mitochondrial Transfer.” Rika’s research highlights the oxidized form of HMGB1 as a major factor in mitochondrial transfer, contributing to cancer cell stemness and drug resistance. She has also collaborated with a team of scientists, publishing several research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Though she does not have formal consultancy or industry experience yet, Rika’s academic achievements and publication record indicate her growing expertise in molecular pathology. She is currently refining her skills and knowledge, positioning herself as a future leader in cancer research.
Awards and Honors:
Rika Sasaki, while early in her career, has made significant strides in cancer research, particularly focusing on mitochondrial transfer and drug resistance in colorectal cancer. She has not yet received formal awards for her work; however, her research has been published in respected journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, underlining her scientific contributions. Rika’s H-index of 5 reflects the growing impact of her publications. Although she has not received awards such as the Best Researcher Award yet, her innovative work has attracted recognition within her institution and the scientific community. As her research progresses, particularly in understanding cancer drug resistance, Rika is likely to gain more recognition in the coming years. Her academic commitment and contributions to molecular pathology have earned her membership in notable professional societies like The Japanese Cancer Association and The Japanese Society of Pathology, setting her up for future accolades.
Research Focus:
Rika Sasaki’s research primarily revolves around understanding cancer drug resistance, particularly in colorectal cancer. Her focus is on the therapeutic strategy targeting mitochondrial transfer that promotes cancer cell stemness and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Through her research, she has identified the oxidized form of HMGB1 as a key factor that accelerates mitochondrial transfer from mesenchymal stem cells to colorectal cancer cells. This discovery holds potential for novel cancer therapies aimed at reversing drug resistance. Rika’s research also extends to studying energy metabolism and the role of various molecules, such as lauric acid, in overcoming chemoresistance. Her work provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the malignancy of cancer cells, contributing to the development of more effective treatments. Rika’s research bridges molecular pathology and clinical applications, making her a promising scientist in the fight against cancer. Her findings are already influencing the field of cancer research, making her work highly relevant.
Publications Top Notes:
- “Oxidative High Mobility Group Box-1 Accelerates Mitochondrial Transfer from Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Colorectal Cancer Cells Providing Cancer Cell Stemness” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025) 📚💥
- “Energy Metabolism and Stemness and the Role of Lauric Acid in Reversing 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025) 🍏🔬
- “Significance of CD10 for Mucosal Immunomodulation by β-Casomorphin-7 in Exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis” (Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024) 🔬🧬
- “Effects of High-Mobility Group Box-1 on Mucosal Immunity and Epithelial Differentiation in Colitic Carcinoma” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024) 🔬🦠
- “Berberine Improves Cancer-Derived Myocardial Impairment in Experimental Cachexia Models by Targeting High-Mobility Group Box-1” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024) 💪🧪
- “Nuclear MAST4 Suppresses FOXO3 through Interaction with AKT3 and Induces Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024) 💥🧠
- “Investigation of Cancer-Induced Myocardial Damage in Autopsy Cases—A Comparison of Cases with and without Chemotherapy” (Pathol. Int. 2024) 🧠❤️
- “Pterostilbene Induces Apoptosis from Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Synergistically with Anticancer Drugs That Deposit Iron in Mitochondria” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024) 🧪💔
- “Involvement of Ferroptosis Induction and Oxidative Phosphorylation Inhibition in the Anticancer-Drug-Induced Myocardial Injury: Ameliorative Role of Pterostilbene” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024) ⚡🧬
- “Lauric Acid Overcomes Hypoxia-Induced Gemcitabine Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma” (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023) 🧪🍃
Conclusion:
Given her strong academic background, innovative research on cancer biology, and growing publication record, Rika Sasaki is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work on mitochondrial transfer and cancer resistance mechanisms promises significant advancements in cancer treatment. With continued professional growth and wider collaborations, she has the potential to make substantial contributions to medical science.