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Masayoshi Yamaguchi


Masayoshi Yamaguchi earned a B.S,M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Shizuoka College of Pharmacy (1971, 1973, 1976) where he engaged in the fields of bone and calcium endocrinology and cell calcium signaling, and these researches are developed in the aspect of biochemistry, molecular biology, endocrinology, metabolism, nutrition, pharmacology, and toxicology. Between degrees he worked as a Research Associate in Shizuoka College of Pharmacy, Japan (1973 ~ 1986). Following his Ph.D. he took a Visiting Assistant Professor position at The University of Texas Medical School at Huston, USA (1988); Assistant Professor in Shizuoka College of Pharmacy, Japan (1986~1987); Visiting Assistant Professor in Texas Tech University School of Medicine, USA (1985); Visiting Lecturer in The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA (1981); where he carried out research studies in cell signaling mechanism, bone biology, nutritional factor and osteoporosis prevention, diabetes and diabetic osteoporosis, cell signaling and cancer biology, and cancer bone metastasis.

He is currently Adjunct Professor at Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA (2013-); previously, Visiting Professor in Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA (2012–2013); Visiting Professor in Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri-Columbia, MO, USA (2012); Visiting Professor in Department of Foods and Nutrition, The University of Georgia, GA, USA (2011 – 2012); Visiting Professor in Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, GA, USA (2007 – 2011); Professor in Laboratory of Endocrinology and Molecular Metabolism, Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan (1993 ~ August 2007); Associate Professor in Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan (1991~1993); Assistant Professor in School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan (1987~1991).

He discovered two novel proteins and genes; cell signaling suppressor protein (named regucalcin; 1978) and transcriptional factor RGPR-p117 (regucalcin gene promoter region-related protein; 2001) in mammalian cells. Dr. Yamaguchi generated regucalcin transgenic rats, which were registered as international patents (USA, EU, Japan, and Korea), and this animal is found to induce osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia. His current research proposes that regucalcin is a target molecule in carcinogenesis of various cancer cell types. Currently, the research of regucalcin is focused as a scientific topic.

Among his awards are Prize for Sato Memorial Fundation (1992, Japan/USA), Senji Miyata Foundation Award 2005 (Japan), Japan Society for Biomedical Research on Trace Elements Award 2007. His work has been recognized by International Biographical Centre (IBC) (2004, England) and awarded with The Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also awarded with The World Lifetime Achievement Award from American Biographical Institute (2004, USA), The Distinguished Service to Science Award from IBC (2007, England), and many others. He is listed in various biographies; Who’s Who in the World (2005-, Marquis Who’s Who, USA), Who’s Who in Sciences and Engineering (2004-, Marquis Who’s Who, USA), International Biographical Dictionary (2006-, IBC, England), and others.

Other professional activities include service on the Editorial Board of reputed international Journals and served on numerous review panels. He publishes regularly, has contributed in over 500 papers and related outreach efforts, and mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, he registered over 20 national and international patents in the fields of his research interest.