Meet UNMC Distinguished Scientist Tsuneya Ikezu, M.D., Ph.D.









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Tsuneya Ikezu, M.D., Ph.D.

UNMC researcher Tsuneya Ikezu, M.D., Ph.D., answers questions about his work, life and interests.

NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who will be honored at an April 6 ceremony for UNMC’s 2009 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award recipients.

  • Name: Tsuneya Ikezu, M.D., Ph.D.
  • Title: Professor on pharmacology and experimental neuroscience
  • Joined UNMC: 1999
  • Hometown: Tokyo

Describe your research in laymen’s terms.

My laboratory studies how immune-related molecules regulate the development of Alzheimer’s disease and AIDS-related brain disorders in small animal models. Gene therapy, drug screening and creation of disease mouse models are the main activities.

How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?

Our hope is that the gene therapy study and drug-screening project can lead to clinical inventions for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?

Successful training of post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and technologists. Peer-reviewed publications of our research and their citation by the others.

List three things few people know about you.

  • I was a swimmer and used to officiate local swimming meets;
  • I play tennis rather than golf; and
  • I have a small dog called “Eddie” (he’s a Bichon Frise).