Dr. Akira Imamoto

Biography

Akira Imamoto is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Ben May Department of Cancer Research. His research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which combination mutations affect broader cellular networks and development, particularly in relation to DiGeorge/velocardiofacial/del22q11 syndrome, which has various common manifestations including cardiovascular defects, thymus and parathyroid gland aplasia, craniofacial anomalies, and learning disabilities. Through the use of diverse techniques, including mouse models, he aims to find the missing pieces that establish functional links between known genetic factors such as TBX1 and CRKL, which play crucial roles in this syndrome. His extensive academic training began with a DDS from Osaka University in Japan in 1984, followed by a PhD in 1988 and a post-doctoral training at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Over the years, he has been involved in significant research funded by NIH, focusing on the genetic analysis and role of DiGeorge syndrome models.

Research Interests

Experience