Dr. Junichi Iwata

Biography

Dr. Iwata is the Robert W. Browne Professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He is deeply dedicated to research focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying craniofacial congenital disabilities and diseases. His laboratory characterizes the cell signaling networks and cellular metabolic processes that direct membrane trafficking disorders, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches including mouse genetics, genomics, proteomics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Dr. Iwata earned his DDS and PhD degrees from Kyushu University School of Dentistry in Japan, where he studied cancer biology and proteases. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at Juntendo University School of Medicine in Japan, where he researched autophagy using mouse genetic models. He also worked as a Research Associate in Dr. Yang Chai's laboratory at the University of Southern California to expand his research interests in craniofacial development. Prior to joining the University of Michigan in 2024, Dr. Iwata held faculty positions as an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) in Houston. His commitment to advancing the field of research is evident in his roles as a reviewer, editorial board member, and editor for scientific journals such as Scientific Reports and Frontiers, and he serves as a reviewer for grant applications from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Research Interests

Experience