Department director of Pediatric Neurology, NHO Nagara Medical Center, Japanđź“–
Dr. Michinori Funato is a highly esteemed pediatric neurologist and regenerative medicine expert based in Gifu, Japan. With over two decades of experience, he has made pivotal contributions to clinical care and research, particularly in the areas of peroxisomal disorders and cell-based therapies. Currently serving as the Director of Pediatric Neurology and Chief of the Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at NHO Nagara Medical Center, Dr. Funato continues to push the boundaries of medicine to improve patient outcomes and advance healthcare technologies.
Scopus Profile
Education Background🎓
Dr. Michinori Funato embarked on his medical journey at Gifu University School of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 2000. Driven by a passion for advancing medical knowledge, he continued as a research student at the same institution, delving into critical aspects of pediatric health. From 2001 to 2005, he pursued his Ph.D. at Gifu University Graduate School under the mentorship of Professor Naomi Kondo. His doctoral research, titled “Aberrant peroxisome morphology in peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzyme deficiencies,” laid the foundation for his career-long focus on pediatric neurology and regenerative medicine. This comprehensive educational foundation equipped Dr. Funato with the clinical and research expertise essential for his distinguished contributions to medicine.
Professional Experience🌱
Dr. Michinori Funato has over two decades of diverse and impactful experience in pediatrics, clinical research, and regenerative medicine. He began his medical career as a resident in pediatrics at Gifu University Hospital, later serving as a physician at Prefectural Gifu Hospital and National Nagara Hospital, where he honed his clinical expertise. His passion for advancing medical science led him to clinical research fellowships at Gifu University Hospital and the Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital. In 2006, he joined Gifu University Hospital as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, where he played a vital role in pediatric care and academic research. From 2010 to 2013, Dr. Funato further expanded his expertise during his tenure as a visiting fellow at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, where he contributed to groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine. Since 2013, he has served as the Chief of the Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at NHO Nagara Medical Center, leading innovative projects in cell-based therapies. In 2022, Dr. Funato took on the role of Director of the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the same institution, where he continues to combine his clinical acumen and research insights to advance pediatric healthcare and regenerative therapies.
Research Interest🔬
Dr. Funato’s research primarily focuses on pediatric neurology and regenerative medicine. His contributions to understanding peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies and iPS cell-based therapies highlight his commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.
Author MetricsÂ
Dr. Funato has published extensively in high-impact journals in pediatrics and regenerative medicine. His work has significantly contributed to the fields of pediatric neurology and cell-based therapeutic research, reflected in a robust h-index and citation metrics.
Publications Top Notes đź“„
- The prevalence and clinical features of MYO7A-related hearing loss including DFNA11, DFNB2, and USH1B
- Authors: Watanabe, K., Nishio, S.-Y., Usami, S.-I., Suzuki, M., Kondo, S.
- Journal: Scientific Reports
- Year: 2024
- Volume and Issue: 14(1)
- Article Number: 8326
- Citations: 1
- Article Type: Open Access
- Efficacy of 5% sofpironium bromide gel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis: A retrospective case study
- Authors: Funato, M., Iwata, R., Iimoto, M.
- Journal: Journal of Dermatology
- Year: 2024
- Volume and Issue: 51(1)
- Pages: 135–139
- Citations: 0
- Later efficacy of nusinersen treatment in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy: A retrospective case study with a median 4-year follow-up
- Authors: Funato, M., Kino, A., Iwata, R., Kusukawa, T., Minatsu, H.
- Journal: Brain and Development
- Year: 2024
- Volume and Issue: 46(1)
- Pages: 62–67
- Citations: 1
- Natural history of Becker muscular dystrophy: A multicenter study of 225 patients
- Authors: Nakamura, A., Matsumura, T., Ogata, K., Tachimori, H., Komaki, H.
- Journal: Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
- Year: 2023
- Volume and Issue: 10(12)
- Pages: 2360–2372
- Citations: 4
- Article Type: Open Access
- Development of an osteosarcoma model with MYCN amplification and TP53 mutation in hiPS cell-derived neural crest cells
- Authors: Mukae, K., Takenobu, H., Endo, Y., Kanda, H., Kamijo, T.
- Journal: Cancer Science
- Year: 2023
- Volume and Issue: 114(5)
- Pages: 1898–1911
- Citations: 3
- Article Type: Open Access
Conclusion
Dr. Michinori Funato’s remarkable career trajectory, impactful research, and leadership in pediatric neurology and regenerative medicine make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also demonstrates a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes. Addressing the areas for improvement could further solidify his position as a global leader in his field, but his existing achievements alone justify his nomination for this prestigious recognition.