Council Dates: October 2009 - May 2010
Independent Position: Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University
Toshi Kawate was a Research Fellow in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics in the Intramural Program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In the laboratory of Dr. Kenton Swartz, his research focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying P2X receptor functions by combining structural and functional approaches. Specifically, he examined the pathway through which ions access the pore of P2X receptors, and how these channels select for cations over anions. Understanding the function of these receptors at a molecular level could inform the design of novel pharmacological agents to treat inflammatory diseases and to relieve pain.
He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Columbia University and earned his B.S. and M.S. in Biology and Medical Science from Osaka University. Prior to the NIH, he completed post-doctoral work at the Vollum Institute of Oregon Health and Science University.