Hiroaki Matsunami

Hiroaki Matsunami is a Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University, holding the Minnie Geller Distinguished Professorship in Genetics. He also serves as Professor of Neurobiology, Professor of Cell Biology, Member of the Duke Cancer Institute, Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, and Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of chemosensory mechanisms at the molecular level.

Dr. Matsunami earned his Ph.D. from Kyoto University (Japan) in 1996 and has since established himself as a leading expert in chemosensation research. His academic journey spans multiple departments reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work bridging genetics, neuroscience, and molecular biology.

Dr. Matsunami's laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying chemosensation (taste and smell) in mammals, focusing on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). His team explores how tens of thousands of chemicals interact with over one thousand chemosensory receptors, how information is coded in sensory cells and the brain, and the mechanisms underlying development and regeneration of sensory cells. Their work has identified key receptor families for bitter and sweet compounds and elucidated the genetic basis for individual differences in taste and smell perception.

Analysis of Dr. Matsunami's extensive publication record reveals a consistent focus on odorant receptor structure and function, with an increasingly sophisticated approach incorporating structural biology, computational modeling, and advanced genomic techniques. His recent work demonstrates significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of odor discrimination, receptor trafficking mechanisms, and the evolutionary adaptations of chemosensory systems across species.

• AAAS Fellow (2012)
• Minnie Geller Distinguished Professor in Genetics

Dr. Matsunami leads multiple major research initiatives including 'Mechanisms of Odor Detection and Discrimination' (2025-2030) and 'STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS IN HUMAN ODORANT RECEPTOR FUNCTION' (2023-2028). His laboratory has developed innovative methods for studying odorant receptors, including heterologous expression systems and targeted transcriptomics approaches to map olfactory receptor expression in the brain. His work bridges basic science with potential clinical applications for sensory disorders.

Dr. Matsunami directs a multidisciplinary research team at Duke that combines molecular biology, genome informatics, and genetic approaches to investigate taste and smell mechanisms. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding receptor trafficking through proteins like RTP1S, the structural basis of odor recognition, and the genetic variations that underlie individual differences in sensory perception across human populations.