Sei Higuchi

Dr. Sei Higuchi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He joined in 2022 after postdoctoral research at Columbia University (2015–2022) and Kyoto University (2011–2015). His research focuses on lipid metabolism, particularly bile acid signaling in intestinal lipid sensing and obesity-related diseases. Key interests include the role of bile acids in regulating food intake, satiety, and inflammation-linked neurodegenerative conditions like depression.

Education:

• Ph.D., Pharmacology, Fukuoka University (Japan)
• M.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
• B.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University

Research Interests: Dr. Higuchi’s work bridges metabolism and neuroscience, exploring how bile acid composition modulates glucose homeostasis, gut-brain communication, and metabolic inflammation. Recent studies investigate the therapeutic potential of bile acid derivatives and the role of EP4 receptor-associated proteins (EPRAP) in metabolic regulation.

Publications Overview: His work spans over 20 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on sex-specific metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery, bile acid-GPR119 interactions, and EPRAP’s anti-inflammatory roles in colitis. Key findings include the protective effects of Cyp2c-deficiency in obesity and the role of hypothalamic endocannabinoids in dietary preferences.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards listed, but active in NIH-funded research on metabolic pathways and inflammatory bowel disease.

Labs/Teams: Leads an independent lab focusing on intestinal lipid sensing and metabolic disease mechanisms. Collaborates with Columbia University researchers on bile acid signaling projects.