Takuya Akiyama

Takuya Akiyama is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Indiana State University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. His research is centered on understanding somatic mosaicism and the clonal expansion of disease-linked mutations using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.

His research interests include developmental biology, genetics, cancer biology, BMP signaling, morphogen gradients, and stem cell regulation. He investigates how somatic mutations initiate pathogenesis, how mutant clones interact with wild-type cells, and the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue-selective oncogenesis. His work combines genetic engineering, live imaging, and multi-omics approaches to dissect clonal dynamics in living tissues.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on BMP/Dpp signaling, glypicans, heparan and chondroitin sulfate, and the role of extracellular matrix components in regulating stem cell behavior and organ development. His work spans from fundamental developmental mechanisms to disease modeling, particularly cancer and rare genetic disorders like FOP.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

Dr. Akiyama actively mentors students and collaborates with leading scientists such as M. C. Gibson and K. A. Wharton. He has secured research funding through grants and fellowships, though specific details are not listed. His lab frequently presents findings at national meetings including the Allied Genetics Conference, Midwest Drosophila Conference, and Indiana Academy of Science.

He leads the Akiyama Lab, which is dedicated to the functional interrogation of somatic mosaicism. The lab explores the molecular and cellular basis of clonal expansion in disease contexts, with a focus on tissue selectivity of oncogenic mutations. More information can be found at: https://somaticmosaicism2023.wixsite.com/2023.