The Shinozaki Laboratory studies the molecular influence of environmental factors such as trauma, stress, and inflammation on individual susceptibility to psychiatric conditions including major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and delirium using epigenetic/genetic approaches as well as a medical engineering approach through device development and machine learning.

The main focus of the Shinozaki Lab has been to examine epigenetic changes resulting from exposure to stress such as trauma or inflammation to aid in the search of biomarkers of stress exposure and risk for MDD, PTSD, and delirium. Dr. Shinozaki, in collaboration with many colleagues across different fields, successfully developed several ongoing projects in epigenetics/genetics- one in collaboration with neurosurgeons to study DNAm correlation between brain tissue and peripheral tissues, which is supported by NIH R01 funding. 

From the angle of neuroinflammation, we are investigating the role of epigenetics in inflammatory processes in delirium and aging. In addition to epigenetics investigation, we are developing a novel electroencephalography (EEG) device to screen delirium among elderly patients in the hospital.

Nipun Gorantla:

"My research internship in Dr. Shinozaki’s lab was one of the most formative and foundational experiences of my academic journey, and it played a pivotal role in my acceptance to medical school. From the moment I started in the lab, I was welcomed as a curious student and a true contributor to the lab’s work. Dr. Shinozaki places a deep, rare kind of trust in his students, which allowed me to take on responsibilities I never thought possible as an undergraduate.

Much of my work was alongside Dr. Tsuyoshi Nishiguchi, Dr. Bun Aoyama, and Dr. Shota Nishitani. Their mentorship sharpened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of how careful, rigorous, and impactful science is carried out. I had the opportunity to tackle projects that required both precision and creativity. Through performing delicate procedures, analyzing complex data, and assisting with patient clinical studies, I was given the freedom to learn and grow in meaningful ways.

Dr. Shinozaki has a way of holding us to the highest standards while also providing steady encouragement in our careers. Weekly discussions in lab meetings, journal club presentations, and more with Dr. Shinozaki and peers challenged me to think critically and helped me grow, forming habits of thought that I will carry into medicine and beyond.

As I complete the rest of my education at Stanford and embark on my journey to become a physician at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York, the lessons I learned from the Shinozaki Lab will remain a core part of who I am. I learned so much about experimentation, precision lab techniques, scientific writing, professionalism, and critical analysis – but I will cherish the kindness and community in the Shinozaki Lab the most. 

Thank you to Dr. Shinozaki and the rest of the lab!"