The Provost Lecture Series 21

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Speaker: Keiko Kono, Associate Professor, Membranology Unit

Title: Cell Membrane Damage and Aging

Abstract:

Our bodies are composed of 37 trillion cells; all cells are surrounded by a ~5 µm cell membrane, which is thinner than a soap bubble. Therefore, our cells experience frequent mechanical stress and cell membrane damage during our regular activities. There are two known cellular fates after cell membrane damage, either recovery or death. We recently discovered the third cellular outcome: cell aging. Accumulating evidence suggests that cell aging explains some features of our body aging. Our study would ultimately address the long-standing question of how our cells age and how we age, and potentially contribute to healthy aging, stemming from the Okinawan traditional culture of healthy aging.

Chair: Tomomi Kiyomitsu, Assitant Professor, Cell Division Dynamics Unit

Venue: Sydney Brenner Lecture Theater B250

Time:
14:00-15:00: Introduction, Lecture and Q&A
15:00-15:30: Teatime

The Provost Lecture Series will provide an opportunity to celebrate milestones in the careers of OIST faculty members. It will recognize newly promoted professors and those who have received prestigious awards. It will highlight faculty achievements and create a space for retiring professors to talk about their research accomplishments and lessons learned over the course of their career. It is a way to celebrate OIST faculty, introduce them to the broader OIST community, acknowledge their research successes, share about their teaching and mentorship of students, and honor their service to the university.

Contact: Office of the Provost　Email: provost_office@oist.jp