Dr Kayoko Tanaka

Contact Details

Dr Kayoko Tanaka

Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Microtubule anchoring mechanism Microtubules (MTs) are one of the major cytoskeletons and secure MT attachment to an anchoring site is essential for cellular activities. The pericentriolar material (PCM) of the centrosome is a prototype MT anchoring site. Its physiological significance is underscored during neural cell development; impaired PCM can lead to brain developmental disorders. We use a tractable model fission yeast to examine cell biological and biochemical properties of PCM.
An integrated understanding of RAS-mediated signalling Ras belongs to a conserved group of small GTPases a molecular switch that acts as a signalling hub to regulate cell proliferation differentiation and survival. Since their discovery in 1982 human RAS genes have been well established to carry oncogenic mutations in about 30% of cancers. However the precise molecular mechanism which primes oncogenic-RAS driven tumorigenesis is not fully understood. Our research goal is to reveal the molecular mechanism of oncogenic-RAS-driven tumorigenesis. We use both human cell culture and a powerful model system fission yeast to highlight the key conserved features of the Ras signalling.

Scientific Inspiration

Lee Hartwell for his elegant genetics.
Trisha Davis for integrating yeast genetics and biochemical structural approaches.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Goal-driven, student-centred and inclusive.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first. Once you are confident I will expect you to independently figure out appropriate methods and changes to methodology.

Progression Monitoring and Management

If there are technical issues, I will have a daily discussion dependent on the progress of the project. I will work with you as a team member and share technical difficulties with you to solve problems.

The goal of the research will be regularly discussed on a weekly basis to realistically achieve it in time.

I will set out my expectations of your progression every 2-3 weeks. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I am known to email my team/PhD students at all hours of the day and night, however I will not expect you to do the same.

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week and weekends. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance.

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

The meetings will be face to face and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

Project Details

Dr Kayoko Tanaka is supervising no projects this year.