KENGO KINOSHITA

TOHOKU UNIVERSITY

Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo)

Graduate School of Information Sciences

Deputer Executive Director, Professor

About

My research interests lie in bioinformatics and computational life sciences, particularly in protein structure–function relationships, gene coexpression analysis, and the integration of human genome variation with molecular functions. I have led the development of data platforms that connect genome science with personalized healthcare in Japan. I’m also active in academic leadership, having served as President of the Japanese Society for Bioinformatics. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with my cats.

Research Disciplines

Bioinformatics

Featured Presentation

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Title: From Genomic Cohorts to Precision Medicine: Advances from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project

Keywords: Bioinformatics, genome cohort, metabolome

Abstract: The Tohoku Medical Megabank (ToMMo) Project was launched in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, with the dual mission of supporting regional reconstruction and advancing genomic medicine. Over the past decade, ToMMo has established two large-scale prospective cohort studies—one community-based and another spanning three generations—recruiting more than 150,000 participants. These cohorts are coupled with comprehensive multi-omics analyses, including genome, transcriptome, metabolome, and brain MRI imaging, as well as longitudinal health and lifestyle data.

ToMMo has developed several key research infrastructures tailored to the Japanese population, such as the Japonica Array® for efficient genotyping, the Japanese reference genome (JG1–JG3), and jMorp, a public multi-omics database. These platforms enable accurate population-specific genomic analyses and serve as a foundation for personalized healthcare and precision medicine initiatives.

This presentation outlines recent advances in genomic cohort analyses, polygenic risk score (PRS) implementation, biomarker discovery using prospective biobanking, and integration with clinical biobanks. We also highlight translational applications including early disease prediction, health monitoring, and novel therapeutic strategies. Through these efforts, ToMMo aims to contribute to evidence-based, equitable, and population-tailored genomic healthcare in Japan and beyond.

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