# Yoshinori Ohsumi

> Japanese molecular biologist (1945 - )

**Wikidata**: [Q8056214](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8056214)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinori_Ohsumi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yoshinori-ohsumi

## Summary
Yoshinori Ohsumi is a Japanese molecular biologist born in 1945, renowned for his pioneering research in the field of autophagy, a cellular catabolic process where cells digest parts of their own cytoplasm. His work has earned him the highest international honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. He has held significant affiliations with leading institutions such as the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the National Institute for Basic Biology, and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 9, 1945
- **Nationality:** Japanese
- **Education:** University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Graduate University for Advanced Studies
- **Known for:** Research in autophagy and molecular biology
- **Employer(s):** Tokyo Institute of Technology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Graduate University for Advanced Studies
- **Field(s):** Molecular biology, Autophagy

## Contributions
Yoshinori Ohsumi's primary contribution to science is his extensive research into autophagy, a fundamental cellular process involving the degradation and recycling of cellular components. His work in molecular biology has elucidated the mechanisms by which cells digest parts of their own cytoplasm. This research has been recognized globally through numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Canada Gairdner International Award, and the International Prize for Biology, validating the significance of his discoveries in the life sciences.

## FAQs
**What is Yoshinori Ohsumi best known for?**
Yoshinori Ohsumi is best known for his research in autophagy, a cellular catabolic process in which cells digest parts of their own cytoplasm, and his contributions to the field of molecular biology.

**What awards has Yoshinori Ohsumi won?**
He has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Order of Culture, and the Person of Cultural Merit.

**Where did Yoshinori Ohsumi complete his education?**
He was educated at the University of Tokyo, the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies.

**With which institutions has Yoshinori Ohsumi been affiliated?**
He has been affiliated with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the National Institute for Basic Biology, the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, and The Rockefeller University.

**When was Yoshinori Ohsumi born?**
Yoshinori Ohsumi was born on February 9, 1945.

## Why They Matter
Yoshinori Ohsumi's work is critical because it uncovered the fundamental mechanisms of autophagy, a process essential for cellular homeostasis, development, and response to stress. His discoveries in molecular biology have provided a framework for understanding how cells degrade and recycle their components, which has profound implications for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The breadth of his recognition, ranging from the Nobel Prize to Japan's Order of Culture, highlights his transformative impact on both global science and Japanese research.

## Notable For
- Receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- Awarded the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences for contributions to life sciences.
- Winner of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
- Recipient of the Canada Gairdner International Award.
- Honored with the Order of Culture and Person of Cultural Merit in Japan.
- Received the International Prize for Biology for fundamental biology research.
- Awarded the Rosenstiel Award and the Keio Medical Science Prize.
- Recognized as a Clarivate Citation Laureate.
- Affiliated with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, National Institute for Basic Biology, and Graduate University for Advanced Studies.
- Maintains a laboratory website at the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

## Body
### Identity and Background
Yoshinori Ohsumi is a Japanese molecular biologist and scientist who studies living organisms. Born on February 9, 1945, he holds Japanese citizenship and is also known by the names Y. Ohsumi, Y Ohsumi, Yoshinuri Ohsumi, and Ohsumi Yoshinori. His work is situated within the broader context of Japan's scientific community, a nation known for its advanced economy and technological innovation.

### Education
Ohsumi's educational path took him through several of Japan's most prestigious institutions. He was educated at the University of Tokyo, a national university in Tokyo, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, a top-tier research university located in the Greater Tokyo Area known for its contributions to science and engineering. He also attended the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), a national graduate university in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is dedicated exclusively to doctoral education and research.

### Career and Affiliations
Throughout his career, Ohsumi has been employed by leading research organizations. His employers include the Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he has contributed to the university's reputation for research excellence; the National Institute for Basic Biology, located in Okazaki and focused on fundamental biological research; and the Graduate University for Advanced Studies. Additionally, he has been affiliated with The Rockefeller University, a private research institute in New York City founded in 1901 that focuses on biological research and graduate-level education. His professional laboratory website is hosted by the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

### Research Focus
Ohsumi's fields of work are molecular biology and autophagy. Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. Autophagy is a specific cellular catabolic process in which cells digest parts of their own cytoplasm. His research has been instrumental in defining and understanding these biological processes.

### Awards and Recognition
Ohsumi has received a comprehensive array of awards reflecting his status as a leading scientist. These include:
*   **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine:** Established in 1895 by Alfred Nobel.
*   **Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences:** A Japanese award recognizing contributions to biological sciences.
*   **Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences:** An award recognizing breakthroughs in life sciences.
*   **Canada Gairdner International Award:** A major international award.
*   **International Prize for Biology:** An annual award for fundamental biology.
*   **Order of Culture:** A Japanese order established in 1937.
*   **Person of Cultural Merit:** A Japanese recognition and honor.
*   **Rosenstiel Award:** An award in medical research from Brandeis University.
*   **Keio Medical Science Prize:** A Japanese award in medical sciences.
*   **Asahi Prize:** An award established in 1929.
*   **Shitsan Pai International Award.**
*   **Clarivate Citation Laureates:** An award recognizing highly cited researchers.

### Academic Identifiers and Digital Presence
Yoshinori Ohsumi is widely cataloged in academic and scientific databases. He possesses an ORCID ID (0000-0003-2384-2166), a VIAF ID (252902927), and an ISNI (0000000406188593). Other identifiers include a GND (1226309-6), a ResearcherID (C-6449-2009), and a Scopus Author ID (680006). His work is also tracked via identifiers such as the Loop ID (1739727), the Bibliothèque nationale de France ID (2859077), and the NII Author ID (5019489). His official laboratory website provides further access to his work and is located at http://www.ohsumilab.aro.iri.titech.ac.jp/english.html.

## References

1. ORCID Registry
2. [Can the science of autophagy boost your health? - BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44005092)
3. [Source](http://www.gairdner.org/content/yoshinori-ohsumi)
4. [Source](http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-biol/02_pastrecipients.html)
5. [Source](http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/03/world/japanese-microbiologist-yoshinori-ohsumi-wins-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-autophagy-research/)
6. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2016/)
7. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
8. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/medecine/article/2016/10/03/le-nobel-de-medecine-remis-au-japonais-yoshinori-ohsumi-pour-ses-recherches-sur-l-autophagie_5007277_1650718.html)
9. [Source](http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/houdou/27/11/attach/1363163.htm)
10. [Source](https://www.brandeis.edu/rosenstiel/rosenstiel-award/past.html)
11. [Source](https://www.ms-fund.keio.ac.jp/en/prize/list.html)
12. [Source](https://breakthroughprize.org/Laureates/2)
13. [Source](https://www.kyotoprize.org/en/laureates/yoshinori-ohsumi/)
14. [Source](https://www.pauljanssenaward.com/winners)
15. [Source](https://www.aaas.org/news/2017-aaas-fellows-recognized-advancing-science)
16. [Source](https://clarivate.com/citation-laureates)
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. National Diet Library
19. CiNii Research
20. [Japan Society for the Promotion of Science](https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-biol/02_pastrecipients_awardee2015.html)
21. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
22. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
23. Munzinger Personen
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. KAKEN
26. Researchmap