From Karolinska Institutet to UTokyo: advancing canine genomics through collaboration
A research journey by Isil Takan from Karolinska Institutet to the University of Tokyo that shows how collaboration and shared expertise can accelerate discoveries in dog genome annotation and brain-related disorders.
I am Isil Takan, a postdoctoral researcher in the Daub Lab at the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit (GUT) at Karolinska Institutet, working on the DoGA (Dog Genome Annotation) Project.
The DoGA Project
The DoGA project provides a comprehensive functional information resource for dog and wolf genomes, enabling high-resolution disease gene mapping and identification of functional elements. My research focuses on gene regulation in the brain, particularly behavior, psychiatric conditions, and common brain disorders such as epilepsy and neurodegeneration in dogs, wolves, and humans.
Research focus and collaboration goals
My work involves identifying regulatory elements in canine genomes using sequencing data. Dr. Nakai’s expertise in regulatory genomics and machine learning-based annotation methods—especially integrating canine data with comparative analyses involving human models—significantly enhances my research.
Experience at UTokyo
I visited Professor Kenta Nakai's laboratory in the Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences at the Institute of Medical Science. During my visit, I attended group meetings, engaged in scientific discussions, and observed diverse research methodologies.
Both KI and UTokyo foster supportive environments and encourage innovative thinking, shaped by different cultural and organizational contexts. Despite differences, I was impressed by the similarities in their scientific approaches, which highlight why KI and UTokyo are among the world’s leading research institutions.
Life in Tokyo
Tokyo is a city full of surprises, rich in culture, history, and nature. What stood out most was the sense of community and connection, even in such a large city.
Practical tips for international research visits
- Plan for jet lag and adapt your schedule accordingly.
- Expect differences in work practices and remain flexible.
Adaptability will make your experience smoother and more rewarding.
Personal and professional insights
This experience was professionally enriching and personally transformative. It reminded me that research questions and answers vary widely, and multiple answers can be correct. Mistakes are not failures—they are steps toward truth.
Research often feels like trying to understand an entire film from a single frame; our answers are incomplete. Transparency and openness to diverse perspectives are essential for advancing knowledge collectively.
Looking ahead: strengthening collaboration
I brought back valuable insights to KI. The strengthened collaboration with UTokyo will support ongoing work and open doors for future joint projects and data-sharing initiatives. I look forward to sharing these experiences with colleagues to emphasize the importance of international collaboration in advancing science.