Kento Takaya, MD, PhD

Dr. Kento Takaya is a visiting researcher in the Gurtner Lab and a physician-scientist based at Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, where he is affiliated with the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His research integrates molecular aging, senescence biology, and regenerative medicine, with a particular focus on developing therapeutic strategies to enhance skin repair and reduce fibrosis.

Dr. Takaya’s work has identified and characterized several novel senolytic compounds, including resibufogenin, derived from traditional Chinese medicine (toad venom), and ligustilide, a bioactive compound from Angelica acutiloba. These agents selectively eliminate senescent dermal fibroblasts, reduce inflammatory signaling, and promote collagen remodeling. His translational studies—such as those using human-mouse chimeric skin graft models—have demonstrated that the glutaminase inhibitor BPTES can reverse age-associated skin changes by restoring tissue architecture and reducing SASP factors.

In addition to anti-aging therapeutics, Dr. Takaya has contributed to fundamental research in fetal wound healing and mechanisms of skin regeneration, including investigations into Wnt signaling pathways and the role of Apolipoprotein D as a marker of dermal fibroblast aging. His work bridges bench science with clinical relevance, aiming to inform future treatments in plastic surgery, wound care, and regenerative dermatology.