Yoko Yashiroda
Papers
1
Total Citations
40
H-Index
1
About
Yoko Yashiroda is a pioneering chemical biologist whose work bridges yeast genetics and drug discovery. Her research centers on developing innovative cell-based screening platforms to identify small-molecule inhibitors of key therapeutic targets, particularly in cancer biology. Yashiroda’s most notable contribution is her 2010 study, “A novel yeast cell-based screen identifies flavone as a tankyrase inhibitor,” which has garnered 40 citations. This work introduced a groundbreaking approach using engineered yeast strains to screen for compounds that inhibit tankyrase, an enzyme critical for telomere maintenance and Wnt signaling—pathways often dysregulated in cancers. By demonstrating that flavone, a natural compound, could selectively target tankyrase, Yashiroda provided a proof-of-concept for yeast-based assays in early-stage drug discovery. Her methodology has since inspired further research into high-throughput, cost-effective screening tools. Yashiroda’s impact extends beyond this paper; her work exemplifies how model organisms can accelerate the identification of lead compounds, offering a powerful alternative to traditional biochemical screens. For students and researchers, Yashiroda’s career highlights the creative fusion of genetics and pharmacology, showing how fundamental biological insights can drive translational advances in cancer therapeutics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A novel yeast cell-based screen identifies flavone as a tankyrase inhibitor40 citations · 2010