My name is Naohide Oue. I specialize in the molecular pathology of gastrointestinal cancer. While my focus is on stomach cancer, I also analyze esophagus and colon cancers.

My main research project is the identification of specific markers for diagnosing cancer. For example, different types of cancer cells secrete unique proteins. We hope to discover the type of protein secreted by each type of cancer cell – we can then develop ways to detect the protein, and thus the cancer. 10 years ago, I discovered the transmembrane protein expressed by human stomach-cancer cells; the search continues for more of these markers.

About 13 years ago I performed a SAGE analysis of human stomach cells, (SAGE: a technique for providing a snapshot of genes present in a given sample) and two of the genes I found are important for growing cancer stem cells. Many researchers read this paper and were able to analyze these two important genes.

There are many researchers in this field, but some have more funding than others. Some at the bigger universities can carry out whole genome sequencing, where they search for genes very easily, and rapidly, using state of the art technology; their results are published in the top journals and they are lauded. This type of study doesn’t require much thinking but the rewards are immense.

When I was at elementary school I wanted to cure cancer as my grandfather died of the disease. That is why I entered this university. He died of lung cancer, but as stomach cancer is such a big issue in Japan I ended up researching it.

The conditions are very good. I graduated from the University in 1999 and entered this department– ​​so I have worked 18 years in this building! When I first entered the university, we were based at the Higashi-Hiroshima campus, which was still under construction then.

Previously I did. I am 43 now (in 2017) but until I was in my late 30s, I slept in this room and only went home one or two times a week! I like research, and all I was thinking about those days was research. I have two children now and I'm over 40 years old so I get tired easily! I can't do it anymore.

I am interested in old Japanese porcelain and ceramics [hands photography book on subject to SCF]. These are about 400 years old. I like to go to the museums in Hiroshima or Kure. This [porcelain turtle on desk] is 300 years old.

Yes, I went to The National Institute of Health in Washington, USA. I analyzed cancer in the lab there for six months. I enjoyed it but I don't think I'll get a chance for work overseas again.

Of course, I recommend they study abroad. Many Japanese researchers cannot speak fluent English– like me. So they should go abroad and learn English conversation– and also make connections. In the USA the laboratory culture is quite different from Japan so I think it would help to see these alternative working styles.

“I never imagined 10 years ago that whole genome sequencing would take only two days to complete – so I can't even guess what will be possible by 2027”

Because so many famous researchers with access to funding are carrying out whole genome mapping now we have to work harder to compete. But, as pathologists we have an advantage over many other researchers – we can observe the microscopic structure of cancer tissues using microscopes. It is a skill that many in our field are lacking – and many don’t really understand how it works. This is where we can still excel.

You know I never imagined 10 years ago that whole genome sequencing would take only two days to complete – so I can't even guess what will be possible by 2027. Histochemical (the branch of science that deals with the chemical composition of the cells tissues of the body) examination will likely still be important so I will be doing that and continuing my cancer research

History?! No I don't think so. I probably would have become a physician… Actually, I would like to have entered Tokyo or Kyoto University and studied electrical engineering.

Hiroshima prefecture has many cancer patients so we can easily obtain specimens and analyze patients.That's a bit morbid but there were many atomic bomb survivors and we can analyze the association between the bomb and cancer.It happened about 70 years ago so there are fewer every year.

It's a necessity. We are pathologists, so our advantage is histology examination (microscopic study of tissue samples) but many researchers can't understand it at all. So we can perform histological examination, as well as whole genome sequencing – or even help develop nanomedicines. We have many advantages that require others to seek our collaboration. Even the National Cancer Center of Japan has lots of data on whole genome sequencing, or nanotechnology for cancer therapy but they still can't carry out cancer histology.

Recently I was appointed a Hiroshima University Distinguished Researcher. I'm happy about that.

It's difficult. Cancer therapy is not easy, so early diagnosis is key; we should continue to focus on developing early diagnosis methods. In future I envisage a cancer self-check blood test as being as normal as brushing your teeth – part of the daily routine.

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Find out more about Associate Professor Naohide Oue and how to contact him here: http://seeds.office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/profile/en.85a053b87f7c2126520e17560c007669.html