Masataka Nishiga, MD, PhD

About

Biography

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics. My clinical experience as a board-certified cardiologist in Japan with heart failure patients inspired me to pursue basic science research to discover transformative solutions for cardiac diseases.

My research focuses on cardiac conditions that lead to heart failure, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. I aim to develop novel solutions to ultimately recover damaged hearts. I use the latest cutting-edge technologies including stem cells, CRISPR gene editing, human genetics, and animal models. The key question my work explores is: How do environmental factors we are exposed to – such as infections, chemotherapy, inflammation, and lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking, etc.) – interact with our individual genetic makeup to cause cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure?

My lab leverages human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be transformed into any cell type in the body while maintaining each person's unique genetic makeup. By combining human iPSCs with CRISPR technology, my lab aims to systematically identify genetic variations that make people vulnerable to heart disease and discover new therapeutic approaches.

I received the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award and completed my postdoctoral training at Stanford University under Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD. I joined The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in November 2025.

I am excited to be part of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where the innovative research environment and excellent resources enable my lab to pursue transformative approaches in cardiovascular research.

Credentials

Research