Shinichi Someya, PhD

I received my BA from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1991 and my PhD from the University of Tokyo in 2005. Following my doctoral training, I completed postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Tomas Prolla in the Department of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin from 2005 to 2011. In 2011, I joined the faculty at the University of Florida as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, and later joined the Department of Physiology and Aging in 2022.

My research focuses on the mechanisms that underlie hearing loss. I have a broad background in cell biology and specialized expertise in mitochondrial biology and auditory neuroscience. Our research seeks to understand how mitochondria support the ability of hair cells to detect and transmit sound. In particular, we study how mitochondrial dysfunction at ribbon synapses, the specialized junctions that relay sound information from sensory hair cells to auditory neurons, disrupts hearing under diverse stress conditions.

In addition to studying fundamental mechanisms of auditory biology, we are strongly committed to translational research. A major focus of our work is developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss, a common and often permanent side effect of chemotherapy that affects many cancer patients and can significantly reduce quality of life.

Our research integrates electrophysiology, histology, molecular and cellular biology, and advanced imaging approaches with machine-learning-based data analysis. Using complementary experimental systems, including mouse models, mouse and human cell lines, human temporal bone specimens, and clinical datasets, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms that govern the sense of hearing and to identify new strategies for preventing and treating hearing loss.

At the University of Florida, I currently direct seven graduate courses: GMS 6486 Biology of Aging (fall/spring/summer), GMS6417 Health Aging Millenium (fall/spring/summer), SPA5102 Auditory Anatomy and Physiology (fall), SPA6010 Basic Auditory Sciences (fall), SPA6581 Auditory Pharmacology (summer), SPA6581 Functional Human Neuroanatomy, and SPA6564 Communication and Aging (spring). I also teach 3 graduate courses as a lecturer, including GMS 6893 Clinical and Translational Science Institute Student Seminar (fall) and GMS 6622 Mitochondrial Biology in Aging and Disease (fall). In my courses, I take a student-centered and interactive approach. I encourage students to participate actively. I have served or currently serve as a committee member and/or mentor for 10+ doctoral students and 30+ undergraduate students. A large part of my teaching effort is dedicated to mentoring students. I truly enjoy mentoring, interacting with the students in the lab, and sharing my research questions and ideas with them.

I have a broad background in molecular cell biology, with specific training and expertise in auditory neuroscience, mitochondrial biology, and aging. Mitochondria play a central role in mediating the health benefits of exercise. Accordingly, I have a long-standing interest in understanding how physical inactivity affects mitochondrial function, particularly in sensory hair cells, and how physical activity promotes mitochondrial health to help prevent age-related hearing loss—a common condition in older adults. Specifically, my research group investigates the mechanisms by which physical activity influences the morphology, localization, and function of mitochondria in the inner and outer hair cells of mouse models, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and machine learning-based 3D analysis. Additionally, I am deeply interested in developing novel treatment strategies to mitigate cisplatin-induced hearing loss, a common and debilitating side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy in cancer patients.

http://someyalab.aging.ufl.edu/about-someya-lab/