Shinichi Someya, PhD

I am a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Aging and the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Florida. I earned my BA from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1991 and my PhD from the University of Tokyo in 2005. From 2005 to 2011, I completed my postdoctoral training in Dr. Tomas Prolla’s laboratory in the Department of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin. In 2011, I joined the University of Florida as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Aging and Geriatric Research.

I have a broad background in cell biology and specialized expertise in mitochondrial biology, aging, and auditory neuroscience. My long-term goal is to elucidate the conserved mechanisms that regulate the positioning, morphology, and activity of presynaptic mitochondria in cochlear hair cells, and to define how these mechanisms support auditory function under various forms of stress. We take a multidisciplinary approach that integrates electrophysiology, histology, molecular biology, and advanced imaging technologies with machine learning–based 3D data analysis. By defining the fundamental roles of hair cell mitochondria and ribbon synapses in auditory function, my research aims to uncover how various forms of stress, such as cytotoxic chemicals, noise exposure, and starvation, affect presynaptic mitochondrial health, synaptic integrity, and hearing performance across the lifespan. We also maintain a strong commitment to translational research, with a focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies to prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss, a common and serious side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These findings will provide a foundation for developing pharmacological strategies that preserve hearing function in individuals exposed to prolonged stress. I have authored over 70 peer-reviewed research papers and book chapters in the areas of mitochondrial biology, aging, and auditory neuroscience, including publications in high-impact journals such as Cell, Science, PNAS, and the Journal of Neuroscience.

At the University of Florida, I currently direct six graduate courses: GMS 6486 Biology of Aging (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/