“In experimental neuroscience, success often comes after many failed attempts. I learned to treat each failure as data, not defeat,” says Dr Naoto Watamura, Edmond and Lily Safra Research Fellow at Imperial College London, with roots at RIKEN in Japan and the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL.
He is working to understand why some dementia patients decline so much faster than others, and whether the interplay between two rogue proteins might explain that. Dr Watamura came to this work through deeply personal motivation, and is now advancing it with some of the most sophisticated tools in modern neuroscience.
DoBS: Let’s start with your professional journey. Please introduce yourself briefly and explain what led you to choose this career path.
Dr Naoto Watamura: I began my research career as a postdoc at RIKEN in Japan, where I focused on uncovering the regulatory mechanisms underlying neprilysin, a potent amyloid-degrading enzyme in the brain, and on developing animal models to study the pathomechanisms in neurodegeneration. After RIKEN, I moved to University College London to work with Prof Karen Duff, where I characterised our patented next-generation tauopathy mouse models. This experience broadened my perspective on tau biology and strengthened my commitment to translational neuroscience. My motivation to pursue neurodegeneration research is deeply personal. My grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and witnessing the impact on her and our family shaped my academic trajectory to contribute to understanding and ultimately overcoming dementia.
Now tell us about your current research: what are you trying to discover, and why is this important for patients and their families?
Right now, my research focuses on understanding how two key proteins-α-synuclein, which is central to Parkinson’s disease, and tau, which is a pathological driver of Alzheimer’s disease interact within the brain. In fact, some Alzheimer’s patients who also accumulate α‑synuclein experience much faster symptom worsening, but we still don’t understand why. This “co-pathology” is one of the biggest mysteries in neurodegeneration. My goal is to uncover how α-synuclein and tau influence each other, how their interaction accelerates disease processes at the molecular, cellular, and behavioural levels. If we can identify the exact points where these proteins interact, those mechanisms could become new drug targets, which potentially allow us to slow or prevent the rapid decline seen in patients with mixed clumps.
What are the most innovative or promising aspects of your research?
The most innovative aspect of my research is the combination of new resources and technologies. I use next-generation mouse models that more accurately reproduce the pathology seen in human neurodegenerative diseases. Alongside this, I apply high-sensitivity assays to detect seed activity, enabling us to capture the early pathological events that trigger disease spread. I also employ an automated home-cage behavioural monitoring system that continuously tracks subtle changes in mouse behaviour without stress or human interference.
How do you see your research making a difference beyond the lab?
The key message of my research is that understanding how α‑synuclein and tau interact may help explain why some people with neurodegenerative diseases decline so rapidly, and how we might prevent that in the future. Ultimately, this research aims to give patients more time, more stability, and a better quality of life, while offering families clearer expectations and hope for more effective therapies.
You work across three institutions in the UK and Japan. What are the benefits and challenges of working across two continents?
My work at RIKEN opened the door to research opportunities in London through international collaboration, and as I built new professional networks, meeting Prof Paul Matthews became a key turning point that led to launching my programme at Imperial. The experience is incredibly exciting. I have benefited from the strengths of both research cultures, which can advance projects more efficiently by combining complementary expertise. The main challenge is the time zone gap, which sometimes requires flexibility, but the scientific and personal rewards have been far greater so far.
What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between research and work culture in the UK and Japan?
The biggest differences are… honestly, work-life balance. The UK generally works more efficiently and protects personal time more, while Japan places a strong value on diligence and long working hours. The research style is also distinct. In the UK, science tends to move dynamically, with rapid decision-making. In Japan, the approach is very careful but slow, with a strong emphasis on building solid datasets stepwise.
What has been your biggest challenge as a researcher so far, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been building scientific resilience. In experimental neuroscience, success often comes after many failed attempts. I learned to treat each failure as data, not defeat, refining my approach gradually. Grasping this mindset transformed setbacks into progress and became essential to my development as a researcher.
How do you find London life – are there any favourite spots or activities that help you unwind?
I love watching and playing football. Actually, I started playing football in elementary school, seriously aiming for a professional career. At RIKEN, I continued that passion as both a researcher and the game captain of the RIKEN FC, which was a great balance to lab life. I also enjoy going to musicals and Karaoke.
How do you spend your time outside the lab? What hobbies or interests help you balance the demands of international research?
I spent most of my time outside the lab with my family. Our daughter was born two years ago, and being actively involved in childcare helps me keep balance in my personal and professional life.
Do you have any advice for young scientists wanting to pursue neuroscience research?
The most important thing is to be clear about what you want to be and do. Researching neuroscience is always tough, so having a strong passion helps you stay focused. Keep pushing yourself to take on new challenges. The environment and professional networks shape scientists, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Learn more about Dr Naoto Watamura’s latest research publications here.