Hiroshi Nishimune, PhD

Professor

Hiroshi Nishimune, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Missouri and a member of NextGen Precision Health. Trained at Osaka University, Harvard University and Washington University, Dr. Nishimune has developed a research program centered on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate formation, maintenance, aging and degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). His work integrates molecular neuroscience, electrophysiology, advanced imaging and mouse models to investigate how synaptic dysfunction contributes to motor impairment and neuromuscular disease progression, including in aging and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dr. Nishimune’s research has significantly advanced understanding of the structural organization and stability of synapses at the NMJ. He was the first to visualize the molecular organization of the NMJ active zone using light microscopy, a structure previously studied only through electron microscopy. His laboratory has extensive expertise in super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, enabling nanoscale analysis of synaptic architecture and transmission. As a collaborative scientist and mentor, Dr. Nishimune is committed to translational neuroscience efforts that connect mechanistic insights in synapse biology to functional outcomes and therapeutic strategies in neuromuscular disease.