Name:Giulia Guerra
            University of Turin, Italy

Visiting Period: May 12^th (Mon), 2025 - May 30^th (Fri), 2025

Country:Italy

Q1. Summary of the internship (Description of the research conducted, aim, introduction of lab, and things you learned)

I had the great opportunity to visit Arima Lab at IRCMS, Kumamoto University, after Nara ISHR World Congress. My experience within the IRCMS Internship Program started on May 12th, 2025, to May 30th, 2025, and I worked under the supervision of Prof. Arima and his lab members.

The lab currently has different projects, and the main goal of my internship was to establish a scientific collaboration between Prof. Arima lab and the laboratory in which I am doing research in Italy, where I am a second-year PhD student.

We work with a model of doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity, focusing on the cardiac metabolic response to chemotherapy. Given the Arima lab's strong expertise in ketone body metabolism, the main objective of my internship was to reproduce our in vivo and in vitro models of cardiac toxicity using doxorubicin, and to investigate--together with the Arima lab--the specific contribution of ketone bodies to the altered metabolic landscape we observe. Over the course of these two weeks, I established the experimental models using doxorubicin, and RNA sequencing of PCM1-positive (cardiomyocytes) and PCM1-negative (non-cardiomyocytes) cells will be included in the analytical workflow to elucidate ketone body utilization in anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity. During this period, I also became proficient in several of the lab's techniques--for example, the isolation of primary hepatocytes from mice--a valuable skill set that could help foster future collaborations between Prof. Arima and my PhD laboratory in Italy.

Photo1: Work in the cell culture room

Q2. What did this experience do for you with respect to your specific career development directions?

This internship has been a truly enriching experience for me on multiple levels. From a scientific perspective, I gained new approaches and techniques to further explore cardiac metabolism--an extremely complex field in which there is always more to learn. I was introduced to novel methods of cell isolation and had the opportunity to work with a new in vitro model, iPS-derived cardiomyocytes, a human-based system that enhances the translational relevance of our research. Through this experience, I also came to appreciate the crucial role of inter-organ crosstalk in cardiovascular diseases, recognizing that the body functions as an intricate system where interactions between organs must be considered when studying cardiac health and pathology.

Beyond my specific research area, my time at IRCMS offered me the chance to attend a variety of seminars--both from the institute's own researchers and from visiting scientists from other institutions. These talks exposed me to diverse scientific approaches and projects, providing valuable inspiration for my own work.

Finally, on a personal level, this experience has greatly contributed to my growth. I engaged with new people in a wonderful country I had never visited before, and stepping outside my comfort zone allowed me to better understand my strengths and areas for improvement as I progress through my PhD journey.

Photo2: Primary hepatocytes isolated from mice

Q3. What did you enjoy about life at Kumamoto University (Kumamoto city or Japan)?

Kumamoto City is a wonderful place, offering many attractions to explore--such as the historic Kumamoto Castle and the stunning Suizenji Jojuen Garden--as well as numerous shopping opportunities, where you can find plenty of unique gifts for family and friends (don't forget to bring home something featuring Kumamon, the city's charming bear mascot). Japan is an incredible country, rich in natural beauty, history, cuisine, art, and welcoming people. From Kumamoto, it's easy to take a train--such as the famous Shinkansen--to reach destinations like Hiroshima, from where I took a 45-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kumamoto and its surroundings; it's an ideal place to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese life during the week while exploring the region on weekends.

Message to prospective students

I highly recommend the IRCMS Internship Program to students from all over the world. The institute is inspiring, home to outstanding researchers and a wide range of stimulating projects. The city itself is vibrant--full of lights, colors, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming people. I truly believe that this experience can offer students and researchers unexpected and valuable insights along their academic journeys, helping them to navigate both the rewarding and challenging moments with optimism and renewed energy for the scientific path ahead.

Photo3: Visited the Suizenji Jojuen garden