Name: Fernanda Gioela Briones Manriquez (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)

Visiting Period: 2026/1/13 - 2026/2/28

Country: Chile

Lab: Liu Lab

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

I stayed at the Liu Lab from January 13 to February 27, 2026, under the supervision of Prof. Norika Liu at IRCMS, Kumamoto University. The aim of this internship was to determine the effect of HSPG2 on the differentiation of cells derived of skeletal muscle (C2C12).  In the internship I designed a custom image analysis pipeline to quantify myogenic markers, including fusion index, orientation, and differentiation efficiency. I also standardized the protocol for a glucose uptake-assay with 2-NBDG. In parallel, I worked with mice subjected to a Time-Restricted Feeding protocol. I performed skeletal muscle section staining using various antibodies and acquired the corresponding microscopy images.

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

This internship was a valuable learning experience, I learned a lot about working in a more independent way, and I improved my ability to take images in the microscope. It was a privilege to work in such a good environment with quality equipment and reagents! Also, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my PI, Dr. Norika, for her invaluable mentorship and guidance. Her constant support throughout every stage of the research process was essential to the completion of this work. This experience truly left a mark on me and reaffirmed my commitment to research. I feel that the door is always open for me to collaborate with this laboratory in the future.

I really enjoyed Kumamoto city! I went to the Kumamoto Zoo, Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen garden and Suizenji Ezuko Park; I also visited popular places like the Luffy and Chopper statue. I mainly moved in a bike through the city, so I didn't go far away. I tried a lot of food, like aburasoba, tonkatsu, ramen, omurice, among others. I think that Japanese food and lanscapes are beautiful! I will miss them.

Message to prospective students

I would definitely recommend the IRCMS Internship Program to other students. This program offers a truly immersive experience of living abroad and conducting research in an environment tailored for science! Given the complexity of the techniques and experimental models available, I would highly recommend it to senior undergraduate or Master's students. While international students may find it easier to bond with fellow interns, I suggest organizing social activities during the first few days to help everyone get to know one another.

Photos: Singing karaoke, coming back from karaoke with Dr. Liu and Yumme, making Takoyaki