Mr. Ikutoshi Mitsui

Introduction
In March 2025, I went on a three-week research study abroad program at the University of Rijeka in Croatia as a third-year School of Medicine student. During this study abroad program, I learned various experimental techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, cell culture, observation under a fluorescent microscope, and real-time cell imaging. In this report, I will describe what I did and what I gained during my study abroad.

Details of the project
●SDS-PAGE and Western blotting
SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) is a technique for separating proteins, and Western blotting is a technique for detecting the proteins afterwards. At the University of Rijeka, we used these techniques to separate and detect proteins. Specifically, proteins extracted from cells were separated by SDS-PAGE, and specific proteins were detected using antibodies by Western blotting.

Cell culture
Cell culture is a fundamental technique in cell biology and plays an important role in various experiments. At the University of Rijeka, I learned cell culture techniques and actually performed them. I was able to perform the experiments without any contamination.

Observation with a fluorescence microscope
Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for observing specific structures and molecules within cells. At the University of Rijeka, we used a fluorescence microscope to observe proteins and structures within cells. By using specific fluorescent labels, we were able to observe the localization and dynamics of viral proteins within cells in detail. This was a valuable experience for me, as I had never used this in Japan.

● Real-time cell imaging
Real-time cell imaging is a technology that observes cell dynamics in real time. At the University of Rijeka, we used real-time cell imaging to observe the movement of each organelle in a virus-infected cell. This allowed us to analyze cell dynamics in detail and understand the functions and behavior of cells. This is something I have never seen in Japan, and I was able to hear from a researcher who actually uses it in his research, which was a great experience.

Through this research study abroad, I was able to experience the latest experimental techniques and gain experience in an actual research field. In particular, I was able to deepen my knowledge of SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and cell culture techniques, and improve my cell observation techniques using a fluorescence microscope and real-time cell imaging. In addition, I was able to broaden my international perspective through interactions with researchers at the University of Rijeka. Furthermore, I was able to experience the latest experimental techniques and an actual research field, which was a very valuable experience for me. I believe that being able to gain experience in the latest experimental techniques and an actual research field will be a great asset in my future research activities and as a medical student. I also believe that being able to broaden my international perspective will be important in the future. I would like to continue to use this experience to work hard in my research activities.