Dr. Ogata’s career vision to develop a diagnostics pipeline for gynecological diseases including, (1) biomarker discovery for gynecological diseases using single-molecule assays, (2) biomarker validation in collaboration with researchers from hospitals in the greater Toronto area, (3) development of point-of-care devices using technologies. The Ogata lab aims to create diagnostic technologies that can detect a panel of biomarkers for gynecological diseases, be inexpensive and accessible, and enable frequent monitoring of biomarker levels to provide temporal data on a woman’s gynecological health throughout her lifetime.
The Ogata lab will utilize Single-molecule array technologies (SIMOA) capable of ultrasensitive protein measurements. This CLIA-certified technology, pioneered by Dr. David Walt, will be brought to the University of Toronto Mississauga and housed in the Ogata lab. https://www.quanterix.com/instruments/simoa-hd-x-analyzer/
One of the first diseases the Ogata lab aims to target is Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease caused by the abnormal presence of uterine tissues outside of the uterine cavity that manifests in debilitating symptoms of intense pelvic pain and infertility. Studies show that symptoms of endometriosis can present in girls under 15 years old and indicate that screening methods should be implemented during adolescent ages for an early diagnosis.1 However, the gold standard for diagnosis is a highly invasive laparoscopic surgery that many young women avoid. Instead, diagnosis of endometriosis commonly occurs via symptom-based diagnosis, which many times leads to the misdiagnosis of menstrual pain. As a result of the lack of accurate and accessible early diagnostics, women delay seeking medical attention for years and a proper diagnosis is typically received once the disease has progressed significantly.
Projects:
Discovery of protein biomarkers for endometriosis using single-molecule technologies
Research Team: Kezia Suryoraharjo
02.
Research Areas

User-centered Design
Using user-centered design to increase translation and impact of bioanalytical technologies.

Bioinspired Nanomaterials
Strategically design and discover bioinspired nanomaterials for bioanalytical technologies.

Biosensors: Simple and Sensitive
Develop simple, rapid, and quantitative biosensors for point-of-care applications.

Diagnostics for Gynecological Diseases
Innovate a diagnostic pipeline for gynecological diseases.