About
Concepts
Our research group focuses on studying complex natural products with intricate structures, synthesized by organisms using enzymes as biocatalysts. Our goal is to propose novel strategies to synthesize previously unexplored natural products using enzymes.
The key concepts driving our research are:
“Create,” “Investigate,” and “Design.”
Create complex molecules by precisely controlling enzyme functions.
Investigate the enzymes catalyzing unique chemical reactions discovered during the synthesis process.
Design enzymes with new functions to expand their capabilities.
Through these approaches, we aim to break through the limitations of enzyme-based “manufacturing” and develop a strategy for the synthesis of previously unattainable molecules.
To achieve this, we actively incorporate cutting-edge technologies and are committed to collaborating with researchers from other fields through interdisciplinary research.
Equipments
【Organic chemistry experiments】
Overview: Equipment for the synthesis, purification, and analysis of natural products and the derivatives is available.
Equipments: rotary evaporator, vacuum pump, liquid chromatograph, HPLC, UPLC, HPLC-MS, UPLC-MS, GC-MS, NMR etc.
【Biochemical experiments】
Overview: Equipment for microbial transformation and enzyme purification is available.
Equipments: clean bench, thermal cycler, centrifuge, incubator, AKTA, etc.
Schedule
April – Start of the new semester
July – Natural Product Chemistry Colloquium
August – General Cleaning & Summer Break
September – Symposium on Natural Organic Compounds
December – General Cleaning & Winter Break
January – Doctoral Thesis Presentations
February – Master's Thesis Presentations
March – Graduation Presentations, The Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Meeting, The Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry (JSBBA) Meeting, Farewell Party
Regular research progress meetings, group meetings, and journal club sessions are held throughout the year.