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.
For High School Students
【Let's Create Molecules That Can Change the Future】
Penicillin from blue mold (a microorganism), taxol from the Pacific yew tree (a plant), and silk threads made by silkworms (an insect)...
All of these are molecules, known as natural products, created by nature itself. These natural products have enriched our lives as medicines, perfumes, and cutting-edge materials. However, the natural products we have discovered and used so far represent only a tiny fraction of what is believed to exist in nature.
If we could uncover "new molecules no one has seen before" or "the true power hidden in known molecules," we might be able to make our future more comfortable, healthier, and more sustainable.
【What We Do in Our Lab】
Our lab is working on research that involves synthesizing natural molecules by skillfully harnessing the power of enzymes, special catalysts found in living organisms. This approach is also key to achieving sustainable, environmentally-friendly manufacturing.
【Three Keywords: Synthesis, Explore, and Design】
1. Synthesis: Use enzymes to recreate complex molecules found in nature.
2. Explore: Investigate how enzymes catalyze such amazing chemical reactions.
3. Design: Design brand-new enzymes with new functions.
There are many challenges to creating new molecules using enzymes. But by overcoming them one by one, we believe it’s possible to develop life-saving drugs or breakthrough materials that protect the environment.
Would you lend us your curiosity and creativity for this exciting challenge? Let’s work together to create the molecules that will shape the future.
【Who Might Enjoy This?】
・If you love chemistry and have ever thought, “Molecules are amazing!”
・If you want to create completely new molecules with your own hands
【Keywords】
・Molecular Creation: The fun of making molecules yourself
・Environmental Harmony: Sustainable, Earth-friendly science
・Natural Products: Precious gifts created by nature