In our laboratory, we conduct the following three main researches based on the keyword “elucidation and development of the functions of microorganisms”.
Major research themes
1. Functional analysis of biosynthetic machinery of natural products derived from microorganisms and development of novel bioactive compounds.
On the earth, there are many natural compounds with biological activities that human beings have not yet obtained. In fact, we can find genes for biosynthesizing many unknown bioactive substances from genetic resources (metagenome) obtained from ecosystems. Therefore, we aim to create new useful compounds by discovering new genes from such unused resources and constructing a system for producing useful compounds using synthetic biological methods based on precise functional analysis. Research using such synthetic biological methods can be described as research that leads to the mass production of industrial enzymes and bioactive compounds and the development of new bioactive compounds.
2. Analysis of ribonuclease-mediated stress adaptation mechanism in bacteria
Microorganisms combat environmental stresses using a variety of means. We are studying one of these means, “a novel mechanism of stress adaptation via ribonuclease”. These ribonucleases are interesting molecules that play diverse and important roles in various organisms. From the viewpoint of microorganisms, we aim to elucidate common principles underlying these mechanisms.
Laboratory and Research Facilities
Our laboratory has instruments for the analysis and structural analysis of natural compounds, such as liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, molecular biological analysis, gene transfer machines, microscopes, and cell culture systems, as well as instruments for the cultivation of microorganisms. These facilities allow us to conduct all aspects of our research.
