Our laboratory challenges research projects in the interdisplinary field of chemistry and biology. The introduction of concepts and expertise in chemistry into biology enables us to solve formidable issues that are difficult to resolve by either single expretise. We conduct research programs that have a good balance of science and technology, and thus open not only new paradims in the fundamental science but also avenue to develop new "chemical" biotechnology that allows us to extend to drug discovery. Students in my group will be able to obtain borad knowledge of chemistry and biology, who can be active in the future under global environment.
The following projects are currently active in my research group:
■Reprogramming of genetic code
Application of flexible acyl-tRNA synthetase ribozymes ﾒflexizymeﾓ to the translation
- Ribosomal synthesis of exotic peptides
- Ribosomal synthesis of natural product-like molecules
■Discovery and development of exotic peptide drugs
Development of physiologically stable exotic peptides against therapeutic targets and chemical biology
- Construction of exotic peptide libraries and novel selection/screening tools
- Anti-cancer and anti-virus exotic peptides
■Creation of novel RNA catalysts
Experimental verification of the RNA world and application to biotechnology
- Acyl-tRNA synthetase function
- Fatty acid synthetase function
■Development of drugs that antagonize quorum sensing
Gram-positive and negative bacterial quorum sensing plays critical role to coordinate the gene expressions including virulence factors. We develop quorum sensing antagonists that control the virulence of bacteria without suffering the appearance of resistant strains.
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