Staff

Content of research

The aims of this laboratory are the analysis of intermolecular reactions found in various biological phenomena, and the development of bio-industrially useful technologies by utilizing these reactions. In particular, we develop an in vivo pinpoint DDS (drug delivery system) nanocarrier (bio-nanocapsule) by mimicking the function of viruses, single cell-related technologies by utilizing an automated single cell analysis and picking up machine, an oriented immobilization technology for various biomolecules, and a bio-missile for selective degradation of pathogenic proteins in vivo. And, the active-site structures and catalytic mechanisms of various enzymes are being investigated by site-directed mutagenesis, various spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, we are conducting structural and functional analysis of bacterial two-component systems, which are involved in biofilm formation, pathogenicity, and drug resistance, to develop novel antibiotics against bacterial signal transduction. We are focusing on molecular mechanism and physiological relevance of endocytic pathway, which sustains the drug delivery to specific targets and selective elimination of unwanted materials within the cells.

Current Research Programs

• 1. In vivo pinpoint DDS nanocarriers (Bio-nanocapsule)
  2. Single cell-related technologies by utilizing an automated single cell analysis and picking up machine
  3. Oriented immobilization technology for various biomolecules
  4. Bio-missile for in vivo selective degradation of pathogenic proteins
  5. Mechanisms of biogenesis of novel built-in type cofactors
  6. Structural and functional analysis of bacterial two-component system aiming at novel drug development
  7. Physiological roles and modification of endocytic delivery system

Figure / Graph

VIDEO INTRODUCTION