Interdisciplinary Chemistry Division

Laboratory for Biomolecular Chemistry

Research areas

1. Natural products are a rich source of bioactive compounds. To improve our understanding of their molecular modes of action, precise 3D structures and dynamic behavior must be elucidated. Our approaches use solution/solid-state NMR spectroscopies in combination with organic synthesis techniques.
2. Bioactive molecules demonstrate activity by binding to plasma membranes or to transmembrane peptides, thereby forming a self-assemblage or complex with the membrane components. Our objectives are to solve the 3D structures of these molecular assemblages using NMR analysis of synthetically and biosynthetically isotope-labeled compounds. We are currently working on the structure of molecular assemblages of polyene antibiotics/membrane lipids and of polyether algal toxins/peptides.

Our research focuses on bioactive compounds, including drugs, toxins, and endogenous small molecules, such as lipids, sterols, and peptides, particularly on their interactions with biomolecules.

Our lab members at a roof-top beer restaurant at Umeda.