FACULTY
- Department
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Laboratory
- Structural Biology Laboratory
- Field of Study
- Chemistry
- Degree
- Doctor (Science)
History
Graduate School/University, etc.
2009 Graduated from College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University 2011 Completed First Term Doctoral Course in Creative Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University 2014 Completed Second Term Doctoral Course in General Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University
Why I Became a Researcher
When I was a student, I was given the task of conducting NMR research on proteins, and that caused me to step into the world of structural biology. At first, I was struggling to set up protein culture and purification systems because I was in a newly built laboratory. I remember being very happy when I used NMR to measure the sample that I had been struggling with for about six months and obtained a spectrum in line with previous research.
Research Information
Research Area and Theme
Study on the Correlation between the Three-Dimensional Structural Fluctuations of Proteins and Their Functions
I am mainly using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the correlation between their structural fluctuations and function expression.
Thoughts on Research Theme
Proteins, which are string-shaped biological macromolecules, express their functions by folding in an aqueous solution and forming a unique three-dimensional structure. This three-dimensional structure is known to be precisely controlled by amino acid sequences. However, proteins in an aqueous solution form a unique three-dimensional structure and are not stationary, but constantly change their structure and move. In rare cases, this structural fluctuation causes large structural changes, such as the decoupling of hydrogen bonds and local denaturation. Such structural fluctuations are known to be functionally important, but it is not a clear understanding of how they are important. I would like to develop a study on the correlation between structural fluctuations and functions by using high-pressure NMR, which is sensitive to structural changes, to capture structural fluctuations at a single atomic resolution, and by comparing these structural changes with functions such as the binding ability of ligands. In the future, I hope to be able to apply the results of this study to drug discovery research targeting high energy states.
Message to Students
I want to convey how fun and interesting research activities can be
In terms of education, I would like to be able to convey how fun and interesting research activities can be through my experience as a postdoctoral researcher in the United States for one year and through the experience that I’ve cultivated in my research activities.