Institute of Advanced Energy (IAE) Associate Professor
To help advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), I aim to contribute through a structural life-science approach. My research centers on two main themes.
In pursuit of a decarbonized society, I explore and characterize enzymes that depolymerize or transform woody biomass, elucidate their structure–function relationships, and engineer them for improved performance. I also investigate key platform chemicals derived from woody biomass and develop efficient pretreatment strategies.
In the area of biomedical science, I study the structure–function relationships of proteins and nucleic acids involved in cancer, leukemia, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. My goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset and to establish a molecular basis for drug discovery.
On a daily basis, I conduct NMR experiments and analyze three-dimensional structures and molecular dynamics. I also enjoy using AI-based modeling and docking—almost like playing a game.