The University of Tokyo · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Professor Kazuo Shin-ya's research lab specializes in natural product discovery and biosynthesis, with a focus on bioactive compounds from actinobacteria—particularly Streptomyces species—found in diverse environments such as marine sponges. The lab investigates the genetics and evolution of giant modular polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters to reprogram biosynthetic pathways for novel compound production. Their work combines genomics, bioinformatics, and heterologous expression to elucidate the stereochemistry and function of complex natural products, including telomerase inhibitors like telomestatin. The lab also explores the ecological and evolutionary basis of microbial diversity to uncover new sources of clinically relevant compounds.
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ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVCommunicationNEXTTelomestatin, a Novel Telomerase Inhibitor from Streptomyces anulatusKazuo Shin-ya, Konstanty Wierzba, Ken-ichi Matsuo, Toshio Ohtani, Yuji Yamada, Kazuo Furihata, Yoichi Hayakawa, and Haruo SetoView Author Information Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences The University of Tokyo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan Cite this: J. Am. C
Polyketides form many clinically valuable compounds. However, manipulation of their biosynthesis remains highly challenging. An understanding of gene cluster evolution provides a rationale for reprogramming of the biosynthetic machinery. Herein, we report characterization of giant modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) responsible for the production of aminopolyol polyketides. Heterologous expression of over 150 kbp polyketide gene clusters successfully afforded their products, whose stereochemistr
Terrestrial actinobacteria have served as a primary source of bioactive compounds; however, a rapid decrease in the discovery of new compounds strongly necessitates new investigational approaches. One approach is the screening of actinobacteria from marine habitats, especially the members of the genus Streptomyces. Presence of this genus in a marine sponge, Haliclona sp., was investigated using culture-dependent and -independent techniques. 16S rRNA gene clone library analysis showed the presenc
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