Biological Inorganic Chemistry Lab (Shoji Lab)

AboutAbout the lab

Understanding and applying proteins

The Shoji Lab designs and synthesizes molecules that bind to proteins and nucleic acids from a chemical perspective, and studies how to reengineer the functions of biomolecules.
The lab aims to draw out new functions, different from the original ones, from naturally occurring proteins.
It works consistently from devising new methods through to stages where they can be used as drugs or biocatalysts.
Its main pillars are biocatalysts using enzymes, artificial metalloproteins, and gene regulation by peptide nucleic acids (PNA).

ResearchResearch themes

The lab designs and synthesizes molecules that bind to biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids from a chemical perspective, and modifies the functions of natural biomolecules to draw out functions different from the original ones. Its main pillars are biocatalysts using decoy molecules for P450, artificial metalloproteins using HasA, and DNA recognition and gene regulation by PNA.

*Illustrative image

Making P450 work with decoy molecules↗

The lab has the enzyme cytochrome P450, which is responsible for drug metabolism and other processes, take up "decoy molecules" that resemble its native substrate but do not react themselves. This yields a biocatalyst that oxidizes substances different from the native ones without modifying the enzyme itself.

*Illustrative image

Artificial metalloproteins using HasA↗

This research has HasA, a protein that Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes to obtain iron, take up a synthetic metal complex in place of natural heme. When HasA loaded with a complex called iron phthalocyanine was given to Pseudomonas aeruginosa under iron-poor conditions, its growth was observed to be suppressed.

*Illustrative image

Gene regulation with PNA↗

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is an artificial nucleic acid capable of "invasion," in which it enters the DNA double helix and binds to it. Taking advantage of this property, the lab conducts research with a view to uses inside the body, such as nucleic acid drugs.

VoicesStudent voices

Compiled from answers by students who were in the lab. Ratings and reviews reflect individual students' experiences, not the lab's official views.

Students who take part in an interview may receive a thank-you gift worth ¥1,000, regardless of what they say.