Research Cluster for Catalytic Labeling of Biomolecules

Molecular catalysts to observe dynamic behaviors of biomolecules

Keisuke ASANO

Kounosuke (OISAKI, AIST), Yoshiyuki MANABE (Osaka Univ.), Yuichiro HORI,( Kyushu Univ.), Yoshihiro Ueda, (Kyoto Univ.), Masahiro YAMANAKA (Rikkyo Univ.)

It is of significance for clarifying vital phenomena to observe dynamic behaviors of biomolecules, and chemical methodologies are necessary to detect proteins, sugar chains, and molecules interacting with them. However, reaction tools for specific labeling are limited and remain problems from viewpoints of accuracy and invasiveness. This research cluster aims for the development of molecular catalyst systems as alternative reaction tools to solve the above-mentioned problems. In addition, collaboration with techniques of fluorescent probes and chemical synthesis/modification of biomolecules enables multidirectional analysis of dynamic behaviors of biomolecules, thereby leading to the understanding of vital functions. We are trying to develop chemical reaction tools including organocatalysts, photocatalysts, reagents, and so on to create catalytic reaction techniques useful for biocompatible chemistry in cell systems.