The aim of our research is to transform microbial “genetic resources”, that is genes involved in natural product biosynthesis, into valuable “chemical resources”, such as seed compounds for pharmaceutical and agrochemical agents, and alternative fuel. We address the following three subjects to contribute to a creation of sustainable society; (1) EXPLORATION of untapped genetic resources, (2) UNDERSTANDING of underlying mechanisms of the transformation, and (3) UTILIZATION as chemical resources.

A collection of ten thousand of soil microorganisms, mainly consisting of actinomycete and filamentous fungi, is our starting point. Genome sequences and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries prompt us to explore biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for new natural products.

The understanding of biosynthetic mechanism is important to utilize microbial metabolites efficiently. Therefore, we elucidate a key reaction of biosynthetic pathway by genetic and biochemical methods. We diversify microbial metabolites by modifying gene cluster and pathway engineering. In addition to the utilization of transcriptional regulators, we develop novel methods of activating biosynthetic gene cluster by small molecules, and create natural products. We also construct microbial biosynthetic platform and efficiently produce valuable natural products using genetic resources from nature.

Discovery of natural products leads to new genes and enzymes, which opens an avenue for creation of natural product derivatives with better biological activities.