Development of technology to measure dynamics of biological macromolecules with high spatio-temporal resolution

The three-dimensional structure of proteins that support life phenomena is deeply related to their functions. Using quantum beams such as X-ray free electron lasers, synchrotron radiation, and electron beams, we can visualize chemical and structural changes occurring in proteins as "moving images".

Introduction to Research

Protein structure analysis by X-ray free electron lasers, Development of protein dynamic structural analysis tools, Activation mechanism of G-protein coupled receptors, Rational molecular design based on dynamic structural information.

Objective

We aim to reveal the switching mechanism of light-sensitive proteins and the reaction mechanism of enzymes, and to design and create protein molecules with new functions based on precise information from dynamic structural analysis.

Publications

Nature Chemistry 14, 1054, 2022

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 119 (9), e2117433119, 2022.