Elucidation of molecular basis of biosynthesis with the aim of expanding the diversity of natural products

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H00416
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 38:Agricultural chemistry and related fields
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Shunji 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, ユニットリーダー (30311608)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 野川 俊彦 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, 技師 (40462717) ; 滝田 良 東京大学, 大学院薬学系研究科(薬学部), 講師 (50452321) ; 永野 真吾 鳥取大学, 工学研究科, 教授 (60286440) ; 加藤 直樹 摂南大学, 農学部, 准教授 (90442946)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 放線菌 / 天然化合物 / 異種発現 / 生合成 / 遺伝子資源 / 化学資源

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Natural products created by microorganisms are known as a source of drug discovery. Conversion of genetic information possessed by microorganisms into natural products is an important issue in the post-genome era. In this study, we have worked to elucidate the biosynthetic gene cluster based on genome decoding and gene function annotation of actinomycetes, which create natural products whose biosynthetic mechanisms have long remained unresolved. By analyzing heterologous expression using actinomycetes, determining the structures of biosynthetic intermediates that accumulate in gene disruptants, and biochemical analysis of modification enzymes, we have succeeded in identifying an uncharacterized biosynthetic gene cluster. Through this research, we were able to find the scientific basis for the creation of structural diversity of useful natural products that have not yet been elucidated.

Free Research Field

天然化合物生合成

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、微生物が有している未解明の生合成遺伝子クラスターが有用化合物（核酸系化合物、ポリケチド、テルペノイド）へと変換される仕組みを解明した。本学術研究の成果は、天然化合物の多様性を拡張する研究の発展に資するものであり、社会に貢献する創薬シードの導出に向けた有用な遺伝子・酵素情報をもたらすことが出来た。