Regulation of subcellular localization and functions of proteins by in-cell catalytic reactions

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460142
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Drug development chemistry
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Yamatsugu Kenzo 東京大学, 大学院薬学系研究科(薬学部), 助教 (30646807)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: in-cell reaction / subcellular localization / protein / catalyst / acylation

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research aimed at regulating subcellular localization of proteins through their catalytic chemical modifications in living cells as a new method for functional regulations of the proteins. I succeeded in developing a novel catalyst system to enable protein-selective acylation, and I found that a protein modified by the catalyst system (fatty acylation) localized in liposomes. I, furthermore, succeeded in protein-selective acylation in living cells using the catalyst system. Although I, unfortunately, have not achieved subcellular localization control in living cells, I believe that this research achievement paved a way for a new method of regulating protein functions through a novel mechanism.

Free Research Field

organic chemistry