01
Galanthamine Analogs
Creating Galanthamine Analogsthrough Biosynthetic Engineering
We expand the structural diversity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids through functional analysis and engineering of biosynthetic enzymes.
Unlocking the Potential of
Natural Products at the
Molecular Level.
Discover. Understand. Engineer.
We discover bioactive molecules from diverse natural resources, including medicinal plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms. By elucidating their biosynthesis and mechanisms of action and creating new molecules through enzyme engineering, we aim to contribute to drug discovery and human health.
Explore Our Research →
Natural Products
for a Healthier Tomorrow
for a Healthier Tomorrow
01
DISCOVER
Discovery of Bioactive Natural ProductsWe search for new bioactive natural products from diverse resources, including medicinal plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms.
02
UNDERSTAND
Understanding Biosynthesis and Mechanisms of ActionWe identify biosynthetic enzymes and elucidate their catalytic mechanisms and the molecular basis of biological activity.
03
ENGINEER
Enzyme Engineering and Molecular CreationWe engineer biosynthetic enzymes to create new molecules that do not occur in nature.
04
TRANSLATE
From Natural Products to Drug LeadsWe investigate the biological activities and mechanisms of natural and engineered molecules and explore their potential as leads for drug discovery.
Featured Research
Research Themes
through Biosynthetic Engineering
02
Cannabinoid Analogs
Engineering Biosynthetic Enzymesto Create Cannabinoid Analogs
We engineer cannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes to create new analogs not found in nature.
03
2OG Oxygenases
Discovery of Natural Inhibitorsand Structural Analysis of Inhibition
We target 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenases (2OGXs) to discover natural inhibitors and define their molecular recognition mechanisms.
04
Arsenic Natural Products
Biosynthesis ofArsenic-Containing Natural Products
We investigate the enzymes and pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of arsenic-containing natural products.
Research Highlights
Recent Research
Molecular Basis of 5-Azacytidine Biosynthesis
X-ray Structural Analysis of AzcA and AzcB/CWe revealed the structural basis of enzymes catalyzing an unprecedented skeletal-editing reaction and an unusual decarboxylation.
Substrate Recognition by tRNA-Dependent Enzymes
Structural and Functional Analysis of Sba18 and Sbb17Structural comparisons revealed the molecular basis for amino-acid substrate discrimination.
Enzymatic Control of Methylation Regioselectivity
Engineering an Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid OMTWe identified structural determinants of catalytic selectivity and applied them to the production of rare alkaloids.
Molecular Basis of Peptide D-Amino-Acid Formation
Analysis of the Lasso-Peptide Biosynthetic Enzyme MslHWe elucidated the catalytic mechanism of an enzyme responsible for an unusual stereoinversion reaction.
Latest News
News
2027.09.25–26
Event
14th Japan–China–Korea Joint Symposium on Pharmacognosy (organized by Morita)
2026.11.06
Event
62nd Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Products, Tokyo (organized by Morita)
2026.10.28
International
Joint Symposium between the Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University and the Institute of Natural Medicine, Seoul (organized by Morita)
2026.10.12–13
International
Asia–Africa Science Platform Program, Cebu, Philippines (Morita)
2026.10.01
Members
Pann Ei Phyu (MEXT), Liza Megumi Yamamoto (JICA), and Tran Tu Uyen entered the master’s program.
2026.10.01
Members
Nguyen Thi Huong Nguyen advanced to the doctoral program.
