Enzyme Engineering Research Themes  

Two medicinal targets for biosynthesis

Based on our previous studies on the discovery and engineering of diverse enzymes, the development of next-generation anti-virals, as well as in the biosynthesis of bioactive aromatic compounds, we propose to further develop enzyme engineering and metabolic engineering approaches or the production of two types of target compounds: next-generation anti-microbial carbohydrate analogues and anti-cancer alkaloids. With increasing public health threats to aging populations, by emerging pathogens and increasing incidences of cancer, these two types of target medicinal compounds are urgently needed. Furthermore, in comparison to conventional industrial methods, the microbial production methods of this proposal contribute to lower environmental impacts, and lower costs for new medicine that can become accessible to all people.