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Kenichi Yokoyama

Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
307 Research Drive, 228B Nanaline H Duke., Durham, NC 27710
307 Research Drive, Rm 228B Nanaline H Duke Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


My research focuses on biosynthesis and mechanisms of action of naturally occurring bioactive molecules (natural products), such as antifungals and antibiotics. We study biosynthetic enzymes and bacterial or fungal producers of the bioactive metabolites, and use the knowledge to discover novel bioactive natural products. We also study their mechanisms of action and development for application in research, medicine, or other purposes.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Biochemistry · 2019 - Present Biochemistry, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Chemistry · 2022 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Recent Publications


Radical-Mediated Nucleophilic Peptide Cross-Linking in Dynobactin Biosynthesis.

Journal Article J Am Chem Soc · November 20, 2024 Dynobactins are recently discovered ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) antibiotics that selectively kill Gram-negative pathogens by inhibiting the β-barrel assembly machinery (Bam) located on their outer membranes. Suc ... Full text Link to item Cite

Biosynthesis and Genome Mining Potentials of Nucleoside Natural Products.

Journal Article Chembiochem · September 1, 2023 Nucleoside natural products show diverse biological activities and serve as leads for various application purposes, including human and veterinary medicine and agriculture. Studies in the past decade revealed that these nucleosides are biosynthesized throu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Genome- and metabolome-guided discovery of marine BamA inhibitors revealed a dedicated darobactin halogenase.

Journal Article Cell Chem Biol · August 17, 2023 Darobactins represent a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) antibiotics featuring a rare bicyclic structure. They target the Bam-complex of Gram-negative bacteria and exhibit in vivo activity against drug-resis ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Catalysis and inhibition of chitin synthesis from pathogenic fungi

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2027

Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan) · 2008 Ph.D.

External Links


Yokoyama lab