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 Chemistry
·
2022 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Mechanism of controlled radical initiation in radical SAM GTP 3',8-cyclase.
Journal Article Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · November 11, 2025 Metalloenzymes couple substrate binding and formation of oxidative intermediates to minimize unwanted side reactions. However, the molecular details of such coupling frequently remain ambiguous. Radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzymes constitute one ... Full text Link to item CiteAzetidine amino acid biosynthesis by non-haem iron-dependent enzymes.
Journal Article Nat Chem · October 21, 2025 Azetidine, a four-membered aza-cycle, is a crucial structure in many bioactive compounds and drugs. However, their biosynthesis is frequently enigmatic. Here we report the mechanism of azetidine amino acid (polyoximic acid) biosynthesis in the polyoxin ant ... Full text Link to item CiteUnusual O-H Activation-Initiated C-C Bond Cleavage Reaction by a Nonheme Fe Enzyme in Antifungal Nucleoside Biosynthesis.
Journal Article J Am Chem Soc · August 20, 2025 Fe(II)- and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent enzymes catalyze diverse reactions, generally initiated by FeIV=O mediated cleavage of C-H bonds with bond dissociation energies (BDE) of up to ∼100 kcal/mol. Here, we report the discovery of a novel reaction in ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Catalysis and inhibition of chitin synthesis from pathogenic fungi
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan) ·
2008
Ph.D.