In our laboratory, with the aim of developing newly effective antibiotics active against globally problematic anti-microbial resistant (AMR) bacteria, we are search for lead compounds from microbial metabolites by using our own unique and original screening systems. We then focus on revealing the mode of action of the obtained novel leads, and in cooperation with other departments, create much more favorable compounds using organic synthesis approaches for the purpose of refinement of new drug candidates.
In addition to the above, our laboratory is building up a microbial library with high originality as a source of diverse compounds by eagerly looking for and collecting new and rare beneficial microorganisms from nature.
If you would like to collaborate, please contact the Department of Intellectual Property and Public Relations （chizaijoho@bikaken.or.jp）
Themes
Libraries; Microbes, Culture broth and Chemicals
Discovery of new antibiotics for drug-resistant strains
Mode of action study of novel antibiotics
Large scale fermenter, filtration device and evaporator
BIKAKEN products-repositioning and reproducing
Theme outlines
1. Libraries; Microbes, Culture broth and Chemicals
＜Microbial library＞ We are collecting actinomycetes from soil, fallen leaves, marine sediments and insects all over Japan. Collected isolates are characterized by morphology and/or 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny. We also collect non-actinomycete bacteria and filamentous fungi other than actinomycetes.
Actinomycetes and other bacteria
ca. 40,000 strains （Partial 16S rRNA gene sequenced: ca. 5,000 strains）
Filamentous fungi
ca. 5,000 strains （D1/D2 region of 28S rRNA gene sequenced: ca. 3,600 strains）
＜Culture broth library＞
Actinomycetes and other bacteria
ca. 24,000 samples
Filamentous fungi
ca. 500 samples
＜Chemical library＞
Natural products and related compounds
ca. 12,500
Chemically synthesized compounds
ca. 4,500
Commercially available compounds
ca. 30,000
In the case of collaboration, please contact the Department of Intellectual Property and Public Relations （chizaijoho@bikaken.or.jp）.
Left, Actinomycete isolates; center, cultivation of actinomycetes strains; right, Library of the culture broth.
2. Discovery of new antibiotics for drug-resistant strains
It is said that the post-antibiotic era is coming. Many conventional antibiotics are no longer effective and more pathogenic bacteria obtain resistance against the antibiotics that have been labelled “the last resort”.
As a response to this tough situation, we have been exploring novel antibiotics against the pathogens listed below. To provide compounds which meet the clinical needs, we are continually collecting clinically isolated pathogens. We have up to 2,000 clinical isolates and lab strains in total. If necessary, we can also construct genetically modified strains.
Considering the widespread problem of AMR pathogenic bacteria, we understand that drugs with unknown mechanisms of action are unacceptable for clinical use. We start the mechanism of action study in the initial phase of development for promising candidates.
4. Large scale fermenter, filtration device and evaporator
Gram or kilogram scale production of natural compounds for pre-clinical research are performed with large scale fermenters and other equipment.
If you would like to collaborate, please contact the Department of Intellectual Property and Public Relations. （chizaijoho@bikaken.or.jp）.
5. BIKAKEN products-repositioning and reproducing
We investigate new utilities of BIKAKEN products by new approaches and evaluation. In the current study, we reevaluate new abilities of BIKAKEN products by an index of anti-protozoan activity. We also identify the protozoan targets for the development of the infectious disease-treatment and prevention by using MS analysis and microscope observation.
Observation of intracellular organelles in a protozoa by IFA (Green, COPI-delta/ purple, GRIP/ blue, DAPI)
