Takumi Yamaguchi

Affiliation

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Position

Associate Professor

Contact

takumi@jaist.ac.jp

HP

http://www.jaist.ac.jp/ms/labs/t-yamaguchi/

Research Project

Elucidation and control of asymmetric- hierarchical structures derived from the interactions between carbohydrates

Abstract

We focus on carbohydrates as molecules that provide asymmetric coordination sphere.  The biological functions of carbohydrates represented by cell adhesion are often exerted through the interactions between divalent cations and oligosaccharides, as well as their clustering. Selective- heterophilic complexation of carbohydrates is also an important factor for living system. In this study, we aim to investigate coordination asymmetry underlying the expression mechanism of biological functions of carbohydrates, and to provide design principles for material creation.

By using solution NMR techniques, we attempt to address the structural characterization of metal ion-induced carbohydrate complexes to reveal the physicochemical basis of the interactions between oligosaccharides. Furthermore, we will design and develop glycoclusters for realizing molecular system with cell-like mutual recognition ability and motility.

Research Areas

Glyco-Engineering, Biofunctional Chemistry, Biophysics

Keywords

Carbohydrate, Glycolipid, NMR, Paramagnetic Effect