Kenichi (Ken) Yokoyama, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, PI
Email: ken.yoko@duke.edu
I am interested in natural product biosynthesis and mode of action as well as the function and mechanism of enzymes. These biochemical questions shape our unique and highly interdisciplinary programs. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing sports, such as skiing and tennis.
Anyarat Thanapipatsiri
Postdoc associate
Email: anyarat.thanapipatsiri “AT” duke.edu
My current research focuses on biosynthesis and genome mining of nucleoside natural products, particularly in actinobacteria. I particularly focus on genetic characterization of the biosynthetic pathways, and metabolomics analysis for the genome mining discovery of novel nucleoside natural products. Ultimately, my projects aim to provide knowledge useful for future novel nucleoside drug discovery. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting, sports (e.g., badminton, tennis, swimming), and entertaining my son with indoor and outdoor activities.
Abhishek Chhetri
Postdoc associate
Email: abhishek.chhetri “AT” duke.edu
Research Focus: I am interested in the enzymological mechanisms of beta-1,3-glucan synthase (GS), an enzyme essential for fungal cell wall biosynthesis, and a proven target of FDA-approved antifungal agents. GS catalyzes the polymerization of Glc using UDP-Glc as a substrate with a mostly unexplored mechanism. I aim to provide insights into the catalytic mechanism through product profiling and the development of small molecule mechanistic probes.
Bach Nguyen
Graduate Student
Email: bach.x.nguyen “AT” duke.edu
The superfamily of radical SAM enzymes has been shown to play a major role in the biosynthesis of various natural products, including ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). I study the functions and mechanisms of such enzymes and their potential applications in antibiotic development. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my partner and my two cats, Holden and Soba.
Steven Duan
Undergraduate Student
Email: steven.duan “AT” duke.edu
Steven studies chitin synthases (Chs) from a pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. Chs is essential for chitin biosynthesis in fungal cell walls and is a proven target of several antifungals. However, existing compounds are not sufficiently potent against some of the most prevalent pathogens, such as C. albicans. Thus, Steven is performing a structure-guided optimization of the existing Chs inhibitors.
Previous members
Postdocs
Yanan Du, Ph.D. (2021-2025), currently an assistant professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hai Nguyen, Ph.D. (2017 – 2024, currently an assistant professor at South Dakota School of Mines)
Hilda Sucipto, Ph.D. (2016-2017)
Anna Loksztejn, Ph.D. (Tri-I MMPTP fellow, 2012 – 2017)
Graduate students
Di Li, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2020-2025, currently at Boehringer Ingelheim)
Haoran Pang, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2017-2022, currently a postdoc at UC Berkeley)
Matthew Draelos, M.D. Ph.D. (MSTP, 2017-2021, currently a residence at Duke University School of Medicine)
Edward Lilla, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2012 – 2017, currently at the KBI Biopharma)
Brad Hover, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, 2011 – 2015, postdoc at Rockefeller University, currently at Lodo Therapeutics Corp.)
Undergrad students (senior thesis)
Dmitry Kozhanov (Chemistry major, 2023-2025, currently a graduate student at University of Georgia, Athens)
Yimo Yang (visiting undergrad student, 2023-2024, currently a graduate student at UC Irvine)
Elisha Tan (Chemistry major, 2021-2024, currently a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic in Massachusetts)
Rachel Qu (Chemistry major, 2021-2024)
Daniel Dumitrescu (Chemistry major, 2015 – 2017, currently a graduate student Yale University)
