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.
Ya-Nan Du
Postdoc associate
Email: yanan.du “AT” duke.edu
My research focuses on characterizing the biosynthetic pathway of peptidyl nucleoside antifungal antibiotics. Combining the biochemical expertise of my Ph.D., I specialize in studying the enzyme mechanisms during the biosynthesis of polyoxin and nikkomycin. The results will aid furture discovery and development of new PN antibiotis. Outside the lab, I like to cook, watch TV shows, and go shopping.
Lydia Li
Graduate Student
Email: di.li288 “AT” duke.edu
My research focuses on characterizing the biosynthetic pathway of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco). Moco is a ubiquitous enzyme cofactor that is crucial for healthy brain development in humans and for virulence in pathogenic bacteria. I aim to employ mechanistic and structural studies of Moco enzyme cofactors, MoaC, to further the understanding of Moco biosythesis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring food across the city.
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.
Dmitry Kozhanov
Undergaduate Student
Email: dmitry.kozhanov “AT” duke.edu
Dmitry studies chitin synthases (Chs) from a pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans. Chs is responsible for the biosynthesis of chitin in the fungal cell walls and is essential for fungi. C. albicans has three Chs, of which a simultaneous mutation of the two, Chs1 and Chs2, is synthetically lethal. However, the existing Chs inhibitors inhibit only one of the two Chs, making them ineffective against C. albicans. Thus, Dmitry is characterizing the difference in functions and antifungal susceptibilities of C. albicans Chs1 and Chs2.
Previous members
Postdocs
Hai Nguyen, Ph.D. (2017 – 2024, currently an assistant professor at South Dacota School of Mines)
Hilda Sucipto, Ph.D. (2016-2017)
Anna Loksztejn, Ph.D. (Tri-I MMPTP fellow, 2012 – 2017)
Graduate students
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, currently at Lodo Therapeutics Corp.)
Undergrad students (senior thesis)
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)
