RIKEN-USM Joint Research Unit

RIKEN-USM Joint Research Team aims to isolate novel biological active compounds from tropical plants found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia. To achieve this purpose, we collaborate in construction of chemical library, validation of biological activities, and determination of target molecules with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). . As a result from the utilization of chemical library, the drugs for tropical diseases in Southeast Asia will be developed.

Research Subjects

• Construction of chemical library from natural resources in Penang.
• Exploration of bioactive compounds from extracts of tropical plants in Penang Island
• Screening for chemical compounds which inhibit proliferation of malaria parasite

Publications

1. Ong, EB., Watanabe, N., Saito, A., Futamura, Y., Abd El Galil, K.H., Koito, A., Najimudin, N., Osada, H.:
   "Vipirinin, a coumarin-based HIV-1 VPR inhibitor, interacts with a hydrophobic region of VPR."
   J Biol. Chem. 286, 14049-14056 (2011)