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Dr. Pimchai Chaiyen's Laboratory : Current Research

Currently, we are investigating more than 10 enzymatic reactions. Most of the reactions can be classified into 4 groups according to enzyme applications.

1. Enzymes that are useful for biocatalysis : Flavin-dependent enzymes such as p-hydroxyphenylacetate hydroxylase (HPAH) can perform regio-specific hydroxylation of phenolic compounds. We are currently exploring HPAH potential in synthesizing catecholic drugs or anti-oxidants.
Pyranose 2-oxidase (P2O) can catalyze regio-specific oxidation at C2-position of pyranoses. P2O reaction is useful for synthesis of sweetener and rare sugars. A few more enzymatic systems are being developed for potential use in pharmaceutical industry.

2. Enzymes that are useful for biorefinery process : In order to support sustainable development of Thailand, we are currently exploring a few enzymatic systems that can convert waste or by-products from biomass to useful compounds such as bioplastics or biogas.

3. Enzymes that are useful as bioreporters : Bacterial luciferase is a flavin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes light-emitting reactions. We are currently developing gene reporter systems to be used in bacteria and yeast.

4. Enzymes that can be potential drug-targets : The enzyme serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT) is an indispensible anti-malarial target. We are studying its reaction mechanisms so that any difference between host and parasite enzymes can be delineated and used for designing specific inhibitors against malaria. The human SHMT is also a good target for cancer therapy.

Examples of enzymes being investigated

Flavin-dependent enzymes

Flavin-dependent enzymes play a vital role in various biological redox reactions. Flavins are riboflavin derivatives that usually function as flavoenzyme cofactors, and are most commonly found in the form of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Flavin chemistry is among the most fascinating aspects of chemistry carried out by organic molecules in nature. The reaction scope is wide ranging from oxidation-reduction to oxygenation, epoxidation, halogenation, dehalogenation and light-emitting reactions.

 

Currently, we are conducting mechanistic investigations of numerous flavin-dependent enzymes, some of which are explained briefly below. Our group has contributed substantially to the knowledge in the fields of flavin enzymology and chemistry during the past decade. We are also proud to be hosting the next (18th) International Flavin Symposium in Thailand (2014).

 

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Location: [Mahidol University][Faculty of Science] Pimchai Chaiyen

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