SAKURAMA Haruko 櫻間 晴子
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Bioenvironmental Sciences
Faculty Profile
Research Field

Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Enzyme Chemistry, Structural Biochemistry

Affiliated Academic Societies

Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry;
Japan Society for Environmental Chemistry;
The Japanese Biochemical Society

Courses Taught

Applied Microbiology,
Experimental Course in Applied Biology,
Physics,
Experimental Course in Physics

Academic Degrees

Ph.D. in Agriculture from Kyoto University

Brief Biography

Ph. D. of Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Researcher of Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
Researcher of Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University
Researcher of Institute of Bioresources Engineering, Ishikawa Prefectural University
Assistant Professor of Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Assistant Professor of Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University

Research Overview

Across various ecosystems, various microorganisms coexist in a single biological community, adapting to survive in their specific environment. My research focuses on elucidating the unique characteristics acquired by individual microbes and microbial communities in these distinct settings. This is achieved through the analysis of cultured samples and environmental DNA, with the goal of enhancing our comprehension of microbial ecosystems and applying this knowledge to global environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, my research aims to develop practical applications, such as innovative substance production methods and environmental remediation technologies, by harnessing the distinctive properties of these microorganisms.

List of Researches
Research Keywords

Plastic waste, lactic acid bacteria, environmental pollutants, intestinal bacteria, Japanese honeybees

Academic Papers

1 「Substrate recognition mode of a glycoside hydrolase family 42 β-galactosidase from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (BiBga42A) revealed by crystallographic and mutational analyses.」Microbiome Res Rep. Vol.2: 20 (2023)

2「Novel substrate specificities of two lacto-N-biosidases towards β-linked galacto-N-biose-containing oligosaccharides of globo H, Gb5, and GA1.」Carbohydr Res. Vol.408:1 8-24 (2015)

3「Biohydrogenation of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids by anaerobic bacteria.」J Lipid Res. Vol.55: 18-24 (2014)

4「β-Glucuronidase from Lactobacillus brevis useful for baicalin hydrolysis belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 30」Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. Vol. 98: 4021-4032 (2014)

5 「Lacto-N-biosidase encoded by a novel gene of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum shows unique substrate specificity and requires a designated chaperone for its active expression」J Biol Chem. Vol.288: 25194-25206 (2013)

6「1,3-1,4-α-L-Fucosynthase that specifically introduces Lewis a/x antigens into type-1/2 chains」J Biol Chem. Vol. 287: 16709-16719 (2012)

Message

Applied microbiology is a study that can be applied to anything, from manufacturing to soil and river purification technology. KUAS Kameoka Campus is a favorable environment for students studying applied microbiology, with a well-developed course curriculum and on-campus facilities. I would be delighted to have students join us and enjoy learning from various angles.