Dr. Onuki earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Tokyo (1989–1994), where he conducted research in analytical chemistry and advanced chemical research. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Natural Products Chemistry from The University of Tokyo (1985–1989), focusing on bioactive compounds and chemical synthesis.
Dr. Onuki is a distinguished Japanese scientist, educator, & researcher. Dr. Onuki has over 25 years of experience in both academia & industry. His expertise spans organic chemistry, protein-ligand interactions, & the synthesis of biologically active compounds. With a strong foundation in NMR spectroscopy, HPLC, & GC, he has successfully elucidated the structures of various organic & complex biomolecules.
Since 2020, he has been serving as a Chemistry Teacher at Toyo University, where he is committed to mentoring students & developing innovative teaching methodologies to enhance their understanding of chemistry. Before his current role, he was a University Lecturer at Rikkyo University (2015–2020), Nihon University (2010–2015), & Tokyo Denki University (2006–2008), where he taught organic chemistry, introductory chemistry, & specialized courses.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he played a key role in guiding research projects, supervising laboratory work, and shaping academic curricula.
As a Research Scientist at Yokohama City University (2006–2008), Dr. Onuki worked extensively on protein structure determination and protein-ligand interactions. His research contributed significantly to the synthesis of biologically active compounds, including peptides, SARS protease inhibitors, and sesquiterpenes.
His industrial experience includes a decade-long tenure as a Manager at Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI) (2008–2018), where he led research and development initiatives in chemical synthesis and quality control. His contributions were instrumental in the development of chemical reagents and fine chemicals for both academic and industrial applications. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Senior Researcher at Nippon Suisan (1994–2003), focusing on biochemical and pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the development of marine-derived bioactive compounds.
With a unique blend of academic and industrial expertise, Dr. Onuki has made significant contributions to chemical research, education, and innovation. His work continues to inspire and shape the next generation of scientists while advancing cutting-edge developments in organic and analytical chemistry.
Publications:
1. Takeuchi, A.; Nakamura, S.; Namera, A.; Kondo, T.; Onuki, H.; Yamamoto, S.; Okamura, S.; Nishinoiri, O.; Endo, Y.; Miyauchi, H.; et al. Simple and reliable method to simultaneously determine urinary 1- and 2-naphthol using in situ derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for biological monitoring of naphthalene exposure in occupational health practice. Journal of Occupational Health 2020, 62 (1), e12144
3. Iwaoka, M.; Suzuki, T.; Shoji, Y.; Dedachi, K.; Shimosato, T.; Minezaki, T.; Hojo, H.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H. Development of SAAP3D force field and the application to replica-exchange Monte Carlo simulation for chignolin and C-peptide. Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design 2017, 31 (12), 1039-1052
4. Kobayashi, K.; Maezawa, T.; Tanaka, H.; Onuki, H.; Horiguchi, Y.; Hirota, H.; Ishida, T.; Horiike, K.; Agata, Y.; Aoki, M.; et al. The identification of ᴅ-tryptophan as a bioactive substance for postembryonic ovarian development in the planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis. Scientific Reports 2017, 7, e45175
5. Hirai, M.; Miyazaki, R.; Mitsui, K.; Kiuchi, K.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H.; Kuroda, C. Synthesis and NMR spectroscopic elucidation of four diastereoisomers of oxygenated bisabolane side chain. Helvetica Chimica Acta 2015, 98 (8), 1035-1060
6. Nagano, H.; Hanai, R.; Yamada, H.; Matsushima, M.; Miura, Y.; Hoya, T.; Ozawa, M.; Fujiwara, M.; Kodama, H.; Torihata, A.; et al. Chemical and genetic study of Ligularia duciformis and related species in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces of China. Chemistry & Biodiversity 2012, 9 (4), 789-805
7. Tsukamoto, S.; Kato, H.; Samizo, M.; Nojiri, Y.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H.; Ohta, T. Notoamides F−K, Prenylated indole alkaloids isolated from a marine-derived Aspergillus sp. Journal of Natural Products 2008, 71 (12), 2064-2067
8. Onuki, H.; Yamazaki, M.; Nakamura, A.; Hanai, R.; Kuroda, C.; Gong, X.; Shen, Y.; Hirota, H. Chemical constituents and diversity of Ligularia lankongensis in Yunnan Province of China. Journal of Natural Products 2008, 71 (4), 520-524
9. Kuroda, C.; Kiuchi, K.; Torihata, A.; Takeshita, K.; Gong, X.; Shen, Y.; Hirota, H.; Onuki, H.; Hanai, R. Chemical and genetic diversity of Ligularia latihastata and Ligularia villosa in Yunnan Province of China. Chemistry & Biodiversity 2007, 4 (9), 2210-2217
10. Nakatani, S.; Kamata, K.; Sato, M.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H.; Matsumoto, J.; Ishibashi, M. Melleumin A, a novel peptide lactone isolated from the cultured myxomycete Physarum melleum. Tetrahedron Letters 2005, 46 (2), 267-271
Publications:
12. Tsukamoto, S.; Hirota, H.; Imachi, M.; Fujimuro, M.; Onuki, H.; Ohta, T.; Yokosawa, H. Himeic acid A: a new ubiquitin-activating enzyme inhibitor isolated from a marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2005, 15 (1), 191-194
13. Kamata, K.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H.; Yamamoto, Y.; Hayashi, M.; Komiyama, K.; Sato, M.; Ishibashi, M. Tubiferal A, a backbone-rearranged triterpenoid lactone isolated from the myxomycete Tubifera dimorphotheca, possessing reversal of drug resistance activity. Tetrahedon 2004, 60 (44), 9835-9839
14. Tsukamoto, S.; Tomise, K.; Aburatani, M.; Onuki, H.; Hirorta, H.; Ishiharajima, E.; Ohta, T. Isolation of cytochrome p450 inhibitors from strawberry fruit, Fragaria ananassa. Journal of Natural Products 2004, 67 (11), 1839-1841
15. Guan, L. L.; Onuki, H.; Kamino, K. Bacterial growth stimulation with exogenous siderophore and synthetic N-acyl homoserine lactone autoinducers under iron-limited and low-nutrient conditions. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2000, 66 (7), 2797-2803
16. Kobayashi, Y.; Onuki, H.; Tachibana, K. Mechanism of hemolysis and erythrocyte transformation caused by lipogrammistin-A, a lipophilic and acylated cyclic polyamine from the skin secretion of soapfishes (Grammistidae). Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 1999, 7 (9), 2073-2081
17. Onuki, H.; Ito, K.; Kobayashi, Y.; Matsumori, N.; Tachibana, K.; Fusetani, N. Absolute structure and total synthesis of Lipogrammistin-A, a lipophilic ichthyotoxin of the Soapfish. The Journal of Organic Chemistry 1998, 63 (12), 3925-3932
18. Onuki, H.; Miyashige, H.; Hasegawa, H.; Yamashita, S. NI15501A, a Novel Anthranilamide derivative from a marine fungus Penicillium sp. Journal of Antibiotics 1998, 51 (4), 442-444
19. Doshida, J.; Hasegawa, H.; Onuki, H.; Shimidzu, N. Exophilin A, a new antibiotic from a marine microorganism Exophiala pisciphila. The Journal of Antibiotics 1996, 49 (11), 1105-1109
20. Onuki, H.; Tachibana, K.; Fusetani, N. Structure of lipogrammistin-A, a lipophilic ichthyotoxin secreted by the soapfish Diploprion bifasciatum. Tetrahedron Letters 1993, 34 (35), 5609-5612
21. Fusetani, N.; Wolstenholme, H. J.; Shinoda, K.; Asai, N.; Matsunaga, S.; Onuki, H.; Hirota, H. Two sesquiterpene isocyanides and a sesquiterpene thiocyanate from the marine sponge Acanthella cf. cavernosa and the Nudibranch Phyllidia ocellata. Tetrahedron Letters 1992, 33 (45), 6823-6826
