Dissertation defence (Biochemistry): MSc Rongbin Wang
Time
22.8.2025 12.00 – 16.00
MSc Rongbin Wang defends the dissertation in Biochemistry titled “SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY PLATFORM FOR PRODUCTION OF NOVEL ANTHRACYCLINE ANTICANCER AGENTS” at the University of Turku on 22 August 2025 at 12.00 (University of Turku, Medisiina C, Osmo Järvi lecture hall, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku).
Opponent: Professor Eriko Takano (University of Manchester, UK)
Custos: Professor Mikko Metsä-Ketelä (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0269-9
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This doctoral research focused on the Streptomyces bacteria, which naturally make powerful anti-cancer medicine anthracyclines. Anthracyclines are prescribed to more than three million patients annually, however, they can cause serious irreversible heart damage. Although modifications on the structures can reduce the side effects, it is very difficult to modify the structures by traditional chemical synthesis in the lab because of their complex structures.
To solve this problem, I built a new synthetic biology platform that makes it much easier to modify and improve these cancer drugs. Using this system, I reported the first case of complete biosynthesis of three important anthracyclines, including nogalamycin, doxorubicin, and aclacinomycin, from simple carbon sources. I also managed to make 13 new versions of anthracyclines by strategic mixing and matching the biosynthetic modules. The following bioactivity assays on these compounds found six high potency anthracyclines.
Overall, this work opens the door to safer, better cancer treatments in the future and shows a new way for scientists to develop complex natural medicines more easily and quickly.
Opponent: Professor Eriko Takano (University of Manchester, UK)
Custos: Professor Mikko Metsä-Ketelä (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0269-9
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This doctoral research focused on the Streptomyces bacteria, which naturally make powerful anti-cancer medicine anthracyclines. Anthracyclines are prescribed to more than three million patients annually, however, they can cause serious irreversible heart damage. Although modifications on the structures can reduce the side effects, it is very difficult to modify the structures by traditional chemical synthesis in the lab because of their complex structures.
To solve this problem, I built a new synthetic biology platform that makes it much easier to modify and improve these cancer drugs. Using this system, I reported the first case of complete biosynthesis of three important anthracyclines, including nogalamycin, doxorubicin, and aclacinomycin, from simple carbon sources. I also managed to make 13 new versions of anthracyclines by strategic mixing and matching the biosynthetic modules. The following bioactivity assays on these compounds found six high potency anthracyclines.
Overall, this work opens the door to safer, better cancer treatments in the future and shows a new way for scientists to develop complex natural medicines more easily and quickly.
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