Akane Kawamura

Akane Kawamura is a Professor of Chemical Biology with joint appointments at the University of Oxford and Newcastle University. Her research bridges chemistry, biology, and medicine, focusing on epigenetic regulation and chemical probe development.

Education:

• M.Chem, University of Oxford
• D.Phil, University of Oxford

Her work explores molecular mechanisms of histone and DNA modifiers, such as histone demethylases (KDMs) and TET enzymes, using biochemical and cell-based studies. She also targets protein-protein interactions in inflammation via tick saliva-derived peptides (evasins) and develops cyclic peptide inhibitors for epigenetic enzymes.

Scientific Awards:

• Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (2013–2018)
• BHF CRE Senior Research Fellow (2012–)

Kawamura leads collaborative projects in chemical biology, including directing the Oxford-GSK-Crick Chemical Biology CDT and co-directing the Chemistry in Cells PhD Programme. Her group’s innovations span assay platforms, mechanistic insights into epigenetic enzymes, and anti-inflammatory peptide discovery.