Learning how it works.

Takashi SHIINA[Professor/Dean]

Organelle crosstalk in sensing and responding to stresses

Plants may not move in the way animals do; however, they sense the environment and defend themselves without moving. Crosstalk between chloroplasts/mitochondria and the nucleus is crucial for plant cell development and stress responses. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ signaling have been shown to play a critical role in the organelle crosstalk. We are studying the molecular basis of organellar crosstalk in plant cells, focusing on ROS and Ca2+ signaling. This study would lead to new strategies to increase agricultural productivity.

Molecular stress physiology of plants

Yusuke KATO[Associate Professor]

Function of the chloroplasts for plant life

Photosynthesis is an essential chemical reaction for plant growth and occurs in a crucial organelle - the chloroplast. In response to environmental signals and leaf developmental status, chloroplasts change their morphology and functions dynamically. At the scenes of differentiation and homeostasis of chloroplast, the quality control of proteins, which are performed by many proteases, is necessary for proper chloroplast function. We focus on understanding the chloroplast protein homeostasis through the function of chloroplast proteases, which are necessary for plant growth. Our goal is to understand the regulation system and stress tolerance mechanisms of chloroplast at the molecular level.

Quality control of membrane proteins in chloroplasts

Junshi YAZAKI[Professor]

Influencer Molecule Discovery by Protein Network Map

Mitsuhiro MATSUO[Associate Professor]

Genome evolution and agriculture

I am investigating how genome information changes and how organisms evolve, especially about phenomena related to endosymbiotic evolution. With the knowledge for the symbiotic evolution and genomics, I work also on the applied researches to develop stress resistant plant and assess environments.

Genome Biology

Masaru WADA[Professor/Department Head]

Make microorganisms useful for human

Microorganisms are almost the only natural enemy of humankind, and at the same time, they bring benefits to us. "Applied microbiology" handled by the Faculty of Agriculture is one of the oldest biotechnology, which was established with the development of "brewing science" that manufactures fermented foods. Amino acids used in seasonings and feed additives are produced by fermentation using microorganisms, and we are researching ways to improve their productivity. The nutritional acquisition mechanism of bifidobacteria that are useful for human health are also being investigated.

Enzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Compounds

Naoki KATO[Professor]

Analysis of why and how microbes produce bioactive metabolites

Microorganisms are prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites, which have been considered to be seeds of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Better understanding of why and how microorganisms produce bioactive metabolites with complex chemical structures is a requisite for exploitation of microbial resources. To address these questions, we study filamentous fungi and their secondary metabolites.

Exploration and engineering of fungal bioactive secondary metabolites

Masanori KAIDO[Professor]

Research on the strange cohabitants called viruses

Most organisms, from bacteria to humans, are infected with viruses. And plants, too. Plant viruses use clever means one after another to spread the infection systemically. However, infection does not necessarily mean sick. In many cases, viruses coexist with the plants, or even help the growth of the host plants. I am exploring the underlying mechanisms.

Research on the molecular mechanism of plant-virus interactions

Shigeyuki TANAKA[Associate Professor]

How do fungi manipulate plants?

Plants live together with many fungi. In some cases, fungi inhibit plant growth, while in other cases they promote it. My research focuses on the molecules that fungi secrete during symbiosis and parasitism, and is to elucidate what molecules they use to manipulate plants.

Molecular plant-fungal interactions

Ryo INOUE[Professor]

Making humans and animals healthier through gastrointestinal tracts

The malfunctioning of the gastrointestinal tract can cause not only gastrointestinal disorders, but also systemic diseases of the brain and metabolism. My research group investigates the functions and processes of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals by analyzing their gut microbiotas and mucosal immunity. The experimental subjects of my research group are primarily livestock and humans.

Making humans and animals healthier through gastrointestinal tracts

Rei YOSHIMOTO[Associate Professor]

Search for novel gene expression mechanism

The genetic information is coded on DNA. The pre-mRNAs transcribed from genes are interrupted by non-coding sequences, so called ‘introns’. The introns are cut out by splicing and the spliced mRNA is translated into correct protein. For years, I have shown that seemingly unnecessary introns are actually important. I will teach basic chemistry, immunology and a bit molecular biology.

Biosynthesis of Circular RNA (circRNA)

Taro MASUDA[Professor]

We have to take minerals from foods. Similarly, there are many enzymes that require some metals for its function. Aquatic organisms have vast diversity, and their molecule, too. I’m interested in such kind of enzymes with tremendous function that is accomplished by the interaction with metals. Also, I’m studying about ecology and phylogeography on mountainous stream fauna.

Utilization of enzymes from aquatic environments

Taiga KUNISHIMA[Lecturer]

Studying the life histories of fish to conserve resources

The information about the life history of organisms, which includes their birth, reproduction, and eventual death, plays a crucial role in various fields. It serves as the foundation for determining appropriate management strategies for fisheries resources and the conservation of rare species, among other applications. Our research primarily focuses on fish species, aiming to uncover life history characteristics such as lifespan, growth patterns, and reproductive periods. We also emphasize the significance of nursery habitats in coastal areas. Furthermore, we are committed to sharing our research findings with the community and integrating them into both social and school education.

Exploring of life history of fishes and protecting their resources

Minori NUMAMOTO[Assistant Professor]

Microorganisms can adapt to environmental changes through stress signal perception, transduction, and gene expression. My goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of stress responses in fungi, to apply them to the production of fermented foods and useful chemicals, and to address the environmental issues using microorganisms.

Molecular mechanisms of stress response in industrial microorganisms

Yoko ISHIZAKI[Research Assistant]

Metabolism in plastids and the unique lipid, “urushiol”

Chloroplasts are well-known as the site of photosynthesis, but they are also essential chemical factories for various compounds, such as starch, fatty acids, amino acids, isoprenoids, and plant hormones. Among these, we are particularly interested in a lipid called urushiol. Urushiol is a lipid produced only by Toxicodendron genus and is the main component of lacquer. In Japan, urushiol has been an essential material of the lacquer culture since the Jomon period (B.C.7000). It is thought that urushiol is produced by the cyclization of fatty acids produced in the plastids (chloroplasts), but the biosynthetic pathway and accumulation mechanism are still unclear. By clarifying the biosynthetic pathway of urushiol, we hope to play a role in the continuation of lacquer culture.

Plant Science in support of traditional culture