Research Director: Masatsugu Toyota
(Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Saitama University, Professor)
Research Term: Oct 2024 - Mar 2030
Grant Number: JPMJER2403

Plants adapt to complex environmental conditions by detecting dynamic external signals. They can sense mechanical stimuli (touch) to regulate growth and defense responses and communicate with one another through volatile organic compounds (odors). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their sensory transduction systems remain largely unknown, primarily due to challenges in visualizing plant responses to external stimuli in real time.

This project aims to uncover the mechanisms of plant sensory transduction, with a specific focus on touch and odor sensing. Advanced imaging techniques enable spatiotemporal analysis of these dynamic processes across multiple scales, ranging from the molecular to the ecological level. Unraveling these sensory systems in plants could lead to groundbreaking advancements across diverse scientific fields, including biology, agronomy, and ecology.

Research Groups

- Plant Molecular Genetics Group
- Electrophysiology/Structural Biology Group
- Biophysics Group
- Optical Device Development Group

Project Headquarters

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