Yusuke Aihara

Tailor-made regulation of multi-functional “plant modification molecules

Researcher

Yusuke Aihara

Outline

Plants produce various kinds of highly reactive molecules, referred to in this study as plant modification molecules (PMMs). This study focusses on one PMM, isothiocyanate (ITC), and explores their multiple target proteins and physiological functions in Brassicales plants. Discovering the mechanism of action of ITCs that determines its target specificity at the molecular level, will ultimately enable development of “tailor-made” ITCs whose physiological effects are specifically optimized. The long-term aim of this study is to develop a molecular engineering tool that could be applied to a wider range of PMMs to enhance plant productivity.

Hiroaki Kato

Creation of artificial receptors using plant stress response mechanisms

Researcher

Hiroaki Kato

Outline

Plants use cell membrane receptors to recognize the presence of pathogens and induce defense responses against infection. In this study, I will focus on sphingoid base receptors and analyze in detail how these receptors capture sphingoid bases. Next, by modifying the mechanism of sphingoid receptor, I will try to create an “artificial receptor” that allows plants to prepare against attack by pathogens when a physical stimulus is given in advance. I hope this study will contribute to the development of new pest control technology.

Makoto Shirakawa

Expression atlas of plant idioblasts by single-cell RNA-sequencing

Researcher

Makoto Shirakawa

Outline

Plant idioblasts are remarkable examples of cell specialization. Idioblasts accumulate a large amount of proteins and secondary metabolites in their organelle, for example, vacuoles. To clarify molecular mechanisms of the biosynthesis and the storage of proteins and secondary metabolites in idioblasts, I perform single-cell RNA-sequencing of idioblasts and identify key factors, which differentiate organelle. I also try to manipulate the functions of idioblasts by chemical biology and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies.

Ryosuke Sugiyama

C/N/S circulatory system underlying catabolic recycling of specialized metabolites

Researcher

Ryosuke Sugiyama

Outline

Plants make a range of specialized metabolites that protect them from environmental biotic and abiotic stress, such as plant-eating insects. Specialized metabolic pathways have long been considered one-directional routes to synthesize bioactive end products using primary metabolites. This project attempts to address whether and how specialized metabolites are recycled back into primary metabolism, focusing on release and reuse of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur elements as a nutrient. Advancing our knowledge on recycling pathways will facilitate rational control of the balance between nutrient storage and defensive functions of specialized metabolites as well as engineering of the levels of compounds beneficial for humans in crop plants.

Chika Tateda

Unraveling the switching mechanism between systemic acquired resistance and systemic induced susceptibility

Researcher

Chika Tateda

Outline

Plants are fighting against pathogens not only in infected leaves, but also in non infected leaves where pathogens are physically absent. This is through plant derived, long distance signals, which are important for plant’s systemic defense and survival. In this project, the switching mechanism between systemic acquired resistance and systemic induced susceptibility evoked in non infected leaves during the plant’s battle against pathogens will be elucidated. In the future, we aim to use both systems as a foundation in building crop protection strategies.

Satoshi Naramoto

Polar auxin transport as a model for understanding the mechanisms of body axis formation and maintenance.

Researcher

Satoshi Naramoto

Outline

Polar auxin transport is an important phenomenon that regulates plant morphogenesis, and its transport direction is defined by the polar localization of the auxin efflux carrier PIN protein in the cell. In this study, we will propose a new model for cell polarity and body axis formation by focusing on a novel cluster-like structure of PIN proteins at the plasma membrane. This research may also lead to new technologies for controlling the direction of transport of auxin and other molecules in plants.

Mika Nomoto

Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of mechanosensory trichome

Researcher

Mika Nomoto

Outline

Plant trichomes directly sense external mechanical forces, including raindrops, to activate immune responses dependent on calcium signaling. In this study, I identify and characterize the regulators of mechanical stimuli-induced immunity by multi-omics analyses of isolated trichomes and structural analysis of trichome cells. I elucidate the signaling pathway to create transgenic plants that can strengthen immunity by sensing the increased risk of infection.

Fumi Fukada

Host recognition mechanism by pathogens utilizing plant immune signaling molecules

Researcher

Fumi Fukada

Outline

Upon pathogen recognition, plants release molecules called DAMPs to amplify and modulate the immune response against pathogens. In this study, I will demonstrate a novel model for plant-pathogen interactions by elucidating a hypothesis that the DAMPs released from plants are recognized by pathogens and utilized as factors to increase their virulence. This research aims to apply new agrochemical developments by controlling the molecular mechanism of pathogens to trigger their virulence upon DAMPs recognition.

Akira Yoshinari

Elucidation of cell polarization mechanism in plants

Researcher

Akira Yoshinari

Outline

In plants, various molecules that regulate morphology and cellular functions are polarly localized in the specific domains of the cells. In this study, I elucidate how the cell polarity is established in the plants by three approaches; polaritomics, chemical genetics, and polarity switch.

Takatoshi Wakabayashi

Comprehensive understanding of apocarotenoid functions contributing to plant growth regulation

Researcher

Takatoshi Wakabayashi

Outline

Oxidative cleavage of carotenoids yields a variety of essential metabolites called apocarotenoids. Apocarotenoids include strigolactones, which are structurally diverse and play dual function as hormone and rhizosphere signaling. This project aims to comprehensively understand the molecular functions of apocarotenoids by pursuing the function of individual strigolactone molecules, including the elucidation of chemical structures of the as yet unclarified shoot branching inhibiting hormones.