Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Contributing to the resolution of global issues through analysis of bacterial metabolism

Bacteria live in various environments on Earth and are deeply involved in various aspects of human activities, such as influencing the global environment through material cycles, causing infectious diseases, and contributing to food fermentation and decay. Our aim is to elucidate the diverse abilities and roles of bacteria by identifying the common or unique characteristics of carbon metabolism and energy metabolism in individual bacteria, and to utilize this knowledge to develop useful bacteria for solving environmental, energy, and food problems faced by humankind, as well as to develop methods for controlling pathogenic bacteria that cause infectious diseases. Our main research currently focuses on the production of feed and useful substances from carbon dioxide utilizing the metabolic characteristics of hydrogen bacteria that grow autotrophically using hydrogen gas as an energy source. Also, we are looking to elucidate the unique aerobic and anaerobic respiration functions and their control mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known as an opportunistic pathogen, and to elucidate the metabolic characteristics of acetic acid bacteria involved in vinegar fermentation.

You can learn a wide range of topics from the basics to applications of microbiology.

While the ultimate goal of our research is to develop practical applications such as the production of useful substances using bacteria and the control of pathogenic microorganisms, as a university research laboratory, we are primarily focused on advancing our understanding of the fundamental scientific mechanisms that enable bacteria to survive in various environments, including the metabolic systems they utilize and the mechanisms by which they obtain energy. This research is aimed at gaining important basic scientific knowledge that may lead to future applications. The research themes for students are set at levels appropriate for each stage of their studies (undergraduate thesis, Master's thesis, and doctoral thesis). We strive to ensure that students gain knowledge ranging from the basics of microbiology to the latest developments, as well as hands-on experience in molecular biology and biochemistry experimental techniques such as bacterial culture, genetic recombination, expression analysis, and enzyme analysis. In addition, you can develop scientific and logical thinking skills through research. Many graduates find employment in public research institutions or in research and development positions at private companies such as food and chemical manufacturers. However, we believe that the critical thinking skills acquired in the laboratory will be useful in any career path they choose to pursue in the future.

Contributing to society through the utilization of bacteria!

In recent years, manufacturing using hydrogen bacteria from carbon dioxide has been gaining attention. The laboratory has been conducting research on hydrogen bacteria for decades. We have isolated hydrogen bacteria that are unique in terms of both taxonomy and metabolic physiology, and are advancing research on their metabolic characteristics, whole genome sequencing, and the development of genetic manipulation systems. Our achievements in this field have been recognized worldwide. In addition to hydrogen bacteria, we are also conducting research on photosynthetic bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and acetic acid bacteria, and have accumulated unique scientific knowledge and technology. We plan to utilize these findings to develop hydrogen bacteria as a protein source for food and feed, and to utilize hydrogen bacteria as hosts for the production of useful substances and fuels from carbon dioxide, thereby contributing to the resolution of environmental, food, and energy issues. We are also developing infectious disease treatments that target the energy metabolism of pathogenic bacteria. We welcome support and joint research from companies that share our vision for these studies.