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

Unraveling biological phenomena through the elucidation of the diverse capabilities of microorganisms

Microorganisms have contributed to human welfare in various ways. Examples include the production of fermented foods, antibiotics, and, more recently, compounds that are the basis for anticancer drugs and hyperlipidemia treatments. In addition to these practical applications, microorganisms have also been widely used as tools in basic research to understand the origins and fundamental principles of life. We are conducting research on filamentous fungi such as the koji mold with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the useful properties of these microorganisms and promoting their advanced use. Specifically, autophagy, in which cells exposed to starvation break down and reuse their own cellular components as a survival strategy, is well known. Interestingly, we have discovered a phenomenon in koji mold in which even the nucleus that stores genetic information is completely broken down through autophagy, a process called nucleophagy. We are currently working to elucidate the mechanism behind this phenomenon. Additionally, we are conducting research on a variety of topics, including the analysis of the mechanism by which high levels of kojic acid are produced due to autophagy deficiency, the elucidation of the mechanism by which an enzyme called“phospholipase”is involved in the infection of rice blast fungus, the mechanism by which koji mold transmits information from the external environment to the cell, and the analysis of the pathway by which filamentous fungi decompose plant biomass. Through these studies, we hope to analyze the diverse properties and capabilities of filamentous fungi and apply them to practical use.

We nurture people who are passionate about living organisms, especially microorganisms.

Educational Activities

I organize a lecture course titled“Food Microbiology”for fourth-year undergraduate students. This lecture course provides a broad overview of the diverse and fascinating properties and functions of microorganisms involved in food production. On the Komaba Campus, I also teach an omnibus lecture course titled“Microbial Biotechnology”, providing first- and second-year undergraduate students with basic knowledge about the importance and usefulness of microorganisms. In the practical training for students, I am in charge of“Experimental Microbiology”and teach students the basics in handling of microorganisms.

Human resource development goals

I aim to nurture individuals who are dedicated to research, value new discoveries made every day, and build on them to develop original research. This is not limited to research, but I also want our students to develop an attitude of striving to reach higher levels by helping and encouraging each other.

Career paths of graduates

Food companies, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, etc.

Recent dissertation titles

・Studies on the physiological roles of class VI G protein-coupled receptors in Aspergillus oryzae
・Analysis on the role of proteins involved in the process of nucleophagy in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
・Analysis on physiological function of glucuronoyl esterase in plant biomass utilization of Neurospora crassa
・Studies on mannan-degrading enzymes from termite symbionts and a filamentous fungus
・Studies on the enzymatic properties and physiological functions of fungal glucuronoyl esterases

Elucidation and utilization of unknown and diverse abilities of filamentous fungi

We conduct research on various topics, including the following three areas, focusing on filamentous fungi (molds) among microorganisms.

• ①Mechanism of high production of kojic acid in autophagy-deficient strains
• ②Infection mechanism of rice blast fungus via lipid signaling
• ③Elucidation of the mechanism of efficient decomposition of plant biomass by filamentous fungi

Regarding ①, we found that genes involved in the biosynthesis of a compound called kojic acid, which is used in cosmetics, are highly expressed in autophagy-deficient strains, and have confirmed that kojic acid is actually produced in high quantities. Since the biosynthetic genes responsible for the production of other metabolites were also highly expressed in autophagy-deficient strains, we are investigating whether or not it is possible to develop a system for more efficient production of useful compounds by elucidating the underlying mechanism.
Regarding ②, we have recently discovered that enzymes called phospholipases are involved in the infection of rice blast fungus. This knowledge may lead to the development of new strategies for preventing rice blast infection.
③ aims to elucidate how the powerful plant biomass decomposition activity of filamentous fungi is controlled, with the expectation that this will lead to applied research for the efficient decomposition and utilization of plant biomass.