Discovering and utilizing regulators of plant growth
In plants and other organisms, transportation of substances can always be seen within their bodies.
The basic mechanisms responsible for this transport are common across many plants, but not identical, and these differences can affect the quality of plant growth.
We analyze the functions of key elements (molecules) involved in transport within plants, and apply these findings to enhance plant growth capacity.
We recognize as an issue to be addressed that many known molecules have not yet been applied to improve plant growth, and we aim to overcome this through detailed molecular analyses combined with advanced genome-editing techniques.
Plant research is also expected to provide scientifically grounded explanations of phenomena observed in agriculture and forestry fields.
To fulfill this role, we consider it important to analyze the complex and diverse environments specific to agriculture and forestry fields, and we are participating in comprehensive projects targeting crops, trees, soils, and soil microorganisms to identify growth-regulating factors underlying each phenomenon.
Educational approach
Engaging with plants fully, both in the lab and in the field
In lectures, we mainly address themes of radiation/radioisotopes and plant research, providing topics from agricultural and dietary perspectives.
Our main research activity is laboratory work, but depending on the project, the importance of the fieldwork can be increased.
Faculty members propose research themes, but students decide their own projects.
We take advantage of our small laboratory size to maintain close relationships between faculty and students, encouraging open discussions and questions about research.
For those interested, we also support study abroad opportunities at overseas laboratories, ranging from several weeks or longer.
In addition to teaching the fundamental skills of experimental methods and equipment handling, we emphasize the importance of carefully observing plants and microorganisms on a daily basis.
This is essential for receiving the 'messages' from research subjects and correctly understanding them.
Finally, we stress the importance of engaging sincerely with the data obtained.
We aim to nurture such individuals.
Graduates pursue a wide range of career paths.
In addition to research positions in universities, government, and companies, some graduates enter finance or transfer into medical schools.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
Mastering the use of radioisotopes
With research infrastructure for safely handling unsealed radioisotopes for plant research in place, we have developed methods to evaluate substance transport in planta and applied them to our studies.
This has allowed us to clearly capture molecular functions and visualize phenomena previously unknown.
Moreover, radioisotopes are highly effective tools not only for studying transport within plants, but also for visualizing and quantifying exchanges between plants and between plants and microorganisms.
