I study the mechanisms by which plants flexibly adapt to environmental changes in order to survive.
Research Background
Global environmental change is progressing, and we increasingly hear news about abnormal weather and climate-related disasters. Climate disasters such as droughts and heatwaves cause major damage to agriculture, affecting both the supply and price of food. On the other hand, plants have evolved the ability to flexibly respond and deal with different environmental conditions caused by location, season, and daily fluctuations. By clarifying and utilizing this ability, I aim to contribute to stable food supply and the sustainability of agriculture. I am also trying to modulate crop traits by using environmental responses.
Research Content
I use Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant, as well as rice and tomato as crop species. With Arabidopsis, I study the roles of genes that enable plants to survive under environmental stress. In addition to investigating whether the findings can be applied to crops, I also study the unique mechanisms of stress tolerance that each crop possesses. Recently, my research has particularly advanced in understanding plant responses to heat stress.
Future Prospects
The genetic-level knowledge gained from this research is expected to contribute to the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties. Understanding mechanisms of plant responses to environmental stress will also lead to agricultural technologies that can adapt to harsh or changing environments, and furthermore, to the development of innovative farming methods that harness plant responses. To achieve these goals, I will continue to pursue cutting-edge genetic research.
Educational approach
Through scientific understanding and practical study of plant life, I aim to nurture individuals who can contribute to society.
Educational Activities
In the lecture on Plant Molecular Physiology, under the theme “How do plants, the foundation of our lives, live their way of life?”, I explain not only the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant physiology taught in high school biology, but also the field of environmental responses in which plants adapt themselves according to their surroundings. The lectures use familiar examples as a starting point and incorporate the latest findings in molecular biology. I also introduce methods of applying the knowledge obtained through molecular genetic studies. In student experiments, I am in charge of soil, plant and analytical chemistry experiments.
Goals for Human Resource Development
At the undergraduate level, I expect students to understand plant life, which supports human society, and to be able to connect that understanding with knowledge gained from other lectures and practical classes so that they can apply it in the real world. At the graduate level, the goal is to cultivate individuals who can contribute to society by practicing scientific thinking, and who are sincere both in science and toward society.
Track Record in Nurturing Talent
Graduates from my laboratory are active in a variety of fields. Many of the master’s students present the results of their master’s theses at academic conferences.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
In addition to studying plant environmental stress tolerance, I also conduct research on applying plant environmental responses to production technologies.
Social Issues Addressed
Climate change, global warming, and crop yield reductions caused by abnormal weather, particularly issues related to heat stress.
Achievements and Progress on Current Challenges
Using model plants, I have advanced the elucidation of mechanisms underlying heat stress responses, and have successfully produced plants with improved heat tolerance. Currently, I am verifying whether the mechanisms identified can be applied to crop species. Furthermore, through collaborative research with industry using crops as experimental materials, I have been developing technologies to improve agricultural production by using resonses of plants to environments.
Technologies, Research, and Future Prospects for Further Development
With regard to plant environmental stress responses, especially heat stress responses, we have accumulated physiological and molecular biological evaluation methods as well as knowledge, which we can provide. At the same time, I believe that in actual agricultural settings, there remain many phenomena that have not yet been scientifically clarified but could become seeds for new science. I hope to tackle agricultural issues related to environmental change and global warming together, while also working to elucidate new phenomena.
