Laboratory of Genome Technology

About our research

Purpose of our research

Plants perform an extremely important role: they sustain all natural life. Each plant species carries a huge amount of information in its genome, which supports essential functions. By analyzing the information contained within the genome, it is possible to understand the mechanisms underlying plant growth and to accelerate the improvement of agronomical traits. Furthermore, it is now possible to distinguish between developed strains by investigating subtle differences in genomic information. We are currently promoting plant genome analyses and the development of genome analysis technology to reveal the information contained within the plant genome.

Characteristics of our research

Kazusa DNA Research Institute has a large-scale sequencing facility. We analyze the genomes of plants and related bacteria and have gained a high reputation for providing accurate results. To utilize the accumulated genome information, we are developing the technology necessary to use the genome information in appropriate fields, and we collaborate with other researchers working in both domestic and international research groups.

Expected fields of application

By analyzing plant genome information, we can identify useful genes and DNA markers. We can then combine this information regarding genes and markers with biological and breeding technology to create new plant strains with superior features in agronomical traits. Also, by using a combination of characteristic DNA markers, it is expected that these elite strains developed by breeding can be distinguished from other strains; thus, the breeders' rights can be protected.

Our research projects

1. Development of new technology for genome analyses.

We are developing new strategies for plant genome sequencing for different purposes using a combination of advanced sequence technology. We are also developing new strategies for effective DNA marker creation with the aim to apply them for breeding and identification of different plant varieties.

2. Development of technologies for the functional analyses of plant genes.

We are developing strategies for the functional analysis of plant genes, and gathering information useful for crop breeding.

3. Genome analyses of plant-related bacteria.

We have analyzed four strains of cyanobacteria, three strains of rhizobia, and a single endophyte strain. We continue our efforts regarding the comparative genome analysis of rhizobia and endophytes by sequencing additional strains applying our new sequencing strategies.

Publications