Outline of our achievements
Laboratory of Plant Gene Research
About our research
Purpose of our research
Plants sustain all living organisms on the earth including human and each of them possesses a large amount of information in its genome that leads to a variety of activities. By analyzing plant genomes, we shall be able to understand the mechanisms of plant growth and to improve the quality of crops further. We are performing plant genome analysis to uncover and exploit such important information.
Feature of our research
We have one of the best large-scale sequencing facilities in Japan with which we have been analyzing the genomes of plants and plant-related bacteria. Our published achievements have been highly appreciated worldwide. To exploit the resultant data for industries, we are collaborating with many domestic and foreign institutions and companies.
Expected fields of application
Many useful genes and markers can be identified by analyzing plant genomes. New breeds of plant harboring useful characteristics may be obtained by combining them through various biotechnologies and breeding and selection technologies.
Our research projects
- Analysis of various plant genomes
- Analysis of useful microbial genomes
- Analyzing DNA markers of crops for making genome maps
After completing the genome sequencing of Arabidopsis thaliana as the first higher plant in 2000, we have been analyzing the genomes of Lotus japonicus (Leguminosae), eucalyptus, the principal material for paper manufacturing originated from Australia, and tomato (Solanaceae, the family to which eggplant, potato, and chili etc. belong).
We have performed genome analysis of four species of Cyanobacteria that are important for conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide and food production and useful for photosynthesis research. We have also analyzed the genomes of two species of Rhizobia residing in the root nodules of legume plants and fixing nitrogen. Currently, we perform genome analysis of endophytes living in most plants and helping their growth.
Markers are identifiers within the genome. Genome sequencing requires a lot of money and time, and a resultant genome map with identified markers will be helpful for searching for genes with useful characters or for enhancing breeding efficiency. We aim to accelerate breeding speed by making genome maps with selected markers for crops such as lawn grass, soybean, and peanut.