Research
Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is used for hybrid seed production including rice. In CMS, a male sterility gene in mitochondria causes failure of development of a male reproductive organ or pollen, and male sterility is restored by a nuclear gene that encodes a protein localized in mitochondria and suppresses a corresponding male sterility gene. We have been studying to understand mechanisms of CMS by identifying a male sterility gene, a restorer of fertility gene and their interaction. We also have been trying to develop novel CMS lines of rice.
Takatsuka et al (2022) Plant J 110, 994-1004
Toriyama (2021) Plant Biotechnol 38, 285-295 (review)
Use of a huge amount of antibiotics for human and livestock resulted in generation and spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens, which are becoming a thread of human health and livestock production. An anti-microbial protein/peptide (AMP) will be able to replace antibiotics and reduce the use of antibiotics, but the cost of AMP production prevents it. We have been studying to develop a method of production of a foreign protein including an AMP in rice with extremely low cost.
Watanabe et al (2022) Sci Rep 12, 7759
A huge amount of rice straws are produced every year along with grain production, although most of rice straws is not used extensively. If saccharification yields from rice straws are enhanced, we can use them as source for bio-energy or materials for bio-chemicals. We have been studying to enhance saccharification yields from rice straws with several strategies to breed rice plants that can be used for both production of foods and materials of biorefinery.
Abe et al (2016) Plant Biotechnol 33, 105-110
Furukawa et al (2014) Transgenic Res 23, 531-537
The concept of industrial production of agricultural products through cell culture is known as "cellular agriculture". All organisms with cells are potential targets for production, and the cells themselves may play a role in the production process. Food produced through cell culture is called "cell-based food", which includes cultured meat and fish that are commonly known. We aim to maximize the production potential of plant cell culture, explore the potential of animal and microbial cell culture, and establish sustainable agriculture for the future in collaboration with modern agriculture.