研究室紹介

Physiological and Molecular Plant Nutrition

Assimilation of plants that support the whole of life on earth

Plants produce organic matter from inorganic matter in the environment to provide food for humans. This "assimilative capacity" allows them to exist as autotrophs. Many of the metabolites that plants produce on their own are useful as medicines and supplements. By studying the mechanisms of assimilation and metabolism maintained by plants, we are challenging ourselves to discover new mechanisms of metabolic regulation and to apply the capabilities of plants to a richer society.

Research Interests

1. Mechanism of sulfur assimilation and metabolism
2. Regulatory mechanism of sulfate absorption
3. Regulatory mechanism of biosynthesis and metabolism of methionine-derived glucosinolates
4. New molecular mechanisms regulating sulfur assimilation
5. Role of sulfur metabolism in the distribution and metabolism of other elements
6. Contribution of sulfur metabolism to various stress responses
7. Creation of plants with high sulfur assimilation efficiency and high accumulation of useful sulfur-containing compounds
8. Search for compounds and environmental conditions that regulate sulfur assimilation and metabolism

We focus on sulfur (S) among the essential elements.
Plants produce cysteine and methionine, amino acids that are also necessary for humans, from sulfate ions in the environment.
Inorganic sulfur leads to acidification, but plants play a major role in the sulfur cycle in nature by reducing and assimilating sulfur.
The sulfur-containing compounds produced by plants are useful as amino acids and proteins, as well as redox substances, coenzymes and medicines.
In recent years, glucosinolates derived from methionine, which are abundant in cruciferous plants, have attracted attention for their anti-carcinogenic effects. If we can understand how sulfur assimilation and metabolism are regulated in plants, we believe this will provide clues for improving crop productivity, promoting human health through food, and solving environmental problems.

Keyword of Research Area