教員紹介

Assistant Professor

Koki Fujita

Research Interests

"Chemical Environmental Responses of Tree Cultured Cells (Interplant Communication via Volatile Compounds)"
"Cloning and Characterization of Terpene Biosynthesis-Related Enzymes"
"Tissue Culture Techniques for Tree Cells and Production of Valuable Compounds"
"Elucidation of the Hinokitiol Biosynthetic Pathway"

Laboratory

Activity Database

Profile

Outline Activities

We are investigating the biosynthetic pathway of beta-thujaplicin, a component of the heartwood of cypress trees and a terpene, which is considered useful for various physiological activities, using Cupressus lusitanica cultured cells. The search for the enzymes and genes involved is also important for this. We are also studying the chemical ecology of terpenes emitted by these cultured cells. We have created a model experimental system for information transfer between plants, in which cultured cells emit volatile terpenes in response to stress, and cells of the same species prepare for defense. Our ultimate goal is to understand how communication takes place between organisms in the coexistence and competition of forest organisms.

Message

What is a terpene? Please ask Google (or chatGPT)・・・・. It is easier and quicker.
Familiar examples include fragrances (cypress fragrance, for example) and rosin (pine resin), which is used to prevent slipping. How are terpenes made, what role do they play in trees, and what is their relationship with humans and animals? The more I look into it, the more I am interested in it.

The key words are "beta-thujaplicin" and "talking trees”.

I am not good at phone calls. But if you are interested, I will reply to you by e-mail.

Educational Activities

Undergraduate School

Laboratory Course of Wood Chemistry
Forest product Science