Laboratory of Cell Biology and Manipulation

 Our research has focused on cellular processes involved in a wide range of plant traits in food and horticultural crops. We have also been working on engineering novel traits of plants through molecular genetic approaches including gene expression control in terms of epigenetics and gene silencing as well as conventional genetic methods. On the basis of these studies, we conduct educational and research activities that contribute to the advancement of plant cultivation and breeding, which include those focused on biological phenomena associated with plant components and plant tolerance to pathogens.

Current research activities

• Studies on the induction mechanism of gene silencing and its application
• Isolation of genes responsible for plant disease resistance and development of DNA markers for the trait
• Studies on the mechanisms of flower color pattern formation