Gene Research Center

Research introduction

• Plants can response to environments where they grow for their surviving strategy, because they cannot move by themselves. In such specific responses, plant regulate metabolite production/degradation through changes of metabolic networks. To investigate a linkage of traits and metabolic networks, we conduct an integrative approach with large-scale experiments, so-called ‘omics’ data including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Rapid technological advances in high-throughput experiment based on mass spectrometry (MS) have enabled us to simultaneously detect a wide range of small molecules, while the use of RNA sequencing as well as microarray techniques provides comprehensive information at the transcript changes. We use these cutting-age techniques to address scientific questions in plant physiological functions. The study includes application of advanced analytical platforms and “omics” datasets in capturing quantitative and qualitative changes of various metabolites.
• Metabolic network biology is also being challenged to improve agronomic traits of horticultural crops, including fruit aroma and taste characteristics, thus its flavor quality. We utilize molecular genomic information of tomato, such as genetic variation, biosynthetic pathway, and transcriptional regulation, to identify the genes that control synthesis of the aroma-active compounds and discover the best strategy to produce a better-tasting tomato fruit.
• Extensive genomic information has encouraged the development of both forward and reverse genetics approaches. We are aiming at uncover genes underlying very prominent phenotypes that farthest-reaching part of functions and dynamics of crops. We carry out gene cloning strategy to study important agronomic traits, as well as molecular screenings on targeted genes to ensure resources for superlatively electable alleles for phenotype alterations.