Gene Research Center

Research introduction

• I. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of cold sensing and cold signaling
  ICE1 (Inducer of CBF/DREB1 expression 1) is a transcription factor that controls cold-regulated genes and cold tolerance in plants. However, it is not known how ICE1 is regulated and how cold stress is perceived. To elucidate these molecular mechanisms, we have isolated several proteins interacting with ICE1, including MYC transcription factors, kinases, and calcium-binding proteins. We have been characterizing these proteins in relation to cold signaling and how they regulate ICE1. And now we try to identify a cold sensor. According to our results, a calcium channel is a candidate. Functional mechanisms of a calcium channel as a sensor are to be elucidated.
• II. Production of allergens or useful bio-materials from plant tissues
  As a definitive therapy of pollen allergy, sublingual desensitization therapy attracts attention. However, under the present circumstances, an extraordinary labor is required for extraction of allergen to use for this purpose. The aim of this study is production of allergen and extraction of large quantities by using other plants
• III. Application of genome editing technique to tomatoes and other plants
  Tomatoes with high sugar are valuable trait for tomatoes. In Univ. Tsukuba, the mutation, which enhanced sugar content but did not affect fruit size, has been identified from mutation population in cv. Micro-Tom. To introduce this mutation into other cultivars, we are now using genome editing methods. As we published recently (Shimatani et al., 2017 Nat Biotechnol), we are applying “Target-AID” system to tomato for introducing the mutation and making tomatoes with high sugar content.