Plant Biotechnology Lab
Plant biotechnology is a branch of science and technology that focuses on using biological techniques to improve and manipulate plants or algae for various purposes, involving the application of genetic engineering, molecular biology, and other biotechnological tools to modify the genetics and characteristics of plants to achieve specific goals.
In our laboratory, we utilize model organisms such as Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis thaliana to understand the mechanisms of plants. By applying this knowledge to highly practical algae and plants (e.g., Chlorella and duckweeds), we are developing more advanced plant resources.
Chlamydomonas, a model microalgae, has gained considerable interest due to its compact genome, genetic manipulability, and capacity to store lipids and starch by harnessing carbon dioxide. These attributes position it as a highly promising contender for biomass utilization.
In our research group, our primary focus is to unravel the factors and mechanisms responsible for controlling lipid accumulation in Chlamydomonas, particularly under stress conditions.
Algae have the characteristic of accumulating oils under various stressful conditions, but the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain largely unclear to the general public. Our research group has discovered a master regulator transcription factor called MYB1 that controls oil accumulation under stress conditions in Chlamydomonas (Choi et al., 2022). Our study aims to provide an engineering tool that enhances oil content by elucidating the intricate mechanisms of lipid regulation.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) arises when the protein folding capacity becomes overwhelmed in ER lumen. Our research team has successfully identified an ER stress sensor called IRE1, along with its effector bZIP1, and we have comprehensively revealed how they stimulate the synthesis of a PUFA (18:3Δ5,9,12) to improve ER fluidity in Chlamydomonas (Yamaoka et al.,2019). Our goal is to cultivate stress-resistant algae and plants by reinforcing the resistance of ER stress in response to a range of stressors.
Chlorella can be used as a potential ingredient for plant-based meat substitutes due to high protein content, high nutrient profile and their subtainability. However, there are challenges to consider, sich as taste, terture, and cosumer acceptance.
To be successful as a meat substitute, we currently deveoping the chlorella strain to address these factores and offer a compelling alternative to traditional meat.
Chlorella shows significant promise as a feedstock for biofuel production, mainly due to its noteworthy characteristics such as its high oil content, rapid growth rate, and efficient use of photosynthesis.
In our research group, we are actively involved in identifying and screening specific chlorella strains that can potentially overcome the challenges associated with utilizing chlorella as a biofuel resource.
Lipid molecules not only serve as constituents of biological membranes but also possess functions such as signaling factors and regulators of protein activity. To overcome environmental stresses, immobile plants need to adapt to various stressful conditions by remodeling the composition of lipid molecules. Furthermore, it is necessary to adjust the lipid molecule composition according to the growth stage of each tissue.
In our laboratory, we are investigating to address how lipid molecules contribute to the plant growth
