繊維学部研究紹介_英語版

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56Department of Applied BiologyCreating new plants based on knowledge of basic plant science in order to contribute to the development of a sustainable societyI investigate the molecular mechanisms by means of which plants protect themselves from salinity stress (high-salt environments) using the experimental methods of molecular biology, molecular genetics, and plant physiology. I hope to develop innovative technology to generate salt-resistant crops in order to increase agricultural yields in salt-affected areas.Associate Professor Horie took his current position in 2010 after working as a researcher at the University of California, San Diego, and as an assistant professor on special contract with the Institute of Plant Science and Resources at Okayama University. His research centers on the basic molecular physiology of plants and plant genetic and cellular engineering based on it.I expect that my lab’s research could become an important element in avoiding food and energy shortages that are expected in the near future if we can apply knowledge obtained from basic plant science to breed salt-tolerant plants.Outlook for researchMany of the students in my lab choose to pursue careers with companies whose work involves plants. Graduates also tend to be interested in working for companies that develop distinctive environmental technologies or in becoming teachers.Outlook for students after graduationWe analyze the target Na+ transporter that is essential for plant salt tolerance in the oocyte expression system of Xenopus laevis. We are attempting to produce mutagenized Na+ transporters, which we expect to increase the salt tolerance of the host plants.My lab focuses on rice and plants in the genius Arabidopsis for molecular physiological studies using wild-type and Na+ transporter-mutant plants. The picture shows an example of a hydroponic culture of rice plants.Tomoaki HorieAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Applied BiologyMaking effective use of microorganism resources: Discovering and applying the potential capabilities of Bacillus subtilis In order to discover the novel functions and networks of the 4,100 genes that make up the Bacillus subtilis genome, my lab is cooperating with domestic and international research labs to carry out more detailed research. We believe that B. subtilis is an important microorganism resource, and we are working to develop a deeper understanding of its potential so that we can utilize it.Associate Professor Yamamoto took his current position in 2007 after serving in the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University as an assistant professor. His areas of research include microbiology to examine the properties of molecules functioning in the cells of microorganisms and applied microbiology to make use of the latent capabilities of microbes.In the future, my goal is to establish a rare metal recovery system using B. subtilis strains with altered cell wall polymers, to make eective use of the genetic resources of its closest relatives, and to apply associated technology to the development of antibacterial agents for pathogenic bacteria.Outlook for researchGraduates are typically employed by food and pharmaceutical companies. Some choose to continue their research at domestic and overseas research organizations.Outlook for students after graduationA student uses a uorescence microscope to assess the eect on the cell when cell wall polymers are modied.A student searches for bacterial substances that will activate the immune system of animal cells.We also make observations using an electron microscope so we do not miss slight changes.Hiroki YamamotoAssociate Professor