Plant x Microbe Co-creation

Many plants and animals have developed symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, leading to complex and diverse interactions. The roots of plants host a wide variety of microorganisms that significantly influence the host plant by helping nitrogen fixation and regulating root growth. These microorganisms possess unique metabolic systems that can provide benefits that the host plant cannot achieve on its own.

The research team aims to enhance the understanding of symbiosis by exploring these intricate host-microbe interactions and uncovering their genetic foundations and molecular mechanisms. Gaining insight into and controlling these symbiotic relationships not only helps reduce environmental impacts and enhance the efficiency of plant-based bio-manufacturing but also addresses critical technological challenges in developing sustainable primary industries.

In addition, our research team collaborates with the agro-industry “to address challenges in primary industries. For example, by investigating the functions of gut microorganisms of pests and clarifying the nature of their interactions, the team is developing new pest control technologies that have a low with a low environmental burden. We are also working to understand the functionality of foods and other products by examining the interactions between ligands and nuclear receptors.