Plant viruses are absolutely parasitic microorganisms and are completely dependent on the metabolic mechanisms of infected plant cells for self-propagation. Currently, there are no effective means of eradicating viruses from plants showing diseases. Therefore, the virus is considered a very troublesome pathogen in crop cultivation.

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We have studied the molecular mechanisms by which plant viruses spread infection in host plants. In particular, we are focusing on the process of "cell-to-cell movement protein," in which the virus spreads from infected cells to surrounding healthy cells. This process involves a channel structure unique to plants called plasmodesmata, which is an area of research unique to plant viruses.

 

Plants can also induce a resistance response (plant immunity) against viruses. A typical resistance reaction is the hypersensitivity reaction, which is accompanied by programmed cell death. We are also studying how gene expression in plants involved in the induction of the hypersensitive response is controlled.

 

We hope to advance these studies to understand both the mechanisms of spreading virus infection and suppressing virus infection, and to develop technologies to reduce virus-induced diseases.

 

In addition to the above research themes, we have begun research to elucidate the "formation mechanism of "Makomotake", which is an edible stem gall, an enlarged stem of Zizania latifornia infected with Ustilago esculenta.

 

For some of our research projects, we are pursuing international collaborations as a representative of the strategic research team of the Global Innovation Research Institute (GIR) of the National Institute of Agriculture and Technology (NIT). Click here for the link to the GIR website.