Institute of Plant Science and Resources

Applied Genomics Unit
Group of Adaptation to Bioenvironmental
Associate Professor Bunichi Ezaki
Associate Professor Shigemi Tanakamaru
Our group has been investigating the adaptive mechanisms for bioenvironmental
stresses (e.g. metal toxicities, oxidative stress, salt stress, temperature stress, and light)
using wild plants, E. coli, and yeast as model systems.
We have been isolating the tolerant genes and induced genes for metal stresses and
oxidative stresses from wild plants and characterizing their functions to clarify their
adaptive mechanisms. Construction of transgenic plants carrying useful isolated genes is
also expected to create new environmental stress-resistant plants in this group.
The ecophysiological interactions between plants and meteorological factors under
various environmental conditions are also studied at several levels that include plant cells,
whole plants and entire ecosystems. We are making and assessing observations of the
atmospheric environment in the Seto Inland Sea district and on the mechanism of frost
tolerance of Primula.
Lipid peroxidation in root tips of wild plants
(Arabidopsis, Miscanthus and Andropogon)
using Al, hydrogen peroxide, and diamide
Because the latter two plants were tolerant to
these stressors, low oxidative damage was
observed.
Model : How do the transcription factors control
expression of AtGST11 gene under stress?
Each of the isolated four transcription factors
probably binds to the specific sites in the promoter
to change the DNA conformation as activator(s)
and repressor(s).
Primula plants differ in their frost tolerance.
Decolorization of morning glory petal by acid rain
Acidification of rainwater in the Seto Inland Sea
district is extreamely high.