Strategy for mechanical optimization via conversion and output system of gravity information

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Elucidation of the strategies of mechanical optimization in plants toward the establishment of the bases for sustainable structure system
• Project/Area Number: 18H05488
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Complex systems
• Research Institution: National Institute for Basic Biology
• Principal Investigator: Morita Miyo T. 基礎生物学研究所, 植物環境応答研究部門, 教授 (10314535)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 杉本 美海 (橋本美海) 名古屋大学, 生命農学研究科, 講師 (70437755)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-06-29 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 重力屈性 / 重力応答 / シロイヌナズナ / 平衡石 / プラントアーキテクチャ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In general, the primary roots of plants grow in the direction of gravity, while the main stem grows in the opposite direction of gravity. Both growth directions are along the vertical line. On the other hand, lateral roots and lateral branches often grow at a certain angle relative to the direction of gravity. This gravity-guided growth direction control exhibited by plant organs significantly influences the overall structure (plant architecture), such as root spreading and branch spreading. This may contribute to a mechanically stable optimized structure and is also considered one of the mechanisms that optimize resource acquisition both above and below ground. In this study, we provided a novel model for the gravity sensing and signaling mechanism in gravitropism. Additionally, we conducted a functional analysis of genes involved in controlling lateral branch angles, obtaining fundamental information related to the mechanisms that optimize plant architecture.

Free Research Field

植物分子遺伝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果の一つとして、シロイヌナズナ根の重力屈性の分子機構研究から、平衡石の位置情報をタンパク質の移動という形で細胞内情報に変換するという、新奇の重力感知機構モデルを提示した。当該論文は、様々な新聞・Webニュースサイトに取り上げられた（国内58件、海外14件）。純粋な基礎植物科学研究であったが、大きな社会的インパクトを与えた。さらに長期的には、重力屈性の仕組みを理解しその操作を可能にすることは、今後生活圏を月や火星へと広げることが必要となった際、地球とは異なる重力環境におけるテラフォーミングにも活用可能な極めて重要な基盤情報の提供につながる。