Study on mechanism suppressing starch biosynthesis by plastidial folate

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06731
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44030:Plant molecular biology and physiology-related
• Research Institution: Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hayashi Makoto 長浜バイオ大学, バイオサイエンス学部, 教授 (50212155)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 葉酸 / デンプン / プラスチド / エチオプラスト / 葉酸代謝拮抗剤 / 抗菌剤 / 除草剤

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Previously, the applicants proposed model that folic acid inhibits starch accumulation in non-starch-accumulating plastids. To examine this model, we performed several experiments, and obtained following results.
(1) Thirteen FU-resistant mutants were obtained. Mutated gene in two of them was identified. Function of these genes has not demonstrated yet. We are now analyzing the function by demonstrating phenotype of these mutants in detail. Several adenine-resistant and D8-resistant mutants were also isolated and characterized. (2) Two compounds that had ability to induce starch accumulation in non-starch-accumulating plastids were identified. One of them (D8) seemed to be an antifolate. Manuscript describing these results are being prepared for publication. To isolate protein that binds to D8, An affinity carrier containing D8 is under synthesis.

Free Research Field

植物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

デンプンは食料やバイオ燃料の原料として重要である。デンプンは光合成の最終産物としてアミロプラストや葉緑体に蓄積する。一方、これら以外のプラスチドでは葉酸がデンプンの蓄積を抑制している。本研究によって同定された遺伝子は葉酸によるデンプン蓄積抑制機構に関わると考えられる。より多くの関連遺伝子が同定され、その機能が明らかになることで、葉酸によるデンプン蓄積抑制機構の理解が進むとともに、植物のデンプン生産性向上に向けた技術基盤の開発につながるものと期待される。