Creation of innovative cells for free design of cellular functions

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K22290
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 38:Agricultural chemistry and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan University
• Principal Investigator: Ehira Shigeki 東京都立大学, 理学研究科, 教授 (90548132)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-06-28 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞分化 / 細胞機能デザイン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to construct an artificial cell differentiation system in which only externally introduced metabolic pathways or artificially designed gene systems function by modifying the function of differentiated cells formed in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. To achieve the goal of this study, it was essential to develop a technology to rigorously and freely manipulate gene expression in differentiated cells. Therefore, we developed a technology to control gene expression specifically in differentiated cells by analyzing the functions of transcription factors involved in the regulation of gene expression in differentiated cells. In addition, we established a riboswitch-based gene expression control system that allows gene expression to be turned on and off at any desired timing.

Free Research Field

微生物分子生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

様々な微生物に遺伝子改変を加えることで，新たな機能を付与した微生物を作り出し，その応用利用を目指す研究が進められている。しかし，それらの研究では機能を付与することに重点が置かれ，宿主細胞に元々存在していた機能をいかに抑制するかについては，研究が遅れていた。本研究は既存の機能を抑制する技術を開発する研究であり，これまでのあらゆる研究との融合が可能であり，微生物の応用利用研究を新たなステージへと押し上げる可能性が期待できる。