Molecular analysis of ligand-receptor information exchange mechanisms on pollination.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H02956
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39010:Science in plant genetics and breeding-related
• Research Institution: Mie University
• Principal Investigator: Suwabe Keita 三重大学, 地域イノベーション学研究科, 教授 (50451612)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 植物生殖 / 情報認識 / リガンド・レセプター / 花粉 / 自家不和合性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In various processes of plant reproduction, information exchanges between female and male gametes are critical for achieving appropriate reproduction to produce offspring. In this research project, we conduct research focusing on the information recognition mechanism that governs the start and end of "pollination", which is an initial step of plant reproduction. By a combination of genetic, microscopic and biochemical analyses, we found that pollen itself has a Ca2+ dependent water absorption/emission system for pollen hydration, and pollen germination that follows pollen hydration may be controlled by the initiation system, induced by recognition between ligand and receptors that pollen itself has.

Free Research Field

植物分子遺伝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

情報認識機構は、植物生殖における様々な過程で正しく子孫を残すために重要な役割を担っている。しかしその分子メカニズムについては明らかになっていないものが多く、本件研究が焦点を当てた植物生殖の初期ステップ「受粉」もその例に違わない。本研究では、受粉の最初と最後を司る情報認識機構の分子メカニズムの一端を明らかにするとともに、種苗産業界における安定的採種技術の確立のための情報基盤を提供した。