Elucidation of primary cell wall dynamics to regulate water conductivity of xylem vessel cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03271
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44030:Plant molecular biology and physiology-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Ohtani Misato 東京大学, 大学院新領域創成科学研究科, 教授 (60435633)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 植物細胞壁 / 非セルロース性多糖 / ペクチン / 道管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Functional regulation of xylem vessels, which transport water and inorganic salts, is important for land vascular plants. In this study, I examined the role of plant primary cell wall-specific non-cellulosic cell wall polysaccharides in the regulation of xylem vessel function. As a result, novel genes for cell wall polysaccharide modification enzyme were successfully identified as regulators of xylem vessel functions. Moreover, the possibility that these enzymes would be functionally regulated at the cell wall rather than within the cell was demonstrated. These are significant results that provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms and importance of the regulation of primary wall dynamics in functional regulation of xylem vessels.

Free Research Field

植物細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

植物細胞壁に含まれる非セルロース性多糖は工業的に重要なバイオリソースであり、例えば一次壁に多く含まれるペクチンは食品工業で重用される重要多糖である。本研究で見出された新規の非セルロース性多糖修飾・分解酵素は、食品工業的新技術や次世代型バイオマテリアル開発への応用展開可能な基盤となりうる。さらに道管機能性は植物の成長を直接左右する重要な形質であり、本研究成果は作物や穀物成長制御技術開発に繋がる高い応用性を有している。