Analysis of Surface Lipid Trace Components in Flower Organ Formation and Reproductive Success under High Humidity

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06231
• 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: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Nobusawa Takashi 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(理), 助教 (40814463)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 植物脂質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Surface lipids serve as the primary barrier to the external environment for terrestrial plants. Although surface lipids consist of various molecules, insights into the specific roles of individual components are limited. In this study, we were able to shed light on the role of wax esters (WE), a minor component in surface lipids, by studying a mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana deficient in WE biosynthesis, which exhibited morphological abnormalities under high humidity conditions. Furthermore, investigation into the evolutionary origin of the WE biosynthetic enzyme WSD revealed its presence in the charophyte alga Klebsormidium, thereby enhancing our understanding of plant environmental responses and evolution.

Free Research Field

植物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

植物の表層脂質の役割について，主に乾燥環境への耐性という視点での研究がこれまでに多数行われてきた一方で，その他の環境要因に着目した例は乏しかった。本研究により，表層脂質中のマイナーな成分が高湿度条件下での植物の生存において持つ意義や，その進化的な由来がわかってきた。今後も地球規模で気候が大きく変動することが予想されるが，高湿度条件における植物の基本的な応答の一端の理解は，実用植物を安定的に活用していくための手がかりへと繋がる期待もある。