Aiming to discover new functions of cell walls by using the response increasing cellulose to the compressive stimuli

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19143
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 40:Forestry and forest products science, applied aquatic science, and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshida Masato 名古屋大学, 生命農学研究科, 准教授 (30242845)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞壁 / セルロース / あて材

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cell walls of hardwoods formed under repeated short-term compressive stimulation contain more cellulose than normal. The relationship between this stimulus and response was examined in detail to better understand the function of the cell wall. The stimulus response occurred in horizontal trunks but not in vertical trunks. Regarding the frequency of stimulation, this response occurred with 5 seconds of compressive stimulation per week and sometimes even 5 seconds per 4 weeks.
Stimulus responses occurred in multiple tree species at genetic distances, but the degree and direction of change varied among species.

Free Research Field

木材物理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

圧縮の刺激に対して引っ張りに強いセルロースを増やす対応はこれまで知られていない刺激応答である。本研究によって細胞壁の未知の機能の一つを知ることができた。細胞壁はセルロース微小繊維束を骨格に、リグニンを充填物質に持つ。特に、樹木の巨体を支える発達した細胞壁は力学的に優れた機能を持っている。その構造は複合材料の手本であり、本研究成果も材料設計の新しい着想の端緒となった。