Elucidation of the information hijacking mechanism of the vascular bundle of parasitic plants

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Integrative system of autonomous environmental signal recognition and memorization for plant plasticity
• Project/Area Number: 15H05959
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Ken Shirasu 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, グループディレクター (20425630)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-06-29 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 植物 / 病害抵抗性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, the function of the haustorium, which is the interface between the host plant and the parasitic plant, is studied at the molecular level The purpose of this study was to elucidate the information exchange, control, decision making and output in both plants. Striga, a parasitic plant, parasitizes the roots of major cereals and causes extensive damage. In addition to the genome transcriptome analysis of Striga and other parasitic plants, we also conducted a genome transcriptome analysis. We have established an experimental model system using the parasitic plant, P. japonicum, We also have completed its genome sequencing and established a root transformation system, which allowed us to identify genes and receptors important for parasitism, and to discover the movement of hormones between plants.

Free Research Field

植物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

植物間の情報交換というユニークな系を用いて、維管束において移動する情報とその統御、判断、出力の分子実体に迫った。また、ハマウツボ科植物は特にアフリカで大きな被害を出していることから、寄生の分子機構を解明することで、新規の耐病戦略を構築することが可能になった。