RARA Fellow
Elucidating the diversity and functions of microbial “metabolisms”
Elucidating the diversity and functions of microbial “metabolisms”
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FELLOW PROFILE
Graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyoto Prefectural University in 1993, completed a master’s program at the Graduate School of Agriculture at Kyoto University in 1995, and completed the doctoral program (without degree) at the same institution in 1999.
Received a Doctorate in Agriculture in 1999. Joined Kyoto University’s Institute for Chemical Research as a part-time Researcher in 1999, followed by appointments as Assistant in 2000 and Assistant Professor in 2007. Moved to Ritsumeikan University’s College of Life Sciences in 2009 as Associate Professor, and appointed to Professor in 2014 (current position).
Currently serving as Director of the Japan Society for Biomedical Research on Trace Elements and the Japan Trace Nutrients Research Society, and as editor for two international academic journals.
Exploring microbial metabolic functions as the key to predicting the future of the global environment and addressing climate change
Exploring microbial metabolic functions as the key to predicting the future of the global environment and addressing climate change
Microbes significantly affect the global environment and ecosystems. Understanding microbial metabolic activity is crucial for enhancing the accuracy of models that predict and respond to future climate change. This research focuses on the material cycle driven by microbial “metabolism,” a core function of microbes. It aims to elucidate the diversity and functions of microbial metabolisms, deepen our understanding of their responses to climate change, and explore ways to control their metabolic activities.
All living organisms on earth coexist with microbes, and in humans, these microbes—outnumbering our own cells—play a crucial role in maintaining health. Microbes produce beneficial substances, serve as microbial batteries, and are used to remove pollutants. However, we currently utilize only a tiny fraction of the microbes on Earth, with 99.98% remaining undeveloped. The full potential of microbes is still unknown, but I believe that harnessing and developing their capabilities is key to the future survival of humanity.
I aim to develop new metabolic functions and products from microbes and apply them to address challenges across various fields, including food security, energy, resource management, environment conservation, human health, ecosystem sustainability, and biodiversity preservation. To do this, it is essential to discover and explore microbes that are still unknown to us and elucidate their characteristics.
I hope to work on research in the following three areas over the next few years:
1. Analysis of dimethyl sulfide-generating bacteria, which contribute to global cooling
2. Construction and application of genetic modification systems for methane-generating bacteria, which contribute to biogas production
3. Discovery of novel microbes and quantitative genetic variation analysis of the effect of climate change on microbial metabolisms Advancements
in these research areas could enable the regulation of gas emissions or absorption produced by microbes through the control of microbial metabolisms.
When considering the potential contributions of this research to the next generation of the university and society, predicting the future of the global environment and mitigating climate change are the first areas that come to mind. However, research into microbial metabolism extends far beyond these. With the right ideas and collaborations, it can contribute to a wide variety of fields, including the recovery of solar battery materials, environmental conservation, improvements in battery devices, the development of environmentally friendly agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, planetary development, the creation of nutrient supplements for humans, and even the cultural anthropological study of humans and microbes.
Partnerships:
The other RARA fellows and associate fellows come from a variety of specializations. By collaborating with researchers in fields such as structural biology, climate change, extreme weather, planetary science, solar batteries, chemical conversion, battery devices, anthropology, brain nutrition, or environmental conservation, we could develop fascinating research. For instance, generating synergy between our diverse fields through the study of microbes could yield innovative outcomes.
Research collaborations:
Given that most microbes remain unexplored, there are likely to be many fascinating developments across various fields. Therefore, it is crucial to collaborate with researchers from diverse disciplines. It is important to enjoy working together and to explore freely developed ideas beyond existing frameworks.
Research Scenes
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