Plants respond to their environment by producing diverse molecules as needed. However, the functions of many plant molecules remain unknown. In this study, I will develop a method to analyze the enzymes that synthesize plant molecules, find their enzyme genes, and explain the biosynthesis mechanisms of plant molecules. These enzyme genes will be used to analyze the functions of plant molecules. I will also develop methods for the preparation of plant molecules and analyze their effect on humans. I hope to use these results as a basis for the use of plant molecules in pharmaceuticals and foods.

Carbohydrates account for 80% of the dry weight of plants. Research on plant carbohydrate compounds is essential for understanding plant survival strategies and their potential uses for humans. Compared to DNA and proteins, there are many more unknowns to be studied with regard to carbohydrates. I am studying carbohydrate compounds that are essential for plant survival and their effects on humans, based on my extensive experience with research on carbohydrates and enzymes that act on them.

Plant molecule studies are typically conducted using genes. Studying these molecules through biosynthetic enzymes is time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in relatively few researchers using this method. Despite the time required to produce results, this method yields unique findings that cannot be obtained otherwise. Therefore, using this method, I hope to achieve world-leading advancements in understanding the biosynthetic mechanisms and functions of plant molecules.

I would like to establish a method to analyze the enzymes that biosynthesize the plant carbohydrate compounds apiin and pectin and to identify their genes. I will simultaneously proceed with the preparation and analysis of genome-edited parsley with low apiin contents to analyze the function of apiin in plants. I plan to establish a production method for apiin and analyze apiin’s effects on humans with the cooperation of an outside institution.

There are several traditional beliefs about the health benefits of plants, such as celery and parsley and herbal medicines helping to balance the body’s condition. The Next Generation University has undertaken a mission to conduct basic research on certain molecules produced by these plants. I believe that this study will contribute to providing a scientific basis for traditional beliefs and contribute to raising the quality of life in human society.

Partnerships:
I would like to form partnerships with researchers who specialize in fields other than my field of glycoscience and enzymes. Within Ritsumeikan University, I would like to advance my research with specialists in various fields such as plant genome editing and protein tertiary structural analysis at the School of Life Sciences. As for other universities and institutes, I have already begun joint research with a venture company that specializes in the creation of plant genome editors and in the analysis of human metabolites.

Research collaborations:
I would like for us to share technology and focus on mutual benefits. It is important to exchange information and brainstorm together, as our different perspectives can drive research progress.