Project 1. Understanding and engineering plant immune receptors
Plants recognize environmental and microbial signals through cell-surface receptors, many of which belong to the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) family. We investigate the molecular functions and structures of LRR-RLKs involved in plant immunity and physiology, with particular interest in receptors whose ligands or biological functions remain poorly understood. By combining structural biology, molecular genetics, and genome engineering, we aim to uncover how these receptors perceive external signals and regulate plant responses. Ultimately, we seek to use this knowledge to engineer desirable traits in major crops and medicinal plants, including improved resilience and productivity.
Project 2. Microbiome engineering and biocontrol for sustainable plant health
Soil microbial communities strongly influence plant health, productivity, and disease resistance. We use soil metagenomics, microbial isolation, and synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) to identify beneficial microorganisms associated with healthy and productive plants. Candidate biocontrol agents are characterized for their interactions with plants and pathogens and assembled into microbial communities designed to suppress specific soil-borne diseases. We are also interested in restoring microbial functions that are lost during continuous cropping and other intensive agricultural practices.
As a complementary strategy, we explore natural predator–prey interactions within the soil ecosystem. Using the bacterivorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we investigate whether experimental evolution can enhance selective predation against problematic bacterial pathogens. Together, these approaches aim to establish data-driven and biologically sustainable platforms for controlling plant diseases while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Project 3. Genome engineering in microalgae
Microalgae provide powerful systems for studying photosynthesis, environmental adaptation, and the evolution of fundamental cellular processes. We are developing genome-engineering resources for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, with a particular focus on establishing a comprehensive CRISPR-based mutant platform for systematic functional genomics. This platform will enable targeted investigation of gene functions on a genome-wide scale and facilitate the identification of traits related to photosynthetic efficiency, stress tolerance, and other biologically or biotechnologically important processes. By expanding the genetic resources available for microalgae, we aim to provide new tools for both fundamental research and sustainable biotechnology.
