Nobuko Ohmido Lab Research Overview

Our research focuses on three key areas:

1. Genomics for plant genetic resources,

2. Plant epigenetics in changing environments,

3. Development of biomass resource plants beneficial to human life.

1) Utilizing Plant Genomic, Chromosomal, and Genetic Information

Our research investigates how to utilize the genetic information contained in plant genomes, chromosomes, and genes. By developing and employing advanced visualization techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunostaining, electron microscopy, image analysis, and cellular imaging, we analyze DNA sequences, including genes and repetitive sequences, as well as functional proteins within genomes.

Recent studies have focused on plant species with diverse genetic resources—such as grasses, legumes, Brassicaceae, and horticultural plants—to advance research in environmental resource plant science, aiming to enrich human life.

2) Plant Epigenetics in Changing Environments

Plants adapt flexibly to changing environments by altering their genomic composition, creating new ecosystems. This phenomenon, known as epigenetics, involves heritable changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence. Understanding epigenetics is crucial for exploring how plants adapt to and coexist with their environment.

Our research investigates how changes in natural and human-influenced environments affect plant adaptation, genomic changes, and symbiotic relationships. Specifically, we study how variations in growth environments and stress factors impact genes, genomes, cells, and organisms.

3) Developing Biomass Resource Plants

To actively address environmental issues, we research biomass resource plants that can produce industrial and fuel-use oils as alternatives to fossil fuels, as well as plants with applications in cosmetics and other fields. For example, we aim to maximize the environmental adaptability of novel biomass plants like jojoba through genome and chromosome analysis, tissue culture, and genetic engineering.

These studies form the foundation for creating environmentally adaptive plants, contributing to sustainable and enriched human life in a resource-limited country like Japan.

International Collaboration and Field Surveys

Our research involves extensive collaboration with domestic and international research institutions. Additionally, we will conduct plant genetic resource and field surveys at the Kobe Municipal Arboretum in June and July. Would you like to participate in these experiments?

 

 

Recent Student Research Topics

• Urbanization and polyploidization in the genus Commerina

• Study of comparative repeatome and cytogenetics in the genus Hydrangea

• Studies of chromosome structure by nano-visualization

• Visualization of Epigenomic Factors Using Chromatin Fibers

• Studies on Repetitive Sequences in Japanese and Chinese Hydrangea Species

• Ecology and Polyploidy Patterns of Commelina in Urban and Mountainous Areas

• Research on EST Marker Polymorphisms and Tissue Culture in Jojoba

• Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis and Visualization for Gene Detection in Hydrangea

• Nanovisualization of Plant Chromosome Structures

• High-Sensitivity 3D Imaging in Plants

• Development of Image Analysis Methods for Plants

• Epigenomics of Rice Under Iron Ion Stress

• Chromosome Analysis of Intergeneric Hybrids in Brassicaceae Using GISH

• Efficient Shoot Formation in Jojoba Through Tissue Culture