OSHIMA Yoshimi – Bioproduction Research Institute, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Research Task

Plant trait modification through regulation of the cell wall–cuticle continuum formation
Mechanisms of apomictic seed formation and seed longevity
Exploration of useful genes and development of transcription factor–based technologies

Research Keywords

Plants, cuticle, transcriptional regulation, stress tolerance, epidermis, seeds

Application Fields

Biological function utilization, biomanufacturing

Skills

Genetic engineering, genome editing, gene expression analysis, chemical composition analysis, structural analysis, microscopy and imaging

We study how plants accumulate unique lipidic substances—such as waxes and lipid polyesters—and how seed development and longevity are regulated. Based on these insights, we aim to develop technologies that enhance plant stress tolerance, improve agricultural efficiency, and contribute to increased food and biomass production.

Our research particularly focuses on the plant cuticle, which consists of waxes, lipidic polyesters, and polysaccharides. We investigate the transcription factors and transcriptional regulatory networks that control cuticle formation, and explore their applications. Through this work, we aim to develop technologies for increasing valuable lipid production, generating stress-tolerant plants, engineering surface structures, and extending seed longevity.