2023 ■ OUTLINE

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Biological Science

Molecular Genetics
1 . Transcriptional Regulation

2 . Reproductive and Behavioral Biology
3 . Nutritional and Metabolic Genetics

Prof.
NAKAGOSHI Hideki

Prof. ABO Tatsuhiko■ Research Themes
Drosophila/Homeostasis/
Stress response/Metabolism/
Fertility/Sexual behavior■ Research ThemesLife Science/Genetics/Molecularbiology

Assoc. Prof. CHADANI Yuhei■ Research ThemesLife Science/Molecular biology/
Ribosome, translation, nascent
polypeptide

Plant Ecology and Evolution
Why are some species able to cope with environmental changes?
How have organisms responded to environmental change in the past? We areinterested in how plant species cope with and even adapt to environmental
changes such as climate change and land use.
We conduct research using field surveys, common garden experiments,
diversity manipulation experiments, ecological genomics, and ecological nichemodeling, with a particular focus on sources of genetic diversity that enable
rapid evolutionary responses and mechanisms of population maintenancethrough interactions among organisms.

Assoc. Prof. MIMURA Makiko■ Research Themes
Evolutionary ecology/Ecological genetics/
Speciation/Environmental changes

Asst. Prof. NAKAHORI Kiyoshi■ Research Themes
Conservation ecology of Oriental dollarbird(Eurystomus orientalis)

Neural Control of Behavior
I am studying the behavioral control
mechanisms in vertebrates, particularly
focusing on the neuroendocrine regulatory

mechanisms and the mechanisms involved
in sexual differentiation.

Prof. SAKAMOTO Hirotaka■ Research Themes
Neuroendocrinology

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

1

Structural Biology
Proteins are responsible for all life

phenomena. We study protein structures using cryoelectron microscopy and synchrotron radiation

X-rays to understand protein function better. The

knowledge gained will help us to understand proteinfunctions profoundly and to create new catalysts andtechnologies.

Prof. SHEN Jian-Ren■ Research Themes
Photosynthesis/Membrane proteins/Plant
mineral transporter/Structural biology

Prof. SUGA Michihiro

Assoc. Prof. AKITA Fusamichi■ Research Themes
Photosynthesis/Membrane proteins/Plant mineraltransporter/Structural biology

Asst. Prof. NAKAJIMA Yoshiki■ Research Themes
Photosynthesis/Membrane proteins/Plant mineraltransporter/Structural biology■ Research Themes
Photosynthesis/Membrane proteins/Plant
mineral transporter/Structural biology

Asst. Prof. SAITOH Yasunori■ Research Themes
Photosynthesis/Membrane proteins/Plant
mineral transporter/Structural biology

Chemical Correlation and Control

In our laboratory, we are conducting research on a wide range of contents from physiological actions ofhormones to transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes, using mice, rats, chickens, frog, medaka andmudskipper.

Assoc. Prof. AIZAWA Sayaka

Prof. SAKAMOTO Tatsuya■ Research Themes
Hormones/Hormone receptors/Hormone
systems/Endocrinology/Comparative
endocrinology/Evolution

Prof. TAKEUCHI Sakae■ Research Themes
Hormones/Hormone receptors/Hormone
systems/Endocrinology/Comparative
endocrinology/Evolution

2■ Research Themes
Hormones/Hormone receptors/Hormone
systems/Endocrinology/Comparative
endocrinology/Evolution

Asst. Prof. AKIYAMA Tadashi■ Research Themes
Hormones/Hormone receptors/Hormone systems/
Endocrinology/Comparative endocrinology/Evolution

Asst. Prof. OGOSHI Maho

■ Research Themes
Hormones/Hormone receptors/Hormone
systems/Endocrinology/Comparative
Endocrinology/Evolution

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Environmental Biology and Chronobiology
To reveal the principles of animal evolution,

we conduct genome-wide studies using basal animals.

In particular, we focus on unique ecology related toenvironmental adaptation and interactions between
organisms, and aim to elucidate its molecular mechanism.

Prof. YOSHII Taishi■ Research Themes
Chronobiology/Circadian clock/Drosophila melanogaster

Assoc. Prof. HAMADA Mayuko■ Research Themes
Animal evolution/Genome/Symbiosis/
Environmental adaptation

Developmental Biology
We are interested in unraveling the molecular basis of plant growthand development. Our current research is focusing on I. Function of polyamines ingrowth and development II. Molecular mechanism of establishment and maintenanceof shoot epidermis-specific gene expression Urodele
amphibians, such as newts and axolotls, can regenerate their
missing body parts. In contrast, we cannot regenerate "bodyparts". Our ultimate goal is to understand the tricks of theirhigher regeneration ability and to apply their tricks onto higher
vertebrates.

Prof. TAKAHASHI Taku

■ Research ThemesLife Science/Plant molecular biology
and physiology/Genetics/Morphology
and anatomical structure

Assoc. Prof.
MOTOSE Hiroyasu■ Research ThemesLife Science/Cell biology

Assoc. Prof. SATOH Akira■ Research Themes
Limb regeneration/Regeneration
biolog y/Organ regeneration/
FGF signaling/Axolotl

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

3

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Earth Science

Petrology
Rocks record the history from their formation up to the present.
Therefore, by observing and analyzing the rock’s chemical composition
and the types and compositions of the constituent minerals, it is possible
to unravel the history of the rock. Deciphering these past geologicalphenomena can also help us to understand the mechanisms of geologicalphenomena occurring on the Earth today. We are particularly interested in
the formation mechanisms of rocks that make up the ocean floor and plateconvergence zones.

Assoc. Prof. NOZAKA Toshio■ Research Themes
Me ta morp h ic ro c k/Ig n e ou s r ock/
Geology/Crust/Mantle

Assoc. Prof. NAKAMURA Daisuke■ Research Themes
M et am or phi c r ock/Igneous r ock /Geology/Crust/Mantle

Seismology
・Modelling of seismic and tsunami waves
・Study on strong motion

Prof. TAKENAKA Hiroshi■ Research Themes
Computational seismology/
Strong motion/Tsunami

Geoinformatics
One of research theme is to develop models that contributeto the evaluation of earthquake resistance and safety by applying dataon active faults and seismotectonics to long-term and probabilistic
hazard assessment of future earthquakes and simulation of landform
evolution in 100 , 000 -year time scale. We also modeling the dynamics
of the environmental parameters or environmental substances by using
Geoinformatics. For the purpose, AI and Kriging method by Python or R
are combined with GIS applications are employed.

Prof. KUMAMOTO Takashi■ Research Themes
Seismic Hazard assessment/Landform
Evolution Simulation

4

Asst. Prof. YAMAKAWA Junji■ Research Themes
Geostatistics/AI/Kriging/Geographic
Information System (GIS)

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
We investigate structures and properties of materials which

consist of Earth and planetary interiors to clarify phenomena occurringin the Earth and planetary interiors. Planetary interior environments areproduced in the lab using high-pressure devices, such as large-volume
press and diamond anvil cell.

Prof.
URAKAWA Satoru

Prof.
TERASAKI Hidenori■ Research Themes
Earth and planetary
core/Mineral physics/
Amorphous and liquid■ Research Themes
Planetary core/Formationand evolution of the core/Physicalproperties of liquids

Asst. Prof.
Sakurai Moe■ Research Themes
Earth’s mantle/Hydrous
mechanism/Experimental
mineralogy

Geochemistry
A wide variety of research topics, starting from the origin and evolutionof the solar system to modern environmental problems, are being studied by themembers of the geochemistry group. Instruments such as the ICP-OES, ICP-MS,
TIMS are used in combination with the state-of-the-art clean laboratory to obtainhigh-precision data from various planetary and environmental materials including
meteorites, terrestrial rocks and minerals, calcifying organisms such as corals andsea urchins, and river and groundwater. High quality geochemical data are used toinvestigate the processes responsible for the evolution of planets, continental crust,modern and ancient ocean, and the impact of human activities on the environment
such as the effect of ocean acidification on the calcification of marine organisms.

Prof. INOUE Mayuri

Assoc. Prof. YAMASHITA Katsuyuki■ Research Themes
Paleoenvironments/Coral reefs/
Biomineralization■ Research Themes
Meteorites/Continental crust/River water/
Groundwater/Asian dust

Atmospheric Sciences
The global circulation of the atmosphere and local atmosphericphenomena occur through various mechanisms. What factors contributeto climate change from the past to the future, as exemplified by global
warming? In the atmospheric science section, we study the mechanisms
behind extreme weather and climate change by comprehensively utilizing
numerical simulations, observation products, and reanalysis datasets. We
also develop numerical models to understand physical processes andmechanisms of climate change, for more accurate climate predictions.

Prof. NOZAWA Toru

Assoc. Prof. MICHIBATA Takuro■ Research Themes
Atmospheric physics/Climate change/
Global warming/Numerical simulation■ Research Themes
Atmospheric physics/Climate change/
Global warming/Numerical simulation

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

5

Planetary Sciences
My research focuses on the formation and evolutionof the surface environments on terrestrial planets, particularly
the conditions necessary for the formation of habitable planets.
( 1 ) theoretical studies using climate models and atmosphericgeneral circulation models.
( 2 ) observational studies of solar-system bodies using groundbased telescopes and spacecraft.
( 3 ) development of instruments for planetary explorations.

Prof. HASHIMOTO George L.
■ Research Themes
Planetary science

6

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciencesof｜Department
Planetary Materials Science

Analytical Planetary Chemistry
We are exploring the pathway of material evolution over 13 . 8 billion years from the birth of
the universe to the present through comprehensive materials science with analytical chemistry. Throughthe analysis of meteorites and extraterrestrial
materials by sample returns, in addition to terrestrial
volcanic and metamorphic rocks, we are exploring
to understand the origin, evolution, and dynamics
of materials in space and time, in an attempt tounderstand the roots of humankind. The explorationof the origin of life using methods that integrate
inorganic and organic chemistry will continue togrow in the future.

Prof. MAKISHIMA Akio
■ Research Themes
Silicate planets/Origin of elements origin of life andlife-forming materials/Energy storage

Prof. KOBAYASHI Katsura

Assoc. Prof. KUNIHIRO Tak■ Research Themes
Asteroid/The solar nebula

Asst. Prof. POTISZIL CHRISTIAN■ Research Themes
Geochemistry/Petrology/Materials science■ Research Themes
Prebiotic Chemistry/Origin of Life/Organic
Matter/Asteroids/Meteorites

Prof. TANAKA Ryoji

Asst. Prof. KITAGAWA Hiroshi■ Research Themes
Geochemistry/Cosmochemistry/Isotope
geochemistry/Petrology/Astrobiology■ Research Themes
Petrology/Geochemistry/Geochronology/
Analytical chemistry

Experimental Planetary Physics
Phase relations and melting relations of Earth and planetary
materials. Structure, rheology, elastic and electrical properties of Earth’s mantle
and core materials. Element partitioning between mantle minerals and mantle/
core materials.
Combine studies of extraterrestrial and terrestrial materials in terms ofmineralogy, texture, composition, and spectroscopic properties to interpret thecurrent nature and geological history of other solar system bodies, especially
Mars and carbonaceous asteroids.

Prof. YOSHINO Takashi

Asst. Prof. MASHINO Idumi

Assoc. Prof. YAMAZAKI DaisukeProf. XUE Xianyu■ Research Themes
Earth and Planetary Material Sciences/
Mineral physics■ Research ThemesHigh Pressure Earth Science/Mineral
Physics

Assoc. Prof. ISHII Takayuki■ Research Themes
Earth and Planetary Material Sciences/
Mineral physics

Assoc. Prof. MORIGUTI Takuya■ Research Themes
Earth and Planetary Material Sciences/
Mineral physics/Magmalogy■ Research Themes
Earth and Planetary Material Sciences/
Mineral physics■ Research Themes
Mineral physics/Magmalogy/Spectroscopy

Assoc. Prof. YAMASHITA Shigeru■ Research Themes
Petrology/Magmalogy

Assoc. Prof. IZAWA MATTHEW RICHAR■ Research Themes
Astrobiology/Meteorites/Mars/Asteroids/
Remote sensing/Spectroscopy

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

7

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences

Department of｜Ruraland Environmental Sciences

Applied Ecology
In the last few decades, biodiversity loss has been a big issue all over the world. As you know, humanactivities are one of the most primary factors, which modify the natural habitats of animal and plant species, cause
the decline of their population, and sometimes completely make themextinct. To live as a well-behaved passenger on the future earth, we
first need to understand the relationship between biodiversity andhuman activities. In our laboratory, we study for and actually perform
for conservation and appropriate management of biodiversity. And,
we believe these should be done based on accurate knowledge about
biology, ecology, and environmental science. We are targeting various
taxa, such as endangered fishes, invasive crustaceans, and native
herbaceous plants.

Prof. NAKATA Kazuyoshi■ Research Themes
Conservation ecology/Ecology andcivil engineering/Biological invasion/
Aquatic animals/Crustaceans.

Asst. Prof. KATSUHARA Koki

■ Research Themes
Plant ecology/Plant-animal interaction/
Species coexistence/Asian dayflower/
Semi-natural grassland.

Soil Management
Agriculture is responsible for emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide(CO 2 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and methane (CH 4 ). Production of these gases in farmland soil resultsfrom biological processes like organic matter decomposition, nitrification and denitrification, and highly
depends on organic matter inputs. We aim at analyzing
the effects of organic matter amendment on GHGs

emissions. In particular, we are interested in agriculturalsoil amended with livestock compost.

Prof. MAEDA Morihiro■ Research Themes
Greenhouse gases/Nitrogen/Phosphorus/
Sediment/Soil/Organic waste/Water

Agricultural Land Engineering
In today’s global society, where the effects of climate change
are becoming increasingly severe, agricultural land, as a production base,is expected to contribute to mitigation and adaptation for climate change
through rainwater recharge, organic matter conservation, and greenhousegas reduction, while producing food in a sustainable and stable manner.
Therefore, we are conducting research on management methods ofagricultural land through investigation, experimentation, monitoring, andprediction of soil, water, chemicals, and atmospheric environments at multilayered spatial scales from the earth to the arable land.

Prof. MORI Yasushi■ Research Themes
Soil organic matter/Macropore/
Greenhouse gas emission/Infiltration

8

Asst. Prof. TSUJIMOTO Kumiko■ Research Themes
Land -atmosphere interaction/Soilmoisture/Micro-wave remote sensing/
Climate change impact assessment

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Terrestrial Information Management
In recent years global environmental problems such as
desertification, the forest decrease, the degradation of the
farmland have become serious, also in our imminent place, local
environmental problems such as the Satoyama landscape(rurallandscape) have become serious. These environmental problems
have large or small spatial scale, but those are all phenomenon
occuring on the real field, and the thing which can describe suchspatial phenomenon is a map (geography space information).
In our laboratory, we have been trying to analyze various
environmental problems using a digital map and the artificial
satellite image which we can treat with a computer.

Prof. MORITA Hidenori■ Research Themes
Terrestrial Information Management/Land Surveying/
Rural Planning

Irrigation and Drainage
We attempt to solve problems related to water quantity and quality from a plot to watershedscale. Our research focuses on the harmony between

the environment and human activities, such as the
optimal allocation of water quantity (stabilization of foodproduction) in response to global warming and population

growth, and the solution of water environment problems
caused by human activities.

Prof. MOROIZUMI Toshitsugu■ Research Themes

Irrigation and Drainage/Environmental
Meteorology/Soil Hydrology/Watershed
Management

Assoc. Prof. SOMURA Hiroaki■ Research Themes
Irrigation and Drainage/Environmental
Meteorology/Soil Hydrology/Watershed
Management

Catchment Hydrology
Hydrology is the science which deals with water cycle on global orregional scales through observation of hydrological processes and numericalsimulations. To enhance reliability of flood control in river basins, we needhydrological models that can represent the regional hydrological cycle and predictflood discharges accurately. Our laboratory works on developing mathematicalmodels that quantitatively accounts for the water cycle and probability statisticalmodels that express the scale and frequency of hydrological and meteorologicalphenomena for appropriate water management, disaster prevention and mitigation
against floods and impact assessment of climate change on flood/drought damages.

Prof. CHIKAMORI Hidetaka

Assoc. Prof. KUDO Ryoji■ Research Themes
Hydrological cycle/Flood/Drought/
Disaster Risk Reduction■ Research Themes
Hydrological cycle/Flood/Drought/
Disaster Risk Reduction

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

9

Design of Environmental Infrastructures
Design and maintenance of the natural ground andgeo-structures included in the social infrastructures are studied
here. Especially, the water storage facilities as the dams and theheadworks are focused on. Related to the objects, the ways ofthe laboratory and the in-situ tests and the simulation technics aredeveloped.

Prof. NISHIMURA Shinichi■ Research Themes
Geotechnical engineering/Irrigation
and rural engineering

Assoc. Prof. SHUKU Takayuki■ Research Themes
Social Infrastructure (Civil Engineering/Architecture/
Disaster Prevention)/Geotechnical engineering/Dataanalysis/Machine learning

Management of Environmental Infrastructures
The maintenance of damaged irrigation tunnels has become a major social concern; and thus,
evaluating the damage conditions of current tunnels is of crucial importance. Voids behind the tunnel lining
may be created during or after construction by the conventional method, and these voids are the main
factors in its failure. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend
the behaviors of the ground, the tunnel lining and the voids.
This study presents model tests of the interacting behaviors
between the ground and a tunnel lining with voids underloading conditions.

Assoc. Prof. SHIBATA Toshifumi■ Research Themes
Geotechnical engineering/Numericalanalysis

Rural Planning
Rural communities in East Asian countries, including Japan, are currently facing problems
related to the sustainability of the local environment, such as depopulation, ageing, increasing abandoned
farmland, and emerging damage by wildlife. Our laboratory focuses on the planning to solve these
problems, and examines the effects of the planning systems,
how they should be operated, their history and paradigm shifts,
as well as exploring future visions for rural areas by engaging
in planning processes and its implementation at community
scales.

Prof. KUKI Yasuaki■ Research Themes
Rural planning/Community
planning/Damage by wildlife/
Abandoned farmland/Ordinance/
Land use

10

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Material Cycles and Waste Management
To achieve Sustainable Development Goals, it is indispensable

to promote citizens behavior modification and drive social transformation

along the lines with 3 R hierarchy which means Reduce as the 1 st priority

followed by Reuse and Recycle. Our laboratory aims to support sciencebased/data-driven decision making in MSW management planning, establish
good practices on 3 Rs, and expand their actual practices.

Prof. FUJIWARA Takeshi■ Research Themes
Environmental System Engineering/
Waste managment

Asst. Prof. HABUER■ Research Themes
Waste managment/LCA/Material
flow analysis/Environmental impact
assesment

Science for Sustainable Society System
To support rational and effective decision making on municipal solid waste management towardsustainable society, our laboratory aims to accumulate the scientific base by the following research activities:
・Detail survey on municipal solid waste generation, demographics, 3 R behavior, pro-environmental attitudes,
lifestyle, and household expenditure in Japan and Vietnam
・Exploring influence factors and Bayesian modeling of waste generation and 3 R behavior
・Political effect prediction on 3 Rs and reliability verification
・Accuracy improvement on sales prediction of food items by Deep Learning toward food loss reduction

Assoc. Prof. MATSUI Yasuhiro■ Research Themes
Municipal Solid Waste/Food loss frombusiness sectors/Combustion ash from woodbiomass/ 3 Rs/Behavior modification/Behavior
modeling/Bayesian network/Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA)/GIS/Collection and transport

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

11

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Environmental Ecology

Plant Ecology
The stand structure and dynamics of forests are researched todemonstrate the mechanism of regeneration in forests. The eco-physiologicalcharacteristics of invasion, establishment, survival, and growth in relationshipto whole-plant water use and matter production of tree species are analyzed
to determine the strategies of different species. Based on these research
results, an optimal model in the management of forests is constructed for thesustainable conservation of the forests.

Assoc. Prof.
MIYAZAKI Yuko

Prof. MIKI Naoko■ Research Themes
Plant physiological ecology/
Water use characteristics/
Drought stress■ Research Themes
Plant reproductive ecology/
Environmental responses/
Forest dynamics

Forest Ecology
We conduct research at various scales, from genes toentire ecosystems, with the aim of understanding the structure,function, and dynamics of forest ecosystems that provide a variety of
ecosystem services to human society. Special attention is paid to themechanisms of elemental cycles and the role of organisms in elemental
cycles.

Prof. HIROBE MunetoProf. HYODO Fujio■ Research Themes
Elemental cycles/Structure, function,and dynamics of forest ecosystems■ Research Themes
Food web/Isotopes/Feeding habit/Soil
ecology

Environmental Soil Science
In order to develop re-vegetation techniques for forests

after disturbances such as fires or clear-cutting, we study
the change factors that regulate the dynamics of nutrient

mineralization, immobilization, and turnover in the soil-plant
ecosystems. We also study techniques of utilization andrecycling of organic waste as a re-vegetation material.

Prof. SHIMA Kazuto■ Research Themes
Nutrient dynamics in soil-plant
ecosystems

12

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity
Molluscs including shellfish, snails, slugs and so on are avery diversified animal group and consist of more than 80 , 000 Recent
species in the world, but their taxonomy and recognition of species arestill poorly understood. For example, Turbo sazae is one of the mostwell-known marine snails in Japan since ancient age, but neverthelessthe species has long been misidentified with Turbo cornutus, a species
endemic to China, until recently and documented to be unnamed in2017 . Another edible species Tegula kusairo exhibited the similar caseand it was described as a new species
in 2020 . Furthermore, many species
Assoc. Prof.
become extinct or critically endangered
FUKUDA Hiroshi
by artificial environmental changes
before recognizing their presences by■ Research Themes
human beings. The alpha-taxonomy of
Taxonomy/Systematics/
this group is thus highly important andMalacology/Biodiversity/
an urgent matter in terms of biodiversity
Conservation biology
conservation.

Evolutionary Ecology
Using several insects, we are conducting researches forevolution and ecology. Specifically, we focus on reproductive behavior,learning behavior and life history, and analyze them to clarify theiradaptive significance. We are also analyzing the physiological mechanisms
gene expression that control these behavioral traits for understanding
their proximate factors. In addition, we will apply the experimental results
as above to the development of technology for pest control methods andare attempting to expand our research into applied researches.

Assoc. Prof. OKADA Kensuke■ Research Themes
Ecology

Insect Ecology
We research behavior, ecology and evolution mainly using

insects. Research topics are the evolutionary process from the view pointof natural selection and/or sexual selection, environmental effects on traits

in animals, life-history evolution, and applied entomology in evolutionary
biology.

Prof. MIYATAKE Takahisa

Asst. Prof. FUJIOKA Haruna■ Research Themes
Evolutionary biology/Animal behavior/
Entomology/Ethology/Chronobiology/
Beetle/Fly/Ant■ Research Themes
Evolutionary biology/Animal behavior/
Entomology/Ethology/Chronobiology/
Beetle/Fly/Ant

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

13

Resources Management
The effective and sustainable management methodof local resources is studied in a viewpoint of social
science.

Assoc. Prof. DATAI Hisashi■ Research Themes
Resource Managements/Agricultural
Economics

Bioproduction Systems Engineering
In our laboratory, we are conducting research on agricultural robots
that contribute to automation and labor saving in biological production, plantfactories that propose new farming methods in an optimal environment basedon biological measurements, and smart agriculture that navigates agriculture
based on big data such as farm environment and yields, all based on a systems
engineering approach, in preparation for the serious labor shortage and otheragricultural problems our country will face in the near future. We are also
conducting research on smart agriculture, which navigates agriculture basedon big data such as the farm environment and yields.

Prof. MONTA Mitsuji

Assoc. Prof. NAMBA Kazuhiko■ Research Themes
Agricultural Engineering/Agricultural
Machinery■ Research Themes
Agricultural Engineering/Agricultural
Machinery

Food and Environmental Policy
Toward the "Asian Ways" of Sustainable Development: Viewing Our
Food and Environment from Social, Political, and Economic Perspectives
Social sciences and humanities (SSH) can contribute to solving food andenvironmental problems. We are especially employing area studies/politicaland economic perspectives to broadly re-examine these issues in Asia, suchas agriculture, resource industries, environmental policies, community-based
development, disaster management, etc. The 21 st century is believed to be the
Asian century. The future of our world thus largely rests on how Asia commits tosustainability. Based on domestic, foreign, and international research from Asiaand other regions, we wish to examine changes in human–nature relationships andthe balance between development and the environment.

Prof. UBUKATA Fumikazu■ Research Themes
Development studies/Environmental
studies/Policy/Asia/Area studies/
Social sciences and Humanities (SSH)

14

Assoc. Prof. OHNAKA Katsutoshi■ Research Themes
Food security/Development andenvironment/Policy/Asia/Area studies/
Social sciences and Humanities (SSH)

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINEInternational Rural Studies
Based on field surveys in Asia, we examine relationships

between rural development and the environment in contemporary

globalized societies. We also explore how we can redirect ourselves
toward "sustainable development" from the perspective of local
communities.

Prof. KIM Doo-Chul

Assoc. Prof. HONDA Yasuko■ Research Themes
Rural Geography/Environmental
Geography■ Research Themes
Rural Sociology/Environmental Sociology

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

15

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciencesof｜Department
Agricultural and Biological Chemistry

Applied Natural Product Chemistry
Our research targets are biologically active natural organic compounds. Using synthetic organic
chemistry, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of activity expression and structure-activity relationship ofphysiologically active substances, and to apply them to agricultural chemicals and medicines.
Overview: Synthesis and activity evaluation of natural organic compounds
and analogues, Elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of physiologically active
substances, Application of biocatalysts (microorganisms and enzymes) to organic
synthesis, Development of useful organic reactions
Target: antibiotics, plant pathogenic toxins, plant hormones, anorexia, insect
attractants; repellents, aroma substances
Development: anticancer agents, antitumor agents, antiviral agents (influenza,novel coronavirus, HIV), herbicides, antibiotics, insecticides, perfumeries

Prof. KIYOTA Hiromasa■ Research Themes
Organic synthesis/Natural
product chemistry/Medicinal
chemistry/Pesticide chemistryProf. IZUMI Minoru■ Research Themes
Glycotechnology/
Chemical Biology

Chemistry of Bioactive Compounds
Search for bioactive organic compounds produced by microorganisms and plants, i.e., highlyfunctionalized compounds, and study on microbial conversion of these highly-functionalized compounds
from low-functional compounds.

Prof.
KANZAKI Hiroshi

Prof.
NITODA Teruhiko■ Research Themes
Applied Microbiology/Natural
Products/Chemistry/Enzyme
Chemistry■ Research Themes
Applied Microbiology/Natural
Products/Chemistry/Enzyme
Chemistry

Food Biochemistry
The values of foods are defined by three categories:

nutritional function, sensory function, and health-maintenancefunction. Our research has been focused on health promotion anddisease prevention.

Prof. NAKAMURA Yoshimasa■ Research Themes
Food Chemical Biology (Biologicaland physiological functions of food
phytochemicals)/Functional Mechanism
and Bioavailability of Food Factors

16

Assoc. Prof. NAKAMURA Toshiyuki■ Research Themes
Food Chemical Biology (Biologicaland physiological functions of food
phytochemicals)/Functional Mechanism
and Bioavailability of Food Factors

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Chemistry of Bio-signalling
In particular, our research focuses on stress signaling regulating stomatal
movement. Stomatal pores, which are formed by pairs of guard cells in the epidermis
especially of leaves, regulate gas exchange for photosynthesis and transpirational
water loss. Guard cells can perceive various stimuli such as light, CO 2 , pathogen
infection, and various phytohormones such as abscisic acid, then transducing the
inputs to a change in stomatal aperture. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we aim toreveal the detailed mechanisms of signaling cascading from stress sensing to stomatal
aperture regulation in guard cells. We also study the basic mechanisms of heavy
metal and salt stress responses in plants using model plants as well as cultured cells.
Our research advance will contribute to develop new technologies that improve crop
productivity and safety.

Prof. MURATA Yoshiyuki■ Research Themes
Plant physiology/Molecular biology/
Electrophysiology/Agricultural andbiological chemistry

Assoc. Prof. MUNEMASA Shintaro■ Research Themes
Plant physiology/Molecular biology/
Electrophysiology/Agricultural and biologicalchemistry

Microbiological Chemistry
We are conducting research to elucidate the metabolic
functions of microorganisms and others so as to apply them to solving
environmental problems and producing useful materials. We are
pioneering a new field of bioinorganic chemistry that elucidates theinteraction between proteins and minerals at the molecular level, suchas microorganisms that breathe iron, marine organisms that produce
magnetite, and catalytic mechanisms of metalloenzymes. In ourlaboratory, we are promoting interdisciplinary education and researchthat incorporates information systems such as machine learning andcomputational chemistry into general-purpose experimental methods
such as genetic engineering, protein engineering, genome editing, and RNA engineering.

Prof.
TAMURA Takashi

Prof.
KANAO Tadayoshi■ Research Themes
Biofuel hydrogen/Chemoautotrophic
bacteria/Biomineralization■ Research Themes
Applied microbiology/
Acidophilic bacteria/
Iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

Assoc. Prof.
NEMOTO Michiko■ Research Themes
Biomineralization/Omics

Cellular Systems Chemistry
Investigate cellular systems biology from the perspective ofagricultural chemistry. 1 ) Understand the makeup of yeast cells, which areapplied microorganisms, as a system and connect it to applications suchas substance production. 2 ) Clarify the function of glycans that control thecoordination of cellular systems and apply it.

Prof. MORIYA Hisao

Assoc. Prof. MAEDA Megumi■ Research Themes
Eukaryotes/Systems Biology/
Applied Microbiology■ Research Themes
Eukaryotes/Functional Glycobiochemistry/
Immunology

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

17

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Plant Stress Science

Plant Genetics and Physiology
Our life on earth cannot continue without the atmosphericenvironment, which is maintained by oxygenic photosynthesis. Plants
perform photosynthesis in chloroplasts, where light energy is converted
into chemical energy by a series of electrochemical reactions. In contrast,
land plants are exposed incessantly to excess light energy or harshatmospheric environments that engender ‘photodamage’. How do plants
cope with such photosynthetic inactivation? What are the key elements
to maintaining or even maximizing chloroplast functions? Our groupstudies various aspects of chloroplast development and photosynthesis.
By understanding the factors involved in photoprotection and chloroplast
function, we aim to improve crop productivity against atmospheric stressover the long term.

Prof. SAKAMOTO Wataru■ Research Themes
Chloroplast/Photosynthesis

Assoc. Prof. MATSUSHIMA Ryo■ Research Themes
Amyloplast/Starch biosynthesis

Asst. Prof. OZAWA Shin-Ichiro■ Research Themes
Light-harvesting complex/Protein
structural biology

Asst. Prof. OKEGAWA Yuki
■ Research Themes
Photosynthetic electron transport/
Redox regulation

Signaling Mechanisms
Did you know that plants, despite being rooted in one spot, are actually quite
adaptable to changes in their environment? It’s fascinating to think about how they sense
and respond to these changes without having a nervous system or brain like animals
do. This is a question that scientists are still trying to answer. Our research group is
specifically investigating how plants integrate and analyze environmental information,even at the tissue level, to determine the best response as individuals. We’re focusing onplant hormone responses and chromatin regulation, using techniques like physiologicaland molecular biology, as well as molecular genetics. Our ultimate goal is to apply thisknowledge to develop stress-tolerant crops that can thrive even in challenging conditions.
By understanding how plants handle environmental stress, we can help create a moresustainable and resilient food supply for the future.

Prof.
HIRAYAMA Takashi■ Research Themes
Environmental
response mechanism of plants/
Plant molecular genetics/Model
plants/Epigenetics/Stomatal
movement /Integration ofenvironmental stimuli in plants

18

Assoc. Prof.
MORI Izumi■ Research Themes
Environmental
response mechanism of plants/
Plant molecular genetics/Model
plants/Epigenetics/Stomatal
movement /Integration ofenvironmental stimuli in plants

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Assoc. Prof.
IKEDA Yoko

■ Research Themes
Environmental
response mechanism of plants/
Plant molecular genetics/Model
plants/Epigenetics/Stomatal
movement /Integration ofenvironmental stimuli in plants

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Plant Cytomolecular Biochemistry
Plants are sensitive to various environmental stimuli.
They respond to physical, chemical, and biological stress factors.
Consequently, plants can undergo changes in their development,
morphology, and physiology during their life cycle. We have usedbiochemical and molecular biological techniques to elucidate thefunctions of enzymes, proteins, and gene regulating factors, which
are all related to stress tolerance mechanisms of plant cells underenvironmental stress conditions. Through our research, we aim
at developing plants that can adapt well to adverse and extreme
environments to resolve difficulties such as food shortages andenvironmental degradation.

Assoc. Prof.
SUGIMOTO Manabu■ Research Themes
Environental Stress
Biochemistry

Asst. Prof.
RIKIISHI Kazuhide■ Research Themes
Plant Molecular
Genetics

Plant Stress Responses
Since plants cannot move, they must cope with various
environmental stresses. In our group, we are focusing on "mineral stress"
including deficiency of essential nutrients or excess of toxic and essential
elements. We are working on the identification of transporters involved in the
uptake, root-to-shoot translocation, and distribution/redistribution of different
mineral elements mainly in rice, and on the regulatory mechanisms of thesetransporters in response to environmental changes. Our goal is to improve theproductivity and safety of crops through the manipulation of transporters.
Prof.
MA Jian Feng

Assoc. Prof.
YAMAJI Naoki

Assoc. Prof.
MITANI Namiki■ Research Themes
Plant stress/Mineraltransport/Transporters■ Research Themes
Plant stress/Mineraltransport/Transporters■ Research Themes
Plant stress/Mineraltransport/Transporters

Plant Molecular Physiology
Our research has been focusing on the molecular, cellular,

and physiological response and adaptation mechanisms of plants underenvironmental stresses. We report ion conduction in the plasma membrane
and water conducting aquaporins in the tonoplast. We also report therelationship of transport function and structure regarding guard-cell-type
ALMT family malate transporters.

Prof.
KATSUHARA Maki
■ Research Themes
Ion transport/Watertransport/Root/Salt
stress

Assoc. Prof.
SASAKI Takayuki■ Research Themes
Acid-soil stress/Aluminum
tolerance/Malatetransporter/Stomatal closure

Asst. Prof.
UTSUGI Shigeko■ Research ThemesDrought stress/Aquaporin/Water transport/SeedGRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

19

Molecular Virology
Plant growth is influenced by various microorganisms including

both beneficial and harmful ones. Among them are plant-infecting viruses thatcause serious damage to crops and mycoviruses infecting phytopathogenic

fungi that serve as biocontrol (virocontrol agents). Also, an increasing numberof bacteria and fungi mutualistic to plants that enhance plant growth andstress tolerance. This group is mainly engaged in the three projects below.

Prof.
SUZUKI Nobuhiro■ Research Themes
Virus/Phytopathogenic
fungi/Plant Disease/Plant-Microbe
I nteractio ns/Plant Patholog y/
Biological Control

Assoc. Prof.
HYODO Kiwamu

Assoc. Prof.
KONDO Hideki■ Research Themes
Virus/Phytopathogenic
fungi/Plant Disease/Plant-Microbe
I nteractio ns/Plant Patholog y/
Biological Control■ Research Themes
Virus/Phytopathogenic
fungi/Plant Disease/Plant-Microbe
I nteractio ns/Plant Patholog y/
Biological Control

Plant-Insect Interactions
Establishment of effective plant defense systems against herbivores innatural history reflects the existence of extremely variable interactions
between plants and insects, also known as co-evolution process. Our groupstrives to understand, at a molecular level, the mechanisms of activation,
signal transduction and metabolic basics of plant defenses triggered after
the recognition of insect attack. Furthermore, we target sustainable pest
control by the use of natural enemies and their attraction to herbivoreinfested plants by the emissions of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from plants.

Prof. GALIS Ivan

Assoc. Prof. SHINYA Tomonori■ Research Themes
Plant-insect interactions/Plant defense
mechanisms/Chemical ecology/Herbivore■ Research Themes
Plant-insect interactions/Plant immunity/
Biofunctional molecules

Plant-Environmental Microbiology
By understanding the ecology of Methylobacterium species,

which utilize methanol released by plants and dominate on leaves, wewill apply their function as growth-promoting bacteria to agriculture. We
are also analyzing the rhizosphere microbial community structure in crop
ecosystems. On the other hand, we are trying to uncover the mechanism ofgrowth and mortality of bloom-forming phytoplankton, which cause damage
to fisheries, by focusing on symbiotic bacteria.

Assoc. Prof. TANI Akio
■ Research Themes
Plant growth promoting bacteria/
Methylotrophs/Lanthanides

20

Assoc. Prof. UEKI Shoko■ Research Themes
Bloom-forming phytoplankton/Marine
bacteria

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Rice is the world’s most important crop, and improving rice is an important research challenge.
Our ultimate goal is to design new rice varieties that exhibit resilienceagainst abiotic stresses while augmenting essential agronomic traits.
To achieve this ambitious goal, we investigate immunoreceptors andthe small G protein OsRac 1 , both of which play pivotal roles in rice
immunity. We firmly believe that we can successfully engineer a robust
rice immune system by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of
the functions performed by immunoreceptors and OsRac 1 .

Prof.
KAWANO Youji■ Research Themes
Rice/Immunity/NLR

Asst. Prof.
FUKADA Fumi
■ Research Themes
Plant pathology, Plantmicrobe interaction

Plant Functional Genomics
Barley, the fourth most important cereal crop in the world, typically has seeds with adhered
hulls. This hulled seed trait is suitable for breweries. Some naked seed mutants with easily separable hulls
were generated through spontaneous mutation. They are suitable for food usage. We have revealed thatbarley awns and spike hulls are photosynthetically active. Our current research specifically examines
molecular identification and characterization of beneficial genes controlling ( 1 ) seed morphology
and quality, including water soluble healthy dietary fiber, and ( 2 )photosynthetic contribution of awns and hulls by using mutants. We
seek application of our basic findings to practical breeding.

Prof. TAKETA Shin
■ Research Themes
Barley/Seed/Gene hunting/Plant molecular genetics/
Plant physiology

Asst. Prof. Dr.
YAMASHITA Jun■ Research Themes
Wild plant/Database/Evolution/Adaptation/
Resources

Plant Diversity Analysis
We conserve and evaluate barley genetic resources(varieties and lines) collected from all over the world. These
genetic resources vary in characteristics depending on thelocation of collection and purpose of use, for example, there areregional differences in vernalization requirements (the degree of
low-temperature exposure required for flowering).
Based on our evaluation of genetic resources, we carry out genetic analysis, gene isolation, and functional
analysis of stress tolerance, such as grain dormancy and disease resistance, for application use.

Prof.
SATO Kazuhiro■ Research Themes
Plant breeding/Barleygenetic resources/Genome analysis

Assoc. Prof.
SAISHO Daisuke■ Research Themes
Plant breeding/Plant
Molecular genetics/
Population genetics/Barley

Assoc. Prof.
HISANO Hiroshi■ Research Themes
Plant molecular breeding/Plant genetic resources/Barley

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

21

Integrated Genomic Breeding
Exploring and utilization of useful traits from diverse rice genetic resources
Rice is cultivated all around the world and shows numerous morphological andphysiological differences in the form of phenotypic variations. Some of these variations
have been used as genetic resources to improve rice plants so that they better satisfy
human needs. Phenotypic variations are considered to be genetically controlled by thecollective function of a large number of genes on rice genomes However, the genetic
bases and biological functions of most of them are still unknown, which has prevented
us from wider practical application of rice germplasms. We exploit useful phenotypicvariations from a wide range of rice germplasms and clarify the genes involved withbiological functions by aid of recent advances in genome information and technology.
Also, we try to develop new breeding materials and propose more effective breeding
methodologies.

Prof.
YAMAMOTO Toshio■ Research Themes
Crop breeding/Genome/
Chromosome/Polyploidy/Bioinformatics

22

Assoc. Prof.
NAGAKI Kiyotaka■ Research Themes
Crop breeding/Genome/
Chromosome/Polyploidy/Bioinformatics

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Asst. Prof.
FURUTA Tomoyuki■ Research Themes
Crop breeding/Genome/
Chromosome/Polyploidy/Bioinformatics

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Applied Plant Science

Genetic Engineering
Understanding the pathogenicity of plant pathogens and elucidating plant defense mechanisms

against plant pathogens is essential for plant disease control. Our research is focused on elucidating thepathogenicity of plant pathogens

and plant resistance mechanisms
at the genetic level using molecular
genetic methods, with a view to theirapplication in disease control.

Prof. ICHINOSE Yuki

Assoc. Prof. MATSUI Hidenori■ Research Themes
Pathogenicity of phytopathogenic
bacteria/Virulence factor■ Research Themes
Pathogenicity of phytopathogenic bacteria/
Virulence factor

Plant Genome Dynamics Analysis
Our laboratory conducts genetic and breeding research on sweetpotato. Using a Next
Generation Sequencer (hereinafter referred to as NGS) that outputs a huge amount of DNA sequencedata, we are working on the development of DNA markers and gene identification related to important
agricultural traits such as disease and pest resistance and yield. We are also conducting gene expression
analysis (Iso-Seq, RNA-seq analysis, etc.) to elucidate the mechanism of disease resistance, and also
developing novel genotyping systems applicable to polyplpoid crop species.

Assoc. Prof. MONDEN Yuki

■ Research Themes
Sweetpotato/Plant breeding and genetics/
Genetic analysis/NGS/Poyploid/Cultivar
discrimination/DNA marker

Plant Pathology
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that over
850 million people face insufficient access to food, and an estimated 24 , 000
people succumb to hunger daily. Given that plant diseases cause annual yield
losses of up to 20 % in food and cash crops, continuous improvement andadvancement of pest management systems is essential to sustainably feed agrowing world population. To achieve this goal, we focus on elucidating themolecular mechanisms that govern plant immunity and pathogen virulence, andon innovating new technologies to control plant diseases.

Prof. TOYODA Kazuhiro■ Research Themes
Plant pathology/Molecular plant
pathology/Plant-microbe interactions

Prof. NOUTOSHI Yoshiteru■ Research Themes
Plant pathology/Plant immunity/Plant chemical
biology/Infection strategy of filamentous plant
pathogen/Plant defense activators/Biocontrol

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

23

Plant Genetics and Breeding
Molecular genetic study on diversity of crops and their wild relatives and its
application to breeding

Prof. Dr. NISHIDA Hidetaka■ Research Themes
Plant breeding
Studies on genetic diversity andagronomic traits in crop genetic
resources including wheat, anddevelopment of DNA markers available
for marker-assisted selection

Asst. Prof. Dr. NISHIMURA Kazusa■ Research Themes
Plant breeding
Identification of useful genes in crops,
especially wheat and barley.
Development of rapid genotyping methods,
and cultivar identification methods.

Postharvest and Crop Application
Our main research topics are postharvest biology

and crop trait designing, based on interdisciplinary approaches
integrating agricultural science, plant genetics, evolutionary
biology, bioinformatics, and/or recent advanced information science
including AI-techs. We mainly target reproductive traits, such as fruitor flowers, in horticultural crops.

Prof. AKAGI Takashi■ Research Themes
Horticulture/Plant reproduction/Genome
evolution/Plant sex determination/AI
techniques/Bioinformatics

Postharvest Physiology
We focus on a molecular understanding of fruit ripening and senescence
using the omics approach, gene engineering and genetic analysis in fruit,
vegetables and flowers. Based on the basic understanding, we developfunctional technology to improve quality and to reduce postharvest lossof horticultural crops, which are useful in both developed and developing
countries.

Prof. USHIJIMA Koichiro■ Research Themes
Molecular Physiology/Plant Genetics

24

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Control of Flowering
Studies on flowering control and optimization of waterand nutrient management in horticultural crops

Prof. GOTO Tanjuro■ Research Themes
Root restriction/High temperature/
Physiological disorder/Xvase life of cut
flower/Flowering control/Edible flower

Plant Production Science
Development and systematization of
production technology for crop cultivation

based on improvement of productivity andenvironment conservation
過繁茂する雑草の防除

Assoc. Prof.
NAKASHIMA Yoshitaka■ Research Themes
Weed Science Establishment of an appropriate
management system for weed vegetation andits effective use for environmental protection

Assoc. Prof. TANAKA Yu■ Research Themes
Crop Science

Pomology
Okayama prefecture, known as a "Fruit Kingdom", is famous for the production of high-quality fruit, mainly
peaches and grapes. One of the aims of our laboratory is to establish new resolution and cultivation methods toimprove the productivity and quality of peaches and grapes.
We also attempt to elucidate the physiological and genetic
mechanisms regulating important agronomic traits, such as
fruit development, ripening, texture, and inner disorder, by
combining field-based experiments and molecular biologicalapproaches.

Prof.
FUKUDA Fumio■ Research Themes
Peach/Grape/Fruitdevelopment/Fruit ripening/
Fruit quality/Inner disorder/
Nondestructive evaluation/Postharvest
storage/Cultivation method/Eyetracking/Smart agriculture

Assoc. Prof.
HIRANO Ken■ Research Themes
Grape/Fruit development/
Fruit ripening/Fruit quality/
Seedlessness/Parthenocarpy/Plant
growth regulator/Aroma component

Assoc. Prof.
KAWAI Takashi■ Research Themes
Peach/Fruit development/
Fruit ripening/Fruit quality/
Inner disorder/Nondestructive
evaluation/Postharvest storage/
Softening trait/Genetic analysis/ 3 Dpoint cloud analysis

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

25

Vegetable Crop Science
Investigation of physiological characteristics related to vegetableproduction and development of production systems
We are conducting research on vegetable production, such as tomatoes and strawberries,
from the perspective of how the growing environment affects crop quality, yield and otheragricultural traits. Recently, we especially focus on efficient environmental control ingreenhouse cultivation and pollination control in strawberry production.
Another research theme is the use of the flowering hormone (florigen) in vegetable production
and breeding. We are conducting basic research and developing technologies to efficiently
deliver florigen using grafting for cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and radish.
We are also carrying out various other studies on vegetables, such as the evaluation of quality characteristics of
traditional vegetables, the development of efficient watering technology in cucumber cultivation, and the developmentof vapor pressure deficit (VPD) control methods in the cultivation of melons and eggplants.

Prof. YASUBA Ken-ichiro■ Research Themes
Vegetable crop science/Agricultural
information science

Asst. Prof. MOTOKI Ko■ Research Themes
Vegetable crop science

Crop Science
Environmental destruction is progressing now at an
unprecedented scale, in the form of global warming andaccompanying desertification, salt accumulation in soil,
depletion of water resources, and so on. On the other hand,
the human population continues to increase, and there isstrong demand for expansion of food production. Therefore, in
addition to improving the grain yield in arable land suitable forcultivation, production of agricultural crops is necessary even in inadequate lands affected by water shortage, salt
accumulation etc. In this field we conduct physiological and ecological research and education concerning various
crops for the purpose of improving crop production under defective environmental conditions.

26

Prof. HIRAI YoshihikoAsst. Prof. TOMITA Asami■ Research Themes
Crop science■ Research Themes
Crop science/Plant breeding

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Earth, Environmental andLife Sciences｜Department of Applied Animal Science

Reproductive Physiology
We investigate the reproductive mechanisms of mammals, particularly

the functions of the ovary, oviduct, and uterus, aiming contribution to theefficient production of livestock animals and human reproductive medicine.

Prof. KIMURA Koji

Asso.Prof. KAWANO Kohei■ Research Themes
Reproductive Physiology/Endocrinology/
Cell Physiolo■ Research Themes
Reproductive Physiology/Endocrinology/
Cell Physiolo

Animal Development and Reproductive Biotechnology
We are developing new more effective IVF systems
and micromanipulation techniques for gametes in mammals
including humans. Through these technological developments,
we are also undertaking basic studies to make clear thesystems of gamete (oocytes and spermatozoa) formation,
fertilization and early development, as well as applied studies
to improve the efficiency in the production of more value-added
useful animals. The details are as follows.

Prof. FUNAHASHI Hiroaki■ Research Themes
Reproductive biology/Oocyte
maturation/Sperm capacitation/In
vitro embryo production/Mitochondrial
quality control

Assoc. Prof. WAKAI Takuya■ Research Themes
Reproductive biology/Oocyte
maturation/Sperm capacitation/In
vitro embryo production/Mitochondrial
quality control

Animal Physiology
To obtain the knowledge for homeostasis system by elucidating pathogenesis andimmune system using chicken and parasite as an experimental model. Also, exploration of beneficial
microorganisms, feed crops, nutrients etc. that have protective
effects against infectious diseases or effects of symptom
alleviation, and vaccine development for livestock.

Prof. HATABU Toshimitsu■ Research Themes
Host-Parasite relationship/Probiotics/Avian
coccidiosis/Vaccine development

Asst. Prof. KATSUMATA Sachi■ Research Themes
Animal Nutrition and Physiology

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

27

Animal Breeding and Genetics
The aim of animal breeding and genetics is to investigate invisible genetic events using
statistical and molecular genetics analysis. Then we can understand the genetic structure of a populationand the genetic features of an animal, which is useful for designing an optimum breeding program. In
particular, we are interested in genetic evaluation using
genomic information and the genetic diversity in the animal
population. Through our research activity, young scientists
are encouraged to acquire the necessary knowledge andtechniques to pursue scientific careers in quantitative
genetics in the post-genome era.

Assoc. Prof. IBI Takayuki■ Research Themes
Animal Breeding

Applied Animal Genetics
Our lab investigates the genetic factors underlying
human and animal diseases by analyzing genes
responsible for hereditary diseases in experimental
animals and livestock. We mainly focus on the functionsof genes involved in reproductive function and bone
growth by utilizing mutant mice and geneticallymodified mice/rats through genome editing. For
industrial animals, we explore favorable and unfavorable genetic variants and evaluate genetic diversity
from genome sequences, with the aim of utilizing these genetic characteristics.

Prof. TSUJI Takehito■ Research Themes
Animal genetics/Genome/Genetic
disease/Mouse/Cattle

Asst. Prof. NAGAE Mayuko■ Research Themes
Reproductive biology/Reproductive
endocrinology/Developmental engineering/
Animal genetics/Genetic diseases/Mouse/Rat

Animal Applied Microbiology
It has become clear that gut microbiota (microflora) changes dependingon the food components ingested by humans and their lifestyle, and that differences
and changes in the microflora affect human health and disease. Morita group
analyzes the gut microbiota of humans and animals, and tries elucidating thefunctions of the microbiota.
In Arakawa group, roles and application of beneficial microorganisms, mainly
lactic acid bacteria, for processing and preservation of milk and egg products areresearched. In particular, it is aimed to create novel safe and high quality milk andegg products using functional substances from and fermentation techniques withlactic acid bacteria.
In addition, both groups also carry out whole-genome analysis of intestinal bacteria,bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria radically to understand them.

28

Prof. MORITA Hidetoshi

Assoc. Prof. ARAKAWA Kensuke■ Research Themes
Gut microbiota/Bacterial genome/
Probiotics■ Research Themes
Milk and egg science/Lactic acid bacteria/
Food microbiology

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Animal Nutrition
Nutrition is the study of a series of biological processes
necessary for life. The goal of nutrition study is toimprove human health and quality of life. Animal nutrition
is a field that has been expanded to include animals. In
our laboratory, we are doing research using a varietyof animals, i.e., model animals, food-producing animals(livestock), wild animals, and companion animals.
The research using model animals aims to clarify
biochemical and physiological mechanisms associatedwith nutrition and metabolism. The members working
on the projects use model animals and cultured cells
for functional analyses of food. Several students workon food processing and its control. They are examining
the characteristics of microorganisms involved infermentation to improve the safety and value of food and feed. Our goal is to solve problems in theindustries, clarify the functions of food and feed, and achieve technological innovation related to nutrition,
metabolism, and health.

Prof. NISHINO Naoki■ Research Themes
Nutrition/food/Hygiene/Management/
Farm animal/Wild animal/Companion
animalAssoc. Prof.
TSURUTA Takeshi■ Research Themes
Food Immunology/Functional Food
Science

Assisted Reproductive Technology
Our assisted reproductive medicine unit was established in 2018 . We focus onvarious methods of assisted reproductive technology including in vitro maturation(IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), thecryopreservation of embryos, oocytes and sperm, and embryo selection. At thesame time, we also aim to achieve a greater understanding of certain unknown
mechanisms of meiosis, fertilization and embryo development in human.

Assoc. Prof. OTSUKI Junko

Asst. Prof. TASAKI Hidetaka■ Research Themes
Basic and applied research on assisted
reproductive technologies■ Research Themes
Basic and applied research on assisted
reproductive technologies

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

29