SEEDS
Collection of Research SEEDS in Okayama University−Woman Tenure Track version−

Chair’s message

Chair of the Organization for Diversity Management,
Director and Vice-president of Okayama University

Hirofumi Abe, Ph.D.

Okayama University devised the fundamental policy for promotion ofgender equality that specified the first 5 months of the 2011 academic
year as the planned period of implementation. The Office for the
Promotion of Gender Equality took the initiative in facilitating the
Woman Tenure-Track (WTT) system and promoted the employment of
women faculty while striving to create a conducive work environment
for everyone through activities concerning heightening diversitya w a r e n e s s a n d p u b l i c r e l a t i o n s . We w e l c o m e d t h e f i r s t g r o u p o f
women faculty through the WTT system in 2010. Since then, out of 16
women faculty who had been hired over the 5 terms, 7 women faculty
successfully achieved tenure in the terms, I and II, respectively. Thanks
to the tireless efforts of our women faculty and everyone involved insupporting the system, our administrators are very proud of the factthat our WTT system has gathered attention throughout the nation for
its steady progress. Although this women friendly system is becoming
established at our institution, there is still a long way toward achieving
gender equality in Japanese academia. While the goal outlined in thefundamental policy for promotion of gender equality aims to raise theratio of women faculty in natural science to 20% by the year 2018, as of
May 1, 2014, women faculty across Japan remain to be only 15% of all
faculty. When we received the funding for the Super Global Universities
program, Okayama University established the 10 year goal of raising theratio of women faculty to 25% by the year 2023. Thus, it is imperativethat we continue to heighten our faculty’s diversity awareness andengage in public relations activities. In order to achieve this ambitiousgoal, we earnestly hope that our WTT faculty would produce remarkable
results in their research fields and become the leaders and role models
for enhancing diversity at Okayama University. I sincerely ask for eachand every one of the involved parties for their continued understanding
and unwavering support for the WWT system.
March 20152

IndexResearch topic
Study on photosynthesis
Miho Nishimura

4

Physical property control of inorganic and organic thin films byelectrostatic carrier doping
Ritsuko Eguchi

6

Exploring the physiology of the novel adrenomedullin hormones invertebrates
Maho Ogoshi

8

Effect of cancer on the intestinal tract and immune system
Junko Masuda

10

Study of global environmental changes using hermatypic corals
Mayuri Inoue

12

Investigation of the effect and mechanism of action of aromatherapy
on respiratory tract inflammation in patients with bronchial asthma
Tomoe Ueno-Iio

14

Immune regulating effects in humans of antigenic N-linked glycans
expressed in plant glycoproteins
Megumi Maeda

16

Will the appearance of forest ecosystems change with global
environmental changes?
−Evaluation based on breeding characteristics of trees−
Yuko Miyazaki

18

Genetic analysis of agricultural crop species using transposons andnext-generation sequencing
Yuki Monden

20

Local regulation mechanisms of oviductal function in mammals
Yuki Yamamoto

22“Material cycle-ecosystem interactions” driven by freshwater transport
Mitsuyo Saito

24

A study on the function and localization of vesicular transmittertransporters
Miki Hiasa

26

Regulation mechanisms for the expression of Si transporters in rice
Namiki Mitani-Ueno

28

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression in plants
Yoko Ikeda

30

What is the Woman-Tenure-Track (WTT) Teacher System?

32

WTT Teachers as Mothers

33

3Research topic

Study on photosynthesis

Miho Nishimura［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology (Science)［Position］

Assistant professor［e-mail］

yoshi-m3@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Molecular mechanism ofphotosynthesis

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2007 Completed Biology Major, Graduate
School of Natural Science and Technology,
Okayama University (MC)◆ April 2008 Research Fellowship (DC2), Japan
Society for the Promotion of Science◆ March 2010 Completed Bioscience major,
Graduate School of Natural Science andTechnology, Okayama University (DC)◆ April 2010 Assistant professor of Bioscience(adjunct), Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology, Okayama University◆ April 2013 Assistant professor of Bioscience,
Graduate School of Natural Science【Academic degree】Ph.D. (Science), Okayama
University, 2010

Key words
photosynthesis, plants, environmental stress, global warming

Publications① Yoshioka M., Uchida S., Mori H., Komayama K., Ohira S., Morita N., Nakanishi T. and Yamamoto Y.:
Quality control of Photosystem II: cleavage of reaction center D1 protein in spinach thylakoids by FtsH
protease under moderate heat stress. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 281: 21660-21669 (2006).
② Yoshioka M., Nakayama Y., Yoshida M., Ohashi K., Morita N., Kobayashi H. and Yamamoto Y.: Quality
control of photosystem II: FtsH hexamers are localized near photosystem II at grana for the swift repair ofdamage. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 285: 41972-41981 (2010).
③ Yoshioka-Nishimura M., Nanba D., Takaki T., Ohba C., Tsumura N., Morita N., Sakamoto H., Murata
K. and Yamamoto Y.: Quality Control of Photosystem II: Direct imaging of the changes in the thylakoid
structure and distribution of FtsH proteases in spinach chloroplasts under light stress. Plant and Cell
Physiology 55: 1255-1265 (2014).
④ Yoshioka-Nishimura M. and Yamamoto Y.: Quality control of Photosystem II: The molecular basis for theaction of FtsH protease and the dynamics of the thylakoid membranes. J Photochem Photobiol B: Biology
137: 100-106 (2014).
⑤ “Forefront of Photosynthesis Research and Industrial Applications” 71-78 (2014) (book) N.T.S.

Short pitch
I hope to elucidate the secrets of plants that photosynthesize efficiently without waste while adapting to theenvironment.
Mechanism of enduring and adapting to environmental stresses (mechanism of maintaining photosynthesis
under harsh environments).
Reaction mechanisms of photosynthesis (analysis of photosynthesis proteins and structural changes in plants)
Highly efficient photosynthesis conditions (increased efficiency of CO2 absorption and organic synthesis)
Based on 1-3, I aim to analyze environmental factors impacting photosynthesis, elucidate the molecularmechanisms of photosynthesis, and actualize highly efficient photosynthesis.

4Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

Research outline
Strong sunlight and cold wintertemperature that damage plants arereferred to as environmental stresses.
Plants are under certain types ofenvironmental stresses year-round,and increasing temperature due toglobal warming is also a serious
problem. I am conducting studies on
the photosynthesis mechanisms ofplants. I plan to elucidate the impactsof environmental stresses on plants,
and the mechanisms that plants utilize
to maintain photosynthesis while
adapting to environmental changes.
For experiments, I use higher plants
and photosynthetic organisms such as
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that allow
for genetic modifications.

It is interesting thatplants behave as if
they had wills andfeelings.

Short interview

Plant leaves. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts.

Applicability of research
If the mechanism of photosynthesis byplants could be elucidated, not only genetic
modifications, but also photosynthesis ability
can be maximized with less burden on
photosynthesizing organisms by such means
as examining the growth conditions, etc. This
could improve yield and the environmental
adaptability of crops. Light, water, andcarbon dioxides are used in photosynthesis
to produce oxygen and organic matter,and this leads to significant changes in theenergy industry. What I am working on isbasic research, where culmination of small
discoveries builds the foundation. Even asmall discovery may be a seed for an idea inthe eye of someone in a completely different
field. I would like to conduct studies that
could weave new ideas as follows:

Analyze unique structural changes inchloroplast thylakoid membrane using 3D
imaging.

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
When I was a freshman in college, a professor from the sciences was teachinga liberal-arts English class. Meeting this English teacher was the beginning. The
way he chose English newspaper articles as teaching materials, and the way hetalked about his love for painting, were entertaining, and that led me to choose
his photosynthesis research laboratory.
Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
I think it’s how we can easily get in touch with people from various fields andknowledge. The atmosphere of the university is similar to that of museums
and ar t galleries, and I found it relaxing. Cooperation bet ween theuniversity and the local community is becoming more common, and I feelthat I will be able to get involved with diverse activities.

5Research topic

Physical property control of inorganic andorganic thin films by electrostatic carrier doping

Ritsuko Eguchi［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology (Faculty of Science)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

eguchi-r@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Solid-State Physics

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2001 Completed Department of Applied Physics(MC) from the Graduate School of Engineering at the
University of Tokyo◆ March 2004 Completed Department of Applied Physics(DC) from the Graduate School of Engineering at the
University of Tokyo◆ March 2004 Research Fellowships for Young Scientists(PD), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science◆ April 2005 Quantum Electronic Materials Research
Team (PD), RIKEN Harima Branch◆ April 2007 Research Fellowships for Young Scientists(PD), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science◆ April 2010 Assistant Professor (Specially Appointed),
Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate Schoolof Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University◆ April 2013 Assistant Professor, , Division of Earth, Life,
and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural
Science and Technology, Okayama University【Academic Degree】
Ph.D. (Engineering), The University ofTokyo, 2004

Key words
solid-state physics, organic device, superconductivity, photoemission spectroscopy

Publications① Hideki Okamoto, Ritsuko Eguchi, Shino Hamao, Hidenori Goto, Kazuma Gotoh, Yusuke Sakai, Masanari
Izumi, Yutaka Takaguchi, Shin Gohda, and Yoshihiro Kubozono: An Extended Phenacene-type Molecule, [8]Phenacene: Synthesis and Transistor Application. Sci. Rep. 4, 5330-1-8; DOI:10.1038/srep05330（2014）.
② Hideki Okamoto, Shino Hamao, Hidenori Goto, Yusuke Sakai, Masanari Izumi, Shin Gohda, Yoshihiro
Kubozono, and Ritsuko Eguchi: Transistor application of alkyl-substituted picene. Sci. Rep. 4, 5048-1-6;
DOI:10.1038/srep05048（2014）.
③ Ritsuko Eguchi, Xuexia He, Shino Hamao, Hidenori Goto, Hideki Okamoto, Shin Gohda, Kaori Sato andYoshihiro Kubozono: Fabrication of high performance/highly functional field-effect transistor devices basedon [6]phenacene thin films. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 15, 20611-20617（2013）.
④ R. Eguchi, M. Senda, E. Uesugi, H. Goto, T. Kambe, T. Noji, Y. Koike, A. Fujiwara, and Y. Kubozono:
Electric-Double-Layer Transistors with Thin Crystals of FeSe1-xTex（x = 0.9 and 1.0）. Appl. Phys. Lett. 102,
103506-1-4（2013）.
⑤ R. Eguchi, A. Chainani, M. Taguchi, M. Matsunami, Y. Ishida, K. Horiba, Y. Senba, H. Ohashi, and S. Shin:
Fermi surfaces, electron-hole asymmetry, and correlation kink in a three-dimensional Fermi liquid LaNiO3.
Phys. Rev. B 79, 115122-1-6（2009）.

Short pitch
Prior to assuming my post at Okayama University, I was based at synchrotron radiation facilities and studied
the electronic states of solids using photoemission spectroscopy. At Okayama University, I have been involved
with research projects relating to such subjects as the fabrication of organic devices and field-effect transistors,
which brought my work into new research fields. I intend to make new discoveries through the promotionof research projects that make use of a variety of experiments that draw on my past experiences. I hope tomake significant strides with research efforts in order to further improve myself as a female researcher, while
making serious efforts in conducting educational activities as a university faculty member.

6

I am studying on field-effecttransistor (FET) characteristics
based on aromatic hydrocarbon
thin films, as well as researchintended to pave the way forthe discovery of new physicalproperties for two-dimensional
layered materials by electrostatic
carrier doping. An issue withconventional organic thin-film FETs
has been the low level of fieldeffect mobility in comparison with
FETs created by using inorganic
materials. Our research focuseson the phenacene-type molecules,
which consist of a W-shaped fused
configuration of benzene rings.
We have revealed that FETs thatutilize such molecules as the active
layer indicate high mobility. This
research aims to develop materials
based on the foundation ofelectronics, and explores operating
principles of FETs and fundamental
properties of materials used as theactive layer of FETs to promoteresearch that merges material
development and solid-statephysics.

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

Research outline

Device structure and photographs of single crystal and thin film field-effect transistors (FETs).

Applicability of research
FETs based on organic thin films make useof flexibility offered by organic materials andfacilitate the creation of device structures evenon soft materials, which makes them available
for a variety of applications. There are cases
where the FET characteristics vary dependingon specific gases and on the properties ofm o l e c u l e s u s e d i n t h e a c t i v e l a y e r. S u c hcharacteristics are utilized for applications ingas sensors and the like. The improvements
of mobility and conductivity during operation,
which are key to applications, are also
important issues for this research. We seek out
materials that indicate significant changes inphysical properties, such as a material showing
the insulating-to-superconducting transition, byusing electrostatic carrier doping.

Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
After I obtained my Ph.D. I worked in research institutions until I assumed mypost at Okayama University. What I felt as I moved from research institutions
to the university was an impression that can be considered obviously naturaland that “the university is a lively place full of students”. As a university faculty
member, I am in the position of teaching, but I believe I am stimulated in many
ways as I conduct education and research with students, and this is what I
believe to be an “advantage”.

Short interview

Q. Please tell us about any personal difficulties you have experienced.
I resumed work after maternity leave and childcare leave that spanned morethan a year. I am still faced with trial and error on a daily basis, as I struggle
to maintain a balance between taking care of my child and work. There areoccasionally instances where I get frightened as my child, who is one, bitesa book or tries to stand by holding onto a shelf at the moment I focus myattention on my computer. I am aware of the fact that neither work nor taking
care of a child is something that can be handled at leisure, and I expect I willneed to overcome many obstacles, but the pleasure I gain from seeing mychild grow will outweigh all such problems. I would like to wholeheartedly
attempt to make great strides as a researcher myself, while my child
grows.

7

Research topic

Exploring the physiology of the novel
adrenomedullin hormones in vertebrates

Maho Ogoshi［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology (Faculty of Science)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

ogoshi-m@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Comparative endocrinology,
zoology

Curriculum vitae◆ Mar 2005 Master of Science, Department of Biological
Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University ofTokyo◆ Mar 2008 Ph. D., Department of Biological Sciences,
Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo◆ Apr 2008 Global COE Researcher at Tokyo Instituteof Technology, Graduate School of Bioscience andBiotechnology◆ Apr 2009 Postdoctoral fellowship (JSPS) at Tokyo
Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Bioscienceand Biotechnology◆ Apr 2010 Assistant Professor (WTT) at Graduate
School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama
University◆ Apr 2013 Assistant Professor at Graduate School of
Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University,【Academic degree】 Ph.D. (Science), The University ofTokyo, 2008

Key words
Hormones, physiology, vertebrates

Publications① Ogoshi, M., Kato, K., Sakamoto, T.: Effects of environmental salinity on expression of all theadrenomedullin genes suggest their osmoregulatory actions in the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Zoological
Letters, 1:12 (2015).
② Takei, Y., Ogoshi, M., Nobata, S.: Exploring new CGRP family peptides and their receptors in vertebrates.
Curr. Protein Pept. Sci., 14(4), 282-293 (2013).
③ Ogoshi, M., Kato, K., Takahashi, H., Ikeuchi, T., Abe, T., Sakamoto, T.: Growth, energetics and the cortisolhepatic glucocorticoid receptor axis of medaka (Oryzias latipes) in various salinities. Gen. and Comp.
Endocrinol. 178(2), 175-179 (2012).
④ Ogoshi, M., Nobata, S., Takei, Y.: Potent osmoregulatory actions of homologous adrenomedullins
administered peripherally and centrally in eels. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 295(6),R2075-R2083 (2008).
⑤ Nobata, S., Ogoshi, M., Takei, Y.: Potent cardiovascular actions of homologous adrenomedullins in eels.
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 294(5), R1544-R1553 (2008).

Short pitch
When studying hormones, mammals are oftenly used as a model because most of the studies are aimed tocontribute to human medicine. However, some research using so-called ‘primitive’ animals can give riseto new findings in mammalian lineage. One of those findings was the discovery of adrenomedullin family
members, which has been inspiring me to study them in non-mammalian species. My aim is to throw lighton the basic characteristics of their action and the evolution of their function by the approach of comparative
endocrinology.

8Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

Research outline
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide
hormone first identified in mammals.
Our group have been identified thatmultiple AM genes exist in vertebrates,
three in mammals and five in teleostfishes, and that they are related in body
fluid regulation. However, the biological
functions specific to each AM type are
yet to be clarified. Our research aims todetermine the function of newly identified
AM types in vertebrates. We particularly
focus on the AM5 which is mutatedin human and rodents but expressedin the tissues involved in immunity/
hematopoiesis.

Applicability of researchThis study focuses on the hormone of AM
family which has been lost in the processof human evolution. By identifying its
specific functions in the lineages thatbranched off before mammals, we aim
to clarify the evolutionary history ofvertebrates accompanied by the evolutionof hormonal functions of AM family. Our
research using amphibians, the ancestral
lineage of tetrapods, will propose
the unidentified functions of AM5 inmammals and further discussion why it isabsent in several mammalian species. The
function of AM5 may also be relevant to
the field of human medical treatment.

How do we survive
without AM5?

Analysis of the function of AM5 in vertebrates

Short interview

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
I was always fond of animals and wanted to know more about them. That has
prompted me to specialize in biology. As a graduate student I took part in the
discovery of a new hormone and I was strongly impressed. And I was also kindof addicted to the experiments, each of them seems to be a small thing but
gradually building them up will lead us to an interesting story. I hadn’t given any
particular thought about teaching before becoming a faculty member, and it is
unexpectedly fun to teach.
Q. Please tell us about any personal difficulties you have experienced.
As many other researchers, I have to live apart from my husband. Yes this is
a problem, but getting to know each other with my colleagues who are insimilar situations is a great comfort to me.

9Research topic

Effect of cancer on the intestinal tract andimmune system

Junko Masuda［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Natural Science andTechnology (Engineering)［Position］

Assistant Professor (adjunct)［E-mail］

junkomasuda@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Immuno-oncology

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2002 Ochanomizu University Graduate
School of Humanities and Sciences. Life Science(MC) graduate◆ March 2005 Ochanomizu University Graduate
School of Humanities and Sciences. Graduatedwith Majors in Human Environmental Sciences(DC)◆ April 2005 Tokyo Women’s Medical University;
Assistant Professor◆ May 2009 National Institute of Health (USA).
Visiting researcher◆ July 2012 RIKEN researcher◆ A p r i l 2013 O kaya ma Un i ve rs i t y G ra d u a te
School of Natural Sciences, Division of Chemical
Bioengineering. Assistant Professor (adjunct)【Academic degreee】Ph.D. (Science), Ochanomizu
University, 2005

Key words
Immunology, oncology, biotechnology, molecular biology

Publications① Yan T, Mizutani A, Chen L, Takaki M, Hiramoto Y, Matsuda S, Shigehiro T, Kasai T, Kudoh T, Murakami
H, Masuda J, Hendrix MJ, Strizzi L, Salomon DS, Fu L, Seno M. Characterization of cancer stem-like cells
derived from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells transformed by tumor-derived extracellular vesicles. J
Cancer. 2014 Jul 5;5(7): 572-84. doi: 10.7150/jca.8865. eCollection 2014.
② Ieguchi K, Tomita T, Omori T, Komatsu A, Deguchi A, Masuda J, Duffy SL, Coulthard MG, Boyd A, Maru
Y. ADAM12-cleaved ephrin-A1 contributes to lung metastasis. Oncogene. 2014 Apr 24;33(17):2179-90. doi:
10.1038/onc.2013.180. Epub 2013 May 20.
③ Koreishi M, Gniadek TJ, Yu S, Masuda J, Honjo Y, Satoh A. The golgin tether giantin regulates thesecretory pathway by controlling stack organization within Golgi apparatus. PLoS One. 2013;8（3）: e59821.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059821. Epub 2013 Mar 21.
④ Yamazaki T*, Masuda J*, Omori T, Usui R, Akiyama H, Maru Y. EphA1 interacts with integrin-linked kinase
and regulates cell morphology and motility. J Cell Sci. 2009 Jan 15;122 (Pt 2):243-55. *equal contribution⑤ Masuda J, Usui R, Maru Y. Fibronectin type I repeat is a non-activating ligand for EPHA1 and inhibits
ATF3-dependent angiogenesis. J Biol Chem. 2008;283(19):13148-55.

Short pitch
Owing to my experience as an AssistantProfessor at universities and my study in the
United States, I now have the opportunity to be a
WTT professor at Okayama University. I am free
to perform studies in a research environment.
Also, as an educator, I would like to continue
sharing the knowledge and experiences I havegained so far.

10

My Favorite Items

PIPETMAN pipette and the timer
I routinely use thePipetman pipette andtimer that aid in accurate
sampling of small
amounts of a solution
and help to measure time,
respectively.

Chemotherapy is one of the three main
treatments for cancer, and because anticancer agents can spread to the whole body
via the blood, it has an excellent effect on
cancer cells that are diffused throughout
the body. However, side effects such asintestinal inflammation occur frequently,
and sometimes, treatment has to beinterrupted because of intestinal mucosal
damage due to inflammation that causes
deterioration of the patient’s nutritional
status and because of the large physical andpsychological burden. Thus, I am currently
researching options that can prevent
intestinal mucosal damage, which is atypical side effect of chemotherapy, in order
to continue the treatments while reducing
the burden for the patient.

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

Research outline

Schematic outline of the research and analytical methods

Applicability of research
The immune cells in
the intestinal tract
protect the bodyagainst intestinalbacteria and food.

I aim to ascertain the state of the intestinal mucosa when
inflammation is less likely to occur during chemotherapy bydetermining the differences between healthy patients and thosewith cancer from an immunological point of view. Furthermore,clinical application of these results in the future will help improve
the quality of life of cancer patients during chemotherapy andenhance their nutritional status.

The inflammatory condition of the intestines can be studied using mice that show variationin their body weight.

Short interview

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
In graduate school, I extensively studied change of maternal blood during theperiod from pregnancy to postpartum and earned my degree while engrossed
in research. At times, I was mentally and physically exhausted, but the timespent was valuable and could only be experienced while in graduate school. I
am still in contact with my guiding Professor from graduate school, and thoseexperiences laid a solid platform for growth and development as a researcher.
Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
I can learn by guiding students . A lthough helping the students tounderstand the research and experimental methods requires time andeffort, there is an exceptional sense of achievement when I recognizethat the students have understood and grown.

11Research topic

Study of global environmental changes
using hermatypic corals

Mayuri Inoue［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Science andTechnology (Science)［Position］

Assistant professor (adjunct)［e-mail］

inouem@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］

Geochemistry, paleoenvironment

Curriculum vitae◆March 2002 Completed Social Studies
Major, Graduate School of Education Master’s
Program, Okayama University (MC)◆ March 2005 Completed major in Departmentof Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences,
Tohoku University (DC)◆ April 2005 Research Fellowship (PD), Japan
Society for the Promotion of Science◆ Februar y 2007 Assistant professor, Ocean
Research Institute, The University of Tokyo◆ April 2010 Assistant professor, Atmosphereand Ocean Research Institute, The University ofTokyo◆ April 2014
Assistant professor (adjunct),
Earth Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural
Science and Technology, Okayama University【 A c a d e m i c d e g r e e 】P h . D . ( S c i e n c e ), To h o k u
University, 2005

Key words
Coral skeleton, carbonates, environmental changes, trace elements, isotopes, biomineralization

Publications① Tanaka, Y., Iguchi, A., Nishida, K., Inoue, M., Nakamura, T., Suzuki, A. and Sakai, K.: Nutrient availability
affects the response of juvenile corals and the endosymbionts to ocean acidification. Limnology andOceanography 59: 1468-1476 (2014).
② Felis, T., McGregor, H. V., Linsley, B. K., Tudhope, A. W., Gagan, M. K., Suzuki, A., Inoue, M., Thomas, A.
L., Esat, T. M., Thompson, W. G., Tiwari, M., Potts, D. C., Mudelsee, M., Yokoyama, Y. and Webster, J. M.:
Intensification of the meridional temperature gradient in the Great Barrier Reef following the Last Glacial
Maximum. Nature Communications 5: 4102, doi: 10.1038/ncomms5102 (2014).
③ Inoue, M., Ishikawa, D., Miyaji, T., Yamazaki, A., Suzuki, A., Yamano, H., Kawahata, H. and Watanabe, T.:
Evaluation of Mn and Fe in coral skeletons (Porites spp.) as proxies for sediment loading and reconstructionof 50 yrs of land use on Ishigaki Island, Japan. Coral Reefs 33: 363-373 (2014).
④ Shinzato, C., Inoue, M., Kusakabe, M. A Snapshot of a Coral ‘‘Holobiont’’: A Transcriptome Assemblyof the Scleractinian Coral, Porites, Captures a Wide Variety of Genes from Both the Host and Symbiotic
Zooxanthellae. PLoS ONE 9 (1): e85182. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0085182 (2014).
⑤ Inoue, M., Suwa, R., Suzuki, A., Sakai, K. and Kawahata, H. Effects of seawater pH on growth andskeletal U/Ca ratios of Acropora digitifera coral polyps. Geophysical Research Letters, 38, L12809,
doi:10.1029/2011GL047786 (2011).

Short pitch
The Earth is dynamic yet delicate. It is quite attractive to me. Just as one thinks about a society
by learning Japanese and World histories, when thinking about nature, one must learn the historyof the Earth as a planet, and consider current and future natural environments. Researchers
associated with Earth Sciences often require precision in their experiments. But when considering
the obtained data, one must think on a sufficiently large scale, both temporally and spatially.
I find this process interesting. I hope to share with as many people as possible the joy andimportance of studying the Earth through my own research.

12

Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology

Research outline
In recent years, there has beenmuch concern over problems withe n v i r o n m e n t a l c h a n g e s . H o w e v e r, t h eEarth’s environment has always changed.
What types of mechanisms were involvedin such changes? What impacts did thesechanges have on the environment ofEarth’s surface layer? I am conducting
research with coral skeleton samples andgeochemical methods in order to answer
these questions. Furthermore, coralskeletons are important as paleoclimaticand p ale ooce an og raphic sa mpl es, a n dalso in supporting biological diversities.
I am studying the growth of such coralskeletons and biomineralization byorganisms that form carbonates such ascorals.

Applicability of research
We are concerned how the current climate and future changes
take place. However, to improve the precision of climate change
prediction, detailed actual data are needed. Paleoclimate andpaleooceanography research is able to provide data. In particular,
tropical and subtropical data are rare compared to data from higher
latitudes; thus, research using corals is expected to fill the data gaps.
In addition, if we knew the calcification mechanism of corals, wewould be able to predict the changes in coral reefs in response to
future environmental changes, and specific proposals could be madefor transplanting of corals and protection activities.

annualband

Short interview

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
Firstly, I took a geography class in high school. The lectures had a mixture of
students who did not know each other, and since my last name “Inoue” starts
with the second letter of the Japanese syllabary, I was always sitting up front
and the teacher always asked me questions. Since none of my friends were in
the class, and I was too shy to make any mistakes, I prepared for the classes
so hard that I ended up liking the class.
Secondly, I was watching news on the Nobel Prize when I was small andthought “There are so many amazing people around the world. I bet there
is nothing we don’t know any more”. But when I was in graduate school,
I realized that “the world is full of unknowns”. That was when I foundresearch and studying, I mean, knowing and learning something, andthinking on my own, to be fun.

13

Research topic

Investigation of the effect and mechanism of action of aromatherapy
on respiratory tract inflammation in patients with bronchial asthma

Tomoe Ueno-Iio［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Health Sciences［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

niioto@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Immunological Laboratory Science

Curriculum vitae◆March 2005
G r a d u a te ( M C), O kaya m a
University Graduate School of Health Sciences◆ A pr il 20 05 Clinical L ab o rato r y Te chnician ,Okayama Universit y Hospital, Division of
Medical Support, Inspection Department◆ M ay 20 07 C l i n i c a l L a b o ra to r y Te c h n i c i a n ,Okayama Universit y Graduate School of
Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Depar tment of Obstetrics andGynecology◆March 2008
G ra d u a te ( D C), O kaya m a
University Graduate School of Health Sciences◆ A p r i l 2 011 A s s i s t a n t P r o f e s s o r i n H e a l t hSciences, Okayama University Graduate Schoolof Health Sciences (adjunct)◆ A p r i l 2 014 A s s i s t a n t P r o f e s s o r i n H e a l t hSciences, Okayama University Graduate Schoolof Health Sciences【 A c a d e m i c d e g r e e 】P h . D . ( H e a l t h s c i e n c e s ),Okayama University, 2008

Key words
Complementary and alternative medicine, aromatherapy, exhaled breath condensate

Publications① Ueno-Iio, T., Shibakura, M., Yokota, K., Aoe, M., Hyoda, T., Shinohata, R., Kanehiro, A., Tanimoto, M. andKataoka, M.: Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell
hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma. Life Sciences 108（2）, 109-115 (2014).
② Ueno-Iio, T., Shibakura, M., Iio, K., Tanimoto, Y., Kanehiro, A., Tanimoto, M. and Kataoka, M.: Effectof fudosteine, a cysteine derivative, on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling in amurine model of asthma. Life Sciences 92（20-21）, 1015-1023 (2013).
③ Iio, K., Ueno Iio, T., Okui, Y., Ichikawa, H., Tanimoto, Y., Miyahara, N., Kanehiro, A., Tanimoto, M.,
Nakata, Y. and Kataoka, M.: Experimental pulmonary granuloma mimicking sarcoidosis induced by
Propionibacterium acnes in mice. Acta Med Okayama 64（2）, 75-83 (2010).
④ Ueno, T., Kataoka, M., Hirano, A., Iio, K., Tanimoto, Y., Kanehiro, A., Okada, C., Soda, R., Takahashi,
K. and Tanimoto, M.: Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensates from patients with asthma.
Respirology 13（5）, 654-663 (2008).

Short pitch
Aromatherapy, classified as complementary and alternative medicine, has garnered much attention in recent
years. Although approximately 300 types of essential oils are used in aromatherapy, their scientific mechanismof action is poorly elucidated. In these studies, I investigated the anti-allergic effect of essential oils using amurine model of asthma. To further elucidate the mechanism of action, I will develop novel effective and safe
methods of usage of essential oils after conducting human trials. The data obtained from these studies willaid in promoting health in daily life via aromatherapy as one of the complementary and alternative medicines
used.

14

The number of patients (children and adults) withbronchial asthma in Japan is increasing and iscurrently estimated to be more than 8 million
people. Studies have revealed that allergic airway
inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis ofasthma. Current treatments include inhaled steroids
to reduce inflammation. However, since the etiology
and pathogenesis of asthma are yet to be completely
elucidated, the methods of prevention and main
treatments are yet to be established. Thus, to reduce
the symptoms and decrease the progression ofasthma, I have focused on aromatherapy, which iseasy to implement in daily life and which is classified
as a complementary and alternative medicine. I also
conducted research using essential oils extracted
from plants.
In these studies, I have elucidated the antiallergy effects of essential oils on airway
hyperresponsiveness, mucus production, andeosinophil infiltration in a murine asthma model.

Graduate School of Health Sciences

Research outline

Applicability of research
An essential oil contains between 10 and 1000
organic compounds, and each of the approximately
300 different kinds of essential oils differs in its
composition. In this study, I elucidated the antiallergy effect of lavender essential oil in a murine
model of asthma. I have also confirmed that theeffects and functions differ depending on the type ofessential oil, for example, in the aggravation of airway
resistance due to one type of oil. Using a respiratory
tract epithelial cell line, I will identify the essential
oils that contain compounds with anti-inflammatory
effects in asthma or those that exert effects on the
airway remodeling, which is associated with chronic
and intractable asthma. By scientifically elucidating
the mechanism of action of essential oils, I aim topromote aromatherapy as a potential alternative
medicine for allergic diseases.

Short interview

Q. Please tell us about any personal difficulties you have experienced.
After I graduated from the university, I found a job, changed jobs, got married,
and raised children. Of these experiences, raising my child changed my life
significantly and forced me to reconsider my style of working. I had to often
leave work early or remain absent because of illnesses during the first year after
my first child began attending nursery school, and I was troubled when work did
not go as planned and was unable to connect with my child due to the workpressure. I gradually learnt to pace myself by prioritizing my work within
the limited available time.

15

Research topic

Immune regulating effects in humans of antigenic
N-linked glycans expressed in plant glycoproteins

Megumi Maeda［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Sciences (Agriculture)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

mmaeda@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Glycobiochemistry

Curriculum vitae◆ A p r il 20 01 Bio l o g ic a l Re s ou rce s G ra dua te(MC), Okayama University, Graduate School of
Natural Science and Technology, Department of
Biological Resources◆ April 2013 Biological and Molecular Science
Graduate (DC), Okayama University Graduate
School of Natural Science and Technology◆ A p r i l 20 0 6 A s s i s t a n t P ro fe s s o r, Ka w a s a k i
Medical School Department of Hygiene◆ A p r i l 2 011 A s s i s t a n t P r o fe s s o r, O ka y a m a
University Graduate School of Natural Scienceand Technology (adjunct)◆ A p r i l 2 012 A s s i s t a n t P r o fe s s o r, O ka y a m a
University Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Sciences (adjunct)◆ A p r i l 2 014 A s s i s t a n t P ro fe s s o r, O ka y a m a
University Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Sciences【Academic degree】Ph.D. (Agriculture), Okayama
University, 2006

Key words
N-glycans, glycopolymers, cell-mediated immune activity, dendritic cells, cytokines

Publications① Maeda, M.*, Tanaka, T., Kimura, M., and Kimura, Y. Large-scale Preparation of Glycopeptides Harboring
TF-antigen Unit from Royal Jelly. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 78, 276-278 (2013)② Maeda, M., and Kimura, Y. Structural Features of Free N-glycans Occurring in Plants and Functional
Features of de-N-glycosylation Enzymes, ENGase and PNGase. Front. Plnt. Sci. 5, 1-9 (2014)③ Maeda, M.*, Akiyama, T., Yokouchi, D., Woo, K. K., and Kimura, Y. Purification and Molecular
Characterization of Ginkgo Biloba β-Xylosidase Active for Plant Complex Type N-glycans. Biosci.
Biotechnol. Biochem., 77, 1973-1976 (2013) (Referred)④ Maeda, M.*, Takeda, N., Mano, A., Yamanishi, M., Kimura, M., and Kimura, Y. Large-scale Preparation of
Asn-glycopeptide Carrying Structurally Homologous Antigenic N-glycan., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 77,
1269-1274 (2013) (Referred)⑤ Yokouchi, D., Ono, N., Nakamura, K., Maeda, M., and Kimura, Y. Purification and characterization of β-xylosidase active for plant complex type N-glycans from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): Removal of core
α1-3 mannosyl residue is prerequisite for hydrolysis of β-2 xylosyl residue. Glycoconj. J., Doi 10.1007/s
10719-012-9441-y (2012) (Referred）

Short pitch
I am currently conducting research on plant antigenic N-glycans, which are attached to plant proteins, their
physiological functions in plant cells, and their effect on the human immune system. When I was doctor
course student, I purified an enzyme involved in the de-glycosylation of glycoproteins and analyzed thestructural features of free N-glycans derived from glycoproteins by the enzyme. After receiving my doctorate,
I have conducted research for 5 years how materials in the environment affect the human immune system.
During my 3 years at WTT, I conducted research based on the knowledge and skills I had acquired. I recently
have a collaborative research at the Ghent University in Belgium.

16Plant cell glycoproteins express plantantigenic asparagine-linked glycans(N-glycans) bearing α1,3-fucosyl and β
1,2-xylosyl residues on the tri-mannosyl
core. In vitro experiments revealed that thecore structure of plant antigenic N-glycan
can be used to treat cedar pollinosis. In thisstudy, I aimed to synthesize glycopolymers
bearing multiple plant antigenic N-glycans
that increase the immunological activity.
Using the newly invented hydrophilic
chromatography, I purified large amounts ofasparagine-bound plant antigenic N-glycans(Asn-glycan) from seed storage proteins ofGinkgo biloba. Using γ-polyglutamic acidas the backbone of the polymer, I preparedglycopolymers bearing multivalently bonded
Asn-glycans. Currently, I am investigating theimmunological activities of the glycopolymers
involved in differentiation of dendritic cells.

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Research outline

Applicability of research
I have succeeded in development of two
methods for, a purification of large-scale
Asn-glycan and a synthesis of glycopolymers.
Now, I can generate glycopolymers bearing
various structures of N-glycans for which
the cellular immunological activity is
still unclear. I have already purified anddeveloped glycopolymers of animal complex
type Asn-glycans from chicken egg yolk andhigh-mannose type Asn-glycans from Vignabeans. In addition, I have found that theglycoproteins of the water plant Egerie densa
will be an excellent source of plant antigenic
N-glycans bearing Lewis a apitope(s) at the
non-reducing end.

Short interview

Q. Which experience have made you what you are today?
The things that have molded my personalit y are the things that I haveeaten, the environment, and the people that I interact with. I am grateful foreverything and would like to continue enjoying delicious food and interactingwith important people.
Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
The most important aspect is the liberty and having the opportunity todetermine the things that interest me. I am also able to meet researchersand students abroad, who I would never encounter in my regular life; theseexperiences enrich my heart and imagination.

17

Research topic

Will the appearance of forest ecosystems change with
global environmental changes?
−Evaluation based on breeding characteristics of trees−

Yuko Miyazaki［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Sciences (Agriculture)［Position］

Assistant Professor［e-mail］

yukomiyazaki@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］

Forest ecology

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2002 Completed major in Environmental
Resource Sciences, Graduate School of
Agriculture, Hokkaido University (MC)◆ March 2003
Left Environmental Resource
Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture,
Hokkaido University◆ April 2003
R e s e a r c h e r, F o r e s t Te c h n o l o g yCenter, Nara Prefecture◆ April 2009
Postdoctoral fellow, Creative
Research Institution, Hokkaido University◆ November 2009 Visiting researcher, Institute of
Plant Biology, University of Zurich◆ January 2011
Postdoctoral fellow, Hokkaido
University, Graduate School of Environmental
Science◆ April 2011
Assistant professor (adjunct),O k a y a m a U n i v e r s i t y, G r a d u a t e S c h o o l o f
Environmental Science◆ April 2012
Assistant professor (adjunct),
Graduate School of Environmental and Life
Science, Okayama University◆ April 2014 Assistant professor, Graduate Schoolof Environmental and Life Science, Okayama
University【Academic degree】
Ph.D. (Environmental science),
Hokkaido University, 2009

Key words
plant responses to environmental conditions, field manipulation experiment, global environmental changes,
plant reproduction, distribution model of species, tree climbing, transcriptome

Publications① Miyazaki, Y., Mitsuhashi, H., Osawa, T.: Planning a management program for expanding bamboo forests
based on scenario analysis. Japanese Journal of Conservation Ecology 20: 3-14 (2015) (in Japanese)② Miyazaki, Y., Maruyama, Y., Chiba, Y., Kobayashi, M.J., Joseph, B., Shimizu, K.K., Mochida, K., Hiura,T., Kon, H., Satake, A.: Nitrogen as a key regulator of flowering in Fagus crenata: understanding thephysiological mechanism of masting by gene expression analysis. Ecology Letters 17: 1299-1309 (2014).
③ Miyazaki, Y.: Dynamics of internal carbon resources during masting behavior in trees. Ecological Research
28: 143-150 (2013).
④ Miyazaki, Y., Ohnishi, N., Takafumi, H., Hiura, T.: Genets of dwarf bamboo do not die after one flowering
event: evidence from genetic structure and flowering pattern. Journal of Plant Research 122: 523-528(2009).
⑤ Miyazaki, Y., Hiura, T., Kato, E., Funada, R.: Allocation of resources to reproduction in Styrax obassia in a
masting year. Annals of Botany 89: 767-772 (2002).

Short pitch
Forests occupy as much as one-third of the land area on Earth.
The functions of forests are multifaceted, not limited to lumber
production, but also include disaster prevention and biodiversity
conservation. Forests support our livelihood. In recent years,
environment surrounding forests has seen significant changes
globally. Beginning with basic physiological responses of plants
to environmental changes, I want to find out how plants leave
the next generation, renew forests, maintain, and establish
ecosystems. With the fieldwork as the foundation, I am working
on these issues using chemical analysis such as analysis of sugar
content, stable isotope analysis, tissue structure observation,and molecular biology experiments such as measurement of gene
expression levels.

18

Many trees composing forests change theirflowering and fruiting amounts depending on
the year: a phenomenon of rich and poor yielddepending on a year, called masting. Proximate
factors that lead to such a phenomenon
include external factors such as temperatureand precipitation, and internal factors such as
nutrient contents in individual plants. However,the detailed mechanisms of such factors are
not well understood. Therefore, (1) I examinechanges in flowering and fruiting by controlling
environmental conditions in field experiments,(2) capture gene expression changes occurringfrom flower bud formation to seed maturation
under the same field experiment, and (3) aim
to elucidate the factors that cause wide annual
variations in yield. Furthermore, I evaluate
how environmental changes such as warming
and nitrogen deposition alter the floweringand fruiting patterns of trees, and how suchchanges impact ecological systems.

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Research outline

Applicability of research
1）By comparing flowering gene networks
of non-model plants (trees) and model
plants, I can provide materials tounderstand why a reproductive systemwith annual fluctuations in floweringand fruiting has occurred, and why
there are diverse reproductive systems,
evolutionary mechanisms, and survival
strategies in plants.
2）By enabling response prediction of
flowering and fruiting systems to theenvironment in the main tree species
composing a forest ecosystem, I will
be able to provide the foundation toevaluate ecosystem response to global
environmental changes.

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?

Short interview

When I was in high school, I became interested in the simultaneous flowering
phenomenon (a phenomenon in which many species simultaneously flower/bear fruits once every several years), which takes place in the tropical rain
forests of Southeast Asia. Thereafter, at university, I was smitten by the beautyof cool-temperature deciduous broad-leaved forests. I met my teacher there,
and learned about the simultaneous flowering phenomenon in temperate
forests where annual fluctuations of flowering and fruiting are observed ineach species. That led to the beginning of my current research. I did holddifferent jobs for a while, but I could not resist the beauty of ecology,
and ended up here.

19

Research topic

Genetic analysis of agricultural crop species usingtransposons and next-generation sequencing

Yuki Monden

Curriculum vitae◆Mar 2009 Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto
University (Master Course)◆Apr 2009 Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science, Research Fellowship for Young Scientists(DC1)◆Mar 2012 Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto
University (Doctoral Course)［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Science (Agriculture)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

y_monden@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Plant genetics and breeding◆Apr 2012 Graduate School of Environmental andLife Science, Okayama University (Agriculture andLife Sciences), Assistant Professor (tenure track)◆Apr 2015 Graduate School of Environmental andLife Science Okayama University (Agriculture andLife Sciences), Assistant Professor【Academic degree】Ph.D. (Agriculture), Kyoto
University, 2012

Key words
Retrotransposon, crop species, protection of crop cultivars, next generation sequencing,
DNA marker, ploidy, bioinformatics

Publications① Monden, Y., Hara, T., Okada, Y., Jahana, O., Kobayashi, A., Tabuchi, H., Onaga, S., Tahara M.:
Construction of a linkage map based on retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms in sweet potato via highthroughput sequencing. Breeding Science, 65(2), 145-153 (2015).
② Monden, Y., Yamaguchi, K., Tahara M.: Application of iPBS in high-throughput sequencing for thedevelopment of retrotransposon-based molecular markers. Current Plant Biology, 1, 40-44 (2014).
③ Monden, Y., Fujii, N., Yamaguchi, K., Ikeo, K., Nakazawa, Y., Waki, T., Hirashima, K., Uchimura,Y., Tahara M.: Efficient screening of long terminal repeat retrotransposons that show high insertion
polymorphism via high-throughput sequencing of the PBS site. Genome, 57(5), 245-252 (2014).
④ Monden, Y., Yamamoto, A., Shindo, A., Tahara M.: Efficient DNA fingerprinting based on the targeted
sequencing of active retrotransposon insertion sites using a bench-top high-throughput sequencing
platform. DNA Research, 21(5), 491-498 (2014).
⑤ Monden, Y., Takasaki, K., Futo, S., Niwa, K., Kawase, M., Akitake, H., Tahara M.: A rapid and enhanced
DNA detection method for crop cultivar discrimination. Journal of Biotechnology, 185, 57-62 (2014).

Short pitch
I am involved in research and technological development aimed at cultivating and protecting cultivars ofseveral crop species. In particular, I have used mobile genes called retrotransposons and next-generation
sequencing (NGS) to conduct genetic analysis of hitherto under-researched species, such as Ipomoea batatas.
My involvement is broad and ranges from farm-based fieldwork to laboratory-based DNA experiments andlarge-scale computerized genetic analysis. With your support, I aim to continue to actively pursue newresearch in collaboration with several other colleagues.

20

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Research outline
Retrotransposons are transposable DNA sequencesthat exist within the genome of eukaryotic organisms.
As many retrotransposon insertions are dispersed
throughout the genome and are genetically inherited,differences in the insertion sites can be used to develop
molecular markers for genetic analysis. In addition,next-generation sequencing is used to analyze andeffectively identify a large number of insertion sites
among crop cultivars. As a result, we are involvedin various kinds of genetic analysis, including(1) the development of DNA markers for cultivar
discrimination toward the protection of the crop
cultivars; (2) the determination of genetic relationships
among cultivars; and (3) the construction of linkage
maps aimed at identifying agronomically important
genes. We are conducting genetic analyses for several
crop species such as Ipomoea batatas, strawberries,
soybeans, wheat, apples, and shiitake mushrooms.

Genetic analysis using retrotransposons andnext-generation-sequencing

Applicability of research
Findings from basic research, such as
genome data and the results of genetic
analyses, have been incorporated into
applied research. An example of this is
the development of practical techniques todiscriminate of crop cultivars. This techniquefacilitates greater control over food fraud
and enhanced protection of important
Japanese premium cultivars. However, thenecessary practical techniques have yet
to be established. Thus, with the aim ofdeveloping techniques that can actually be
used in the field, we have introduced a new
method, the single-tag hybridization (STH)
chromatographic printed array strip (PAS).
Using this method, data can be obtained
without experimental instruments orequipment, within a relatively short responsetime (15 minutes). We intend to strive towardfurther development aimed at the use of thismethod in locations such as customs offices
and sites of food import and production.

Collaboration in the field

In the process of cultivation,
seedling plantation andharvesting are conducted.

Additional involvementwith experiments
using DNA in the Plant
Genome Dynamics

Analysis Laboratory
at Okayama University

An experiment in thelaboratory

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
I hadn’t thought initially about becoming involved in academic research. It
was an older student and mentor from my days at Kyoto University who
encouraged me in that direction by his example, he transmitted to me his vocal
interest in science and his eagerness to engage in research. He is now engaged
in research at a certain research institute, and I still try to emulate him.

Short interview

Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
Most of all, I think it is the ability to conduct research as well as engage instimulating communication with students. An additional advantage is theflexibility to engage in both basic and applied research, as well as the ability
to occasionally venture sometimes into new fields. There are also somedisadvantages, such as when my research does not progress as planned;
however, some relaxation and a lively exchange of views with students andfellow researchers puts me back in the frame of mind to carry on with myresearch. I intend to continue learning and growing in my own way
throughout life.

21

Research topic

Local regulation mechanisms of oviductal
function in mammals

Yuki Yamamoto

Curriculum vitae◆S e p t 2011 D o c to ra te of Un i te d G ra d u a te
School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University(DC)◆Oct 2011 Tokyo University of Agriculture andTechnology, Institute of Agriculture, (Animal Life
Sciences), Special Research Fellow［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Science (Agriculture)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

yyamamoto@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Animal Reproductive Physiology◆Apr 2012 Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Science, Okayama University, Divisionof Agriculture and Life Science, Tenure-track
Assistant Professor◆Apr 2015 Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Science, Okayama University, Divisionof Agr iculture and L ife Science, As sis tant
Professor【Academic degree】Ph.D. (Veterinary medicine),
Gifu University, 2011

Key words
Physiology, endocrinology, domestic animal reproduction, oviduct

Publications① Yamamoto, Y., Kohka, M., Kobayashi, Y., Woclawek-Potocka, I., Okuda K.: Endothelin as a local regulating
factor in the bovine oviduct. Reprod Fertil Dev,（2014）, doi.org/10.1071/RD14076② Yamamoto, Y, Kobayashi, Y., Okuda, K.: Purified culture systems in bovine oviductal stromal cells. J
Reprod Dev 60: 73-77, (2014).
③ Kobayashi, Y., Wakamiya, K., Kohka, M., Yamamoto, Y., Okuda, K.: Summer heat stress affects
prostaglandin synthesis in the bovine oviduct. Reproduction 146: 103-110, (2013).

Short pitch
Oviduct is the site for fertilization and early
embryonic development in mammals (Figure1). In addition, oviduct transports gametes tothe site for fertilization and the early embryo
to the uterus. They provide the optimal
environment for the aforementioned functions.
Functional abnormalities of oviduct can induce
infertility. Although oviduct is an essential
organ for establishment of pregnancy, nodiagnostic or treatment methods of oviductal
function have been developed in all mammals.
The conception rate in cattle decreases
consistently with each year, which is an urgent
problem requiring an immediate solution. I
study the regulating mechanism of oviductal
function to contribute to the improvement of
fertilization in mammals.

22

Figure 1.

We study the physiology of oviductal cells
in vitro using newly established cell culture
systems of bovine oviduct (Figure 2).
Local mechanisms controlling thecontraction and relaxation of the oviductal
smooth muscle: The smooth muscle
motility which is important for transport ofgametes/embryo in the oviduct is controlled
by several local factors. Therefore, we
aim to clarify the regulatory mechanismof oviductal motility by studying the
local factors that induce smooth muscle
contraction and relaxation.
Factors providing the optimal environment
in the oviduct: Optimal environment for
fertilization and embryonic development
is provided by oviductal secretion. We
aim to find the local factors which directly
or indirectly affect oocyte maturation,
fertilization and embryonic development in
the oviduct.

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Research outline

Applicability of research
Abnormalities of the oviductal function
lead to failure of fertilization, and poor
development or death of the early embryowithin the oviduct. In addition, abnormality
in the transport of the early embryo inhumans can cause to an ectopic pregnancy.
If the control mechanism of oviductal
function can be clarified, these new findings
could contribute to the development of new
diagnostic approaches targeting oviductal
function and new fertility treatments.
This knowledge could also contribute to
the improvement of in vitro fertilizationand embryo culture. We hope to develop
our research to in vivo study to improve
fertility treatments for domestic animals
and humans in the future.

Short interview

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
My strong interest in animals set me on the path to become a veterinarian.
Moreover, very attractive lectures of the animal physiology by my supervisor
gave me a motivation to study my current specialization. My aim as a
researcher is to contribute to clinical research by utilizing my aspect as aveterinarian.
Q. What is good for you as a faculty staff?
Faculty members are responsible for both research and education. Pursuingresearch with teaching students allows me to find my own disadvantages,
and therefore that increases my motivation. In addition, science has
no national borders. Collaboration with foreigner researchers andstudents, who have different cultures and speak different languages,
is very exciting and valuable.

23

Research topic“Material cycle-ecosystem interactions”
driven by freshwater transport

Mitsuyo Saito［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Environmental
and Life Sciences (Environment)［Position］

Assistant professor (adjunct)［e-mail］

misaito@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］ Hydrological science, biogeochemistry

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2005 Graduate School of Biosphere
Science, Hiroshima University (MC)◆ April 2005 Research fellowship (DC1), Japan
Society for the Promotion of Science◆ March 2008 Graduate School of Biosphere
Science, Hiroshima University (DC)◆ April 2008 Researcher, Center for Marine
Environmental Studies, Ehime University◆ April 2011 Research fellow (PD), Japan Society
for the Promotion of Science◆ April 2013 Assistant professor (adjunct),
Environmental Sciences, Graduate School ofEnvironmental and Life Sciences, Okayama
University【Academic degree】Ph.D., Hiroshima University,
2008

Key words
groundwater, freshwater-saltwater boundary, reservoir, basin, nutrient cycle, ecosystem effects, stable andradioactive isotopes

Publications① Saito, M., and two others: Effects of residence time and nutrient load on eutrophic conditions andphytoplankton variations in agricultural reservoirs. IAHS Publication 361: 197-203 (2013).
② Saito, M., and eight others: Seasonal variation of the 222Rn concentration in the central part of the Seto
Inland Sea, Japan. Interdisciplinary Studies on Environmental Chemistry 6: 339-344 (2012).
③ Saito, M., and six others: Spatial variation of submarine groundwater discharge（SGD）in the central part of
Seto Inland Sea. Interdisciplinary Studies on Environmental Chemistry 5: 117-123 (2011).
④ Saito, M., Onodera, S.: Is groundwater flow a controlling factor of denitrification process? — Current stateand future challenges—. Journal of Japanese Association of Hydrological Sciences 41: 91-101 (2011).
⑤ Saito, M., and six others: Evaluation of nitrate attenuation potential in the groundwater of Jakarta
metropolitan area, Indonesia. IAHS Publication 329: 305-310 (2009).
⑥ Onodera, S., Saito M., and eight others: Effects of intensive urbanization on the intrusion of shallow
groundwater into deep groundwater: Examples from Bangkok and Jakarta. Science of the Total
Environment 407: 3209-3217 (2009).

Short pitch
Japan is surrounded by ocean, and we receive many blessings from the sea such as food, resources, andenergy. However, in recent years, the world’s coastal areas have experienced decreases in fisheries andaquatic resources. The reason for this may be the impacts of human activities on land, and environmental
fluctuations. However, the details are unclear. Land and sea are connected through water circulation, andnutrients needed for living organisms such as nitrogen and phosphorus are transported to the sea throughrivers and groundwater. I aim to elucidate the impact of such material transport through freshwater on
ecosystems, and I am studying a wide range of fields from rivers, groundwater, lakes, and coastal areas.

24

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Research outline
When considering material transport from land to sea,evaluation on the basin scale that contains land and sea
is essential. However, estuaries and coastal areas that
correspond to the boundaries between land and sea are
the place where freshwater (river water and groundwater)and seawater flow and mix, forming a complex material
circulation. Gaps between researchers of limnology andoceanography and lack of mutual understanding leave
many points still unclear. Therefore, in this research, I
aim to (1) conduct quantitative evaluation of nutrienttransport through freshwater, including groundwater,and (2) elucidate their impacts on coastal lower-orderecosystems. I will analyze physical transportation of water
on a basin scale that includes groundwater, river water,
reservoirs, and coastal areas, and make evaluations basedon multi-tracer analysis of stable and radioactive isotopes.

Applicability of research
In estuaries and coastal areas where
freshwater and salt water come in contact,
non-stationarity such as the impact ofgroundwater outflow, tidal fluctuations, andfloods are not taken into consideration inquantitative evaluation of nutrient transport.
Therefore, the results of this research will
present new findings for existing concepts ofmaterial circulation in freshwater-salt waterboundary areas. At the same time, my results
are expected to be applicable to a wide
range of areas such predicting fluctuations
in nutrient circulation and biologicalproduction associated with climate changes
and anthropogenic alteration to coastal areas(landfills and dikes, increased and decreased
pollutant loads, etc.), to propose nutrient
management policies that are appropriate
for sustainable fisheries, and, furthermore,
to predict fluctuations in river water andgroundwater that are freshwater resources.

Short interview

I will conduct myresearch in a wide rangeof fields associated withwater such as rivers,seas, groundwater, andlakes.

Seagrass meadow survey in the coastal area of Hinase, Bizen City,
Okayama Prefecture.

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
I did not plan to become a researcher (I did not even think I could become one).
But when I was a senior in university, I became quite interested in my graduate
thesis, and ended up here. I was always interested in water as a substanceeven as a child, but I think it was in high school when I started thinking abouta job associated with water. I saw a female researcher analyzing water in acommercial, and vaguely thought that it would be great to do such work.
Q. What do you see yourself in the future?
I majored in limnology as a student, but as a researcher, I got a job in an
oceanographic laboratory. There, I gained a perspective of observing theland from the sea, and gained connection to researchers in a wide range offields. I hope to use this experience and to conduct research that connects
limnology and oceanography in the future.

25

Research topic

A study on the function and localizationof vesicular transmitter transporters

Miki Hiasa

Curriculum vitae◆ March 2007 Graduate in Drug Discovery and Life
Sciences (MC), Okayama University Graduate School of
Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences◆ April 2007 Research Fellow (DC1), Japan Society for
the Promotion of Science◆ March 2010 Graduate in Drug Discovery and Life
Sciences (DC), Okayama University Graduate School of
Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences◆ April 2010 Research Fellow (PD), Japan Society for the
Promotion of Science［Affiliation］

Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Medicine)［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

hiasa_arioka@pharm.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］Biochemistry, Pharmacology,
Physiological chemistry◆ April 2011 Assistant Professor, Tokushima Bunri
U n i v e r s i t y, F a c u l t y o f P h a r m a c e u t i c a l S c i e n c e s ,Laboratory of Biochemistry◆ April 2012 Assistant Professor, Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry andPharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Membrane
Biochemsitry (adjunct)◆ April 2015 Assistant Professor. Okayama University
Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry andPharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Membrane
Biochemistry【Academic degree】
Ph.D. (Pharmacy), Okayama University,
2010

Key words
Transporters, biochemistry, vesicular transmitter transporters

Publications① Hiasa, M., Miyaji, T., Haruna, Y., Takeuchi, T., Harada, Y., Moriyama, S., Yamamoto, A., Omote, H.,
Moriyama, Y.: Identification of a mammalian vesicular polyamine transporter. Scientific Reports, 4, 6836
(2014).
② Sakamoto, S., Miyaji, T., Hiasa, M., Ichikawa, R., Uematsu, A., Iwatsuki, K., Shibata, A., Uneyama,
H., Takayanagi, R., Yamamoto, A., Omote, H., Nomura, M., Moriyama, Y.: Essential role of vesicular
nucleotide transporter in ATP storage and secretion in neuroendocrine cells. Scientific Reports, 4, 6689
(2014).
③ Hiasa, M., Togawa, N., Miyaji, T., Omote, H., Yamamoto, A., Moriyama, Y.: Essential role of vesicular
nucleotide transporter in vesicular storage and release of nucleotides in platelets. Physiological Reports, 2(6), e12034 (2014).
④ Harada, Y., Hiasa, M.: Immunological identification of vesicular nucleotide transporter in intestinal L cells.
Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 37 (7), 1090-1095 (2014).
⑤ Hiasa, M., Togawa, N., Moriyama, Y.: Vesicular nucleotide transport: a brief history and the vesicular
nucleotide transporter as a target for drug development. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 20 (16), 27452749 (2014).
⑥ Hiasa, M., Isoda, Y., Kishimoto, Y., Saitoh, K., Kimura, Y., Kanai, M., Shibasaki, M., Hatakeyama, D.,
Kirino, Y., Kuzuhara, T.: Inhibition of monoamine oxidase A and stimulation of behavioural activities inmice by the inactive prodrug form of the anti-influenza agent oseltamivir. British Journal of Pharmacology,
169 (1), 115-129 (2013).

Short pitch
Since 2012, I am a WTT professor at the Okayama University and have been conducting research with thesupport of my mentors and students. During the daily research and interactions with fellow researchers, I
have discovered my limitations and have also grown. I have moved on to be independent, but recently, I
have had the opportunity to discover and research novel advancements owing to my associations with othermembers. Rather than isolating myself in my laboratory and focusing on my research, I would now appreciate
exploring and deepening my interactions with people in various other fields.

26

I am conducting research with afocus on transporters, in particular
vesicular transmitter transporters,
which exist on vesicles and function
to transport transmitters into vesicles.
Vesicular transmitter transporters
are the key molecules that lead tochemical transmission. In addition to
the transporters of glutamate, ATP, andother well-known transmitters, I am
interested in novel transporters, suchas those that transport polyamines
and D-serine. I am also continuing myresearch with the aim of identifying
cells and vesicles responsible fortransmission mechanisms and aim toelucidate their regulatory mechanisms.

Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry,
and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research outline

Applicability of research
Vesicular transmitter transporters are responsible
for signal transmission and determine the type andstrength of the transmissions. In these studies, I
will identify novel transporters. By determining
novel signal transmission mechanisms, it is possible
to discover the physiological functions that they

contribute to, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms
resulting from their failure. Additionally, researchon transport inhibitors, vesicular transmittertransporters, can aid in the development of novel
drugs targeting vesicular transmitter transporters.

I would also like toconnect basic researchon transporters withdrug development.

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?

I first encountered transpor ters when I was a university student in thelaboratory I was working in. My first research topic was to identify the role of a

Short interview

certain transporter. As transporters are interesting and have diverse functions
and because of the beauty of the stained images of the tissue sections, I
became engaged in my research. I still abide by my teacher’s words: In orderto make progress in transporter research, it is important to know the
localization and substrates of the transporter.

27

Research topic

Regulation mechanisms for the expressionof Si transporters in rice

Namiki Mitani-Ueno［Affiliation］

Institute of Plant Science and Resources［Position］

Assistant Professor［E-mail］

namiki-m@rib.okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］Plant nutrition

Curriculum vitae◆ Mar 2006 Graduate, Kagawa University Graduate
School of Agriculture Department of Life Science(MC)◆ Apr 2006 Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science, Research Fellowship for Young Scientists(DC1)◆ Sept 2008 Graduate, Graduate School of Natural
Science and Technology, Okayama University,
Bioscience Division (DC)◆ Oct 2008 Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science, Research Fellowship for Young Scientists(PD)◆ Apr 2009 Institute of Plant Science and Resources,
Okayama University, Assistant Professor on Special
Contract◆ Apr 2010 Institute of Plant Science and Resources,
Okayama University, Assistant Professor (Specially
Appointed)◆ Oct 2013 Institute of Plant Science and Resources,
Okayama University, Assistant Professor【Academic degree】Ph.D. (Agriculture), Okayama
University, 2008

Key words
Plant nutrition, stress tolerance, silicon, regulation of expression

Publications① Mitani-Ueno, N., Ogai, H., Yamaji, N. Ma, JF.: Physiological and molecular characterization of Si uptake inwild rice species. Physiol Plant. doi: 10.1111/ppl.12125. (2013).
② Yamaji, N., Chiba, Y., Mitani-Ueno, N., Ma JF.: Functional characterization of a silicon transporter gene
implicated in silicon distribution in barley. Plant Physiol. 160, 1491-1497 (2012).
③ Montpetit, J., Vivancos, J., Mitani-Ueno, N., Yamaji, N., Remus-Borel, W., Belzile, F., Ma, JF., Belanger,
RR.: Cloning, functional characterization and heterologous expression of TaLsi1, a wheat silicon transporter
gene. Plant Mol Biol. 79, 35-46 (2012).
④ Mitani-Ueno, N., Yamaji, N., Zhao, FJ., Ma, JF.: The aromatic/arginine selectivity filter of NIP aquaporins
plays a critical role in substrate selectivity for silicon, boron, and arsenic. J Exp Bot. 62, 4391-4298 (2011).
⑤ Mitani, N., Yamaji, N., Ago, Y., Iwasaki, K., Ma, JF.: Isolation and functional characterization of an influx
silicon transporter in two pumpkin cultivars contrasting in silicon accumulation. Plant J. 66, 231-240 (2011).
⑥ Mitani, N., Chiba, Y., Yamaji, N., Ma, JF.: Identification and characterization of maize and barley Lsi2-likesilicon efflux transporters reveals a distinct silicon uptake system from that in rice. Plant Cell, 21, 21332142 (2009).

Short pitch
Plants are close to us, having been utilized as indispensable materials for food,clothing and housing since ancient times. Therefore, it is very important for us
to have strong, healthy plants for cultivation. Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element
for plant growth which can alleviate various stresses by accumulation in theirshoots. However, Si content of the plants varies greatly with species and only
those plants that are capable of accumulating the element can receive benefit
from it. Rice is one of major Si accumulating plants. I am focusing on the
study about molecular mechanisms of Si uptake and accumulation in rice for
applying the beneficial effects of this element in many other plants.

28

W ild -t ype rice and a mutant
with low silicon accumulation

The panicles of the mutant display discolorationand plant growth and yields are extremely poor

Since the discovery of the silicon (Si)transporters, attempts to generate stresstolerant plants by incorporating Si
transporters have been made without
any success. Actually, in many plants,functions of Si transporters are strictly
regulated at many levels. For example,
the expression levels of Si transporters
in root are dependent on the level of Si
accumulation in the shoots. Also, cellular
localization of the transporters appear to
be determined to maximize uptake of Si.
To understand multiple stress tolerance
based on Si-involving mechanism, I
believe that detailed information about
regulation mechanism of expression andlocalization of Si transporters is necessary.
Currently, I am focusing on research toelucidate regulation mechanism of Si
transporter expression level and its polar
localization in the tissue.

Institute of Plant Science and Resources

Research outline

Applicability of researchOnce we have clarified the mechanismof the regulation of Si transporters,
and have identified the long distancesignal(s) from shoot to root for Si uptake
and accumulation, the information canbe applied to develop plants with hightolerance to multiple stress. In addition,
if the mechanisms for polar localizationof the transporters are discovered, thisknowledge can be applied to develop
plants with efficient uptake of essential
minerals from soil solutions. In thelong term, these technologies will leadto an improvement in agricultural
productivity and a reduction in theenvironmental burden.

Short interview

Q. What made you choose your field and occupation?
The idea that agriculture supports the food, which is the most basic andimportant for us, attracted me to agricultural laboratories dealing with crops.
I remember that, at my early stage of my carrier, I was particularly motivatedto be a researcher by the excitement of being able to discover totally unknown
facts.
Q. Please tell us about any personal difficulties you have experienced.
I experienced difficulties during my two childbir ths, and needed to behospitalized for substantial period. It was difficult time for me, not being
able to carry out any experiments and worried about delays with myresearch.

29

Research topic

Epigenetic regulation of gene expressionin plants

Yoko Ikeda［Affiliation］

Institute of Plant Science and Resources［Position］

Assistant Professor (Specially Appointed)［E-mail］

yikeda@okayama-u.ac.jp［Research field］Plant molecular genetics

Curriculum vitae◆ Mar 2004 Graduate, Division of Biological Science,
Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University (MC)◆ Mar 2007 Graduate, Division of Biological Science,
Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University (DC)◆ Apr 2007
National Institute of Genetics,
Postdoctoral Research Fellow◆ Oct 2007 Nara Institute of Science and Technology,
Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Postdoctoral
Research Fellow◆ Oct 2009 Nara Institute of Science and Technology,
Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Global-COE
Assistant Professor◆ Nov 2011 Clermont Université, France, CNRS
Postdoctoral Research Fellow◆ Apr 2012 Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science, Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research
Abroad (Clermont Université, France）◆ Dec 2013 Institute of Plant Science and Resources,
Okayama University, Assistant Professor (speciallyappointed)【Academic degree】
Ph.D. (Science), Kyoto University,
2007

Key words
Epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modification, transposable element, environmental response, plant
hormone, genomic imprinting

Publications① Ikeda, Y.: Plant imprinted genes identified by genome-wide approaches and their regulatory mechanisms.
Plant and Cell Physiology，53(3)，809-816, (2012).
② Ikeda, Y., Kinoshita, Y., Susaki, D., Ikeda, Y., Iwano, M., Takayama, S., Higashiyama, T., Kakutani, T.,
Kinoshita, T.: HMG domain containing SSRP1 is required for DNA demethylation and genomic imprinting
in Arabidopsis. Developmental Cell, 21(3), 589-596, (2011).
③ Ikeda, Y. and Kinoshita, T.: DNA demethylation: a lesson from the garden. Chromosoma, 118(1), 37-41,(2009).
④ Tiwari, S., Schulz, R., Ikeda, Y., Dytham, L., Bravo, J., Mathers, L., Spielman, M., Guzman, P., Oakey,
JR., Kinoshita, T., Scott, JR.,: MATERNALLY EXPRESSED PAB C-TERMINAL, a Novel Imprinted Gene in
Arabidopsis, Encodes the Conserved C-Terminal Domain of Polyadenylate Binding Protein. The Plant Cell,
20(9), 2387-2398, (2008).
⑤ Ikeda, Y., Kobayashi, Y., Yamaguchi, A., Abe, M., Araki, T.: Molecular basis of late-flowering phenotype
caused by dominant epi-alleles of the FWA locus in Arabidopsis. Plant and Cell Physiology，48(2)，205-220,(2007).

Short pitch
Owing to my fascination with the mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation, I have been
involved in basic research using plants for over a decade. I have been carrying out analysis
r e l at in g t o D N A m e t h y l a t i on / d em et hy l a t i o n a n d h is t o n e m o d i f i c a t i o n u s in g m u t a n t s o f t h emodel plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and I am currently embarking on analyses using several otherplant species as well. Presently, I am particularly interested in the ways in which epigenetic
information is affected by changes in the environment. Looking ahead, I would like to determine
the epigenetic molecular mechanisms of epigenetic control in various vital phenomena.

30

Genes responsible for vital genetic
information are coded in DNA basesequences; however, epigenetic information
outside the DNA sequence has beenfound to play an important role in gene
expression and function. Such epigenetic
information including DNA methylationand histone modification is known tobe affected depending on the stage of
growth and changes in the environment.
I have been carrying out research basedon molecular genetics into i) the type ofmolecular mechanism that controls DNA
methylation and histone modificationin plants; ii) the manner in which theexpression of genes and transposable
elements is regulated; and iii) the ways inwhich epigenetic information is transmitted
to the next generation.

Institute of Plant Science and Resources

Research outline

Applicability of research
Research into mechanisms of epigenetic gene
expression, such as DNA methylation andhistone modification, has enabled to design gene
expression and scientists are now able to enhancethe expression of useful genes and inhibit theexpression of harmful genes. It may be possible
to apply DNA methylation changes in breeding.
In addition, DNA methylation and histone
modification are also involved in the regulationof transposons in the genome, and it is possiblethat the technologies will be used with theseelements to achieve a variety of improvements
i n t h e f u t u r e . We a r e n o w a w a r e t h a t t h eprocesses of epigenetic change in accordancewith environmental stress, and it is reasonable
to expect that research into these mechanisms
will lead to methods to increase stress tolerance.
Cu rre nt ly, in addition to Arabidopsis thali ana ,analyses are also being conducted on other plants
such as wheat, rice, moss, and seaweed.

Short interview

Left: Arabidopsis thaliana; Top right: Rice;
Bottom right: Marchantia polymorpha

Q. Which experiences have made you what you are today?
I think that it is probably my strong interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subjectsof my research that have motivated me to continue in research. I have many
weaknesses, but I think that one of my strengths is persistence. In addition, I
am grateful to the people that I have been lucky enough to have around me tosupport me, including my family; friends; my former teachers, who taught me
the joys of research; and the colleagues I have encountered.
Q. Please tell us about any personal difficulties you have experienced.
I lived apar t from my husband for six years. Last t wo years, we wereseparated by the long distance between Japan and France; however, wehave recently begun to live together for the first time in a while. At the
moment, we are working hard to synchronize our lifestyles.

31

Okayama University supports young women faculty.

What is the Woman Tenure-Track (WTT) system?
Okayama University is committed to achieving excellence in research that meets global
standards and becoming recognized as the world headquarters of research and intellectual
communication. One of the systems that has been introduced to reach that goal in 2009is the “Woman Tenure Track (WTT)” system. The system was established to promotehiring and professional development of quality woman faculty at Okayama University.
The WTT faculty system concerns strategic human resource management involving
granting permanent contracts to women faculty who gained certain levels of experiencein conducting independent research and meet the tenure standards established at theirdepartments. Permanent contracts constitute either no time-limited employment or on
contract employment with the unlimited renewal privilege* (*Some restrictions may apply).
In addition to providing a mentor to each newly hired WTT faculty, the WTT systemallows the WTT faculty members to appoint a research assistant as needed. By creatinga support system that takes various life events of tenure-track woman faculty into
consideration, Okayama University strives to create a friendly work environment for all
women faculty members where they can reach their maximum potential in research andteaching without any disadvantage to their men counterparts.

Tenure Faculty
Advanced
support system forresearch and life
eventsby・Mentor faculty
・Research assistant・Finance

Tenure Track Faculty(Assistant professor)
5 years
on probation

Employment Review

International Advertising

32

5th year, Review
3rd year, Pre-review
Employment

The WTT faculty members as mothers

Dr. Eguchi,
Assistant
Professor

Dr. Miyazaki,
Assistant
Professor“We are now taking a walk in the park. She will berunning around outside very soon. Kids do grow very
quickly.”Dr. Honda,
Assistant
Professor“After receiving tenure, I took advantage of the maternity
leave entitlement and spent one year in Malaysia where
my husband conducts research.”

Dr. Mitani,
Assistant
Professor“During my WTT years I took my maternity leave. I am
now trying to raise a child for the first time.”“I am striving to raise my children with the help of people
around me. I want to grow together with my children.”Note: Please be aware that there is no profile in this Seeds Collection for Phase III WTT Assistant Professor Honda in the Graduate
School of Environmental and Life Science (Environment), as she is currently on maternity leave.

～Our University has the system to support Moms and Dads who are raising children～
The Research
Assistant
SystemThe system helps to create a
conducive research environment
for everyone by providing research
assistants to our full-time andpart-time faculty members
who are faced with the time
management challenge due tofamily responsibilities such as childbirth and rearing or caring for older
people.

The Women’sInformation
Support CenterT h e Wo m e n’s I n f o r m a t i o n
Suppor t Center provides
information about childrearing and work as well as
counseling■ The Nakayoshi Day Care Center■ The Mascat Sick Child Day Care Center■ The Kainoki Kids Club

Location: Shikada campus
Eligibility: Children from 6 months old toless than 5 years old
Admission capacity: Maximum of 90
childrenDays: Monday to Friday
Hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm with 20 minutemaximum extension of nursing time)※non-registered childcare

Location: Shikada campus (Located within
the Okayama University hospital)
Eligibility: Children from 6 months old to 6th
grade
Admission capacity: 5 children (Advanced
registration required)
Days: Monday to Friday
Hours: 8 am to 5:30 pm

Location: Tsushima Campus
Eligibility: 1st graders to 6th graders
Admission capacity: 60 children
Days: During school breaks (spring,summer, winter)
Hours: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

33

As you have read, for this year’s WTT
Teachers’ Edition we prepared a collection of
Seeds profiles of Okayama University’s female
Afterword
researchers. I would like to thank all of theteachers who provided their Seeds profiles. We
were able to complete this publication following
discussions with the Organization for Research
Promotion & Collaboration and the URA. I would like to thank themfor their assistance.
What we are aiming for with this publication is to provide acollection of research Seeds profiles that female researchers will pickup and read. At the same time as including the wonderful researchseeds of our up-and-coming WTT teachers, we have also arranged
the columns so that the readers can get to know them as people. The
design also makes use of many soft lines, and we think it is somethinga bit different from the usual. If I may speak boldly without the fearof being misunderstood, our aim was to slightly surprise those whoare accustomed to reading booklets introducing technologies. Thereis a new market for more innovative booklets, and our intention is for
Okayama University to make inroads into it.
The University is supporting many female students who are
conducting research from extremely interesting viewpoints. On
the other hand, it is also true that there have been instances offemale students not fully utilizing their expertise due to various
circumstances in their lives. To enable people with alternative
viewpoints to develop a new market, we would be delighted if
this booklet assists to some degree in building a new university
and research environment. At the same time, we would be happy
if it helps to widen the reader’s view and contributes to theirunderstanding of this research. For the people we connect with in
this way, we hope that we create a “connection” in a form that isdifferent from the link normally envisaged.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone in the Office for Promotionof Gender Equality who contributed to the editing work, and lookforward to their future assistance in developing the second and third
editions.
Graduate School of Environmentand Life Science (Environment)
Yasushi Mori

The Office for Promotion of Gender Equality, The Organization
for Diversit y Management, National Universit y Cor poration
Okayama University
1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530 Japan
TEL: 086-251-7011 FAX: 086-251-7033
E-mail: sankaku1@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
URL http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/user/jinji/diversity/danjo
Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment