About the Speaker

Dr. Kazuo Tsugane is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) in Japan. His work primarily focuses on the dynamics of genomes and the regulation of gene expression through DNA transposons, particularly in rice. Dr. Tsugane has made significant contributions to understanding how transposons, such as nDart1, influence genome reorganization and gene expression. His research also explores the preservation of biological resources under low-temperature conditions. 

Abstract

Molecular Genetic Analysis of Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment on the Transposon Activation in Rice

While low-temperature plasma irradiation has been demonstrated to promote plant growth, the molecular changes underlying this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. This phenomenon likely involves at least a change in the expression of relevant genes. Since no mutations that alter DNA sequences have been reported upon low-temperature plasma irradiation, the genome must undergo some kind of change that alters gene expression. To elucidate the biological effects of plasma irradiation, this project aims to detect genomic changes caused by the activation of “transposons,” which are more abundant in the genome than genes. Transposons are sequences that move to other locations in the genome. Because transposon transfer is often detrimental to the organism, many transposons are epigenetically repressed and inactive without altering the DNA sequence through DNA or histone modifications. They are activated by external stimuli called genomic stress. Plasma irradiation is thought to affect not only genes in the genome but also other genomic components. We aim to elucidate the molecular effects of plasma irradiation on the genome using activated transposons as a clue. We will analyze the rice mutant pyl-stb showing mutable leaves as an indicator of transposon transposition.