Biosystem Diversity Research Group
Introduction
The diversity of life on earth, adapted to various environments, offers potentially useful genetic resources. The primary mission of our group is to elucidate the diverse functions and biomolecules of various organisms, with a focus on functional structure and morphology, sophisticated biological interactions and symbiosis. We aim to explore biological functions and their industrial applications through multidisciplinary approaches, ranging from the molecular to the ecological level.
We have focused on insects, which constitute more than half of all described organisms, as our primary research materials with emphasis on their morphology and novel biological functions. For instance, we discovered that sun-tolerant insects secrete waxes with unique properties, enabling them to reflect UV light and exhibit super-water repellency.
Symbiosis and biological interactions are important viewpoints in understanding biodiversity. Many insects harbor specific symbiotic bacteria within their bodies. We have discovered how these symbiotic bacteria enhance the ability of their host insects by increasing fecundity, expanding the range of available plant species, hardening exoskeletons, altering body coloration, etc. We are also analyzing the gene function of symbiotic bacteria and working on utilizing uncultivated bacteria as resources using synthetic biology.
Examples of ongoing projects:
- Extended phenotypes emerging through intimate interactions between insects and other organisms
- Characterization and utilization of microstructures by insect waxes
- Mechanisms, functions and evolution of insect-microbe symbiotic associations
- Elucidating the molecular basis underlying insect morphology, color, and sexual differentiation
- Experimental physiology on environmental adaptation mechanisms in insects
- Development of methods for usage of uncultured bacteria using synthetic biology
- Function analysis of genes of mycoplasma minimal cells
List of Publications
Staff：
- Ryo FUTAHASHI (Research Group Leader)
- Takema FUKATSU (Prime Senior Researcher)
- Ryuichi KOGA (Chief Senior Researcher)
- Shigeyuki KAKIZAWA (Senior Researcher)
- Minoru MORIYAMA (Senior Researcher)