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Exploration and creation of beneficial algae for a prosperous future society

Associate Professor (Applied Cell Biology)
NOMURA Toshihisa

 

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that are considered the origin of essential resources for our civilization, such as petroleum and limestone. In recent years, algae have been gaining attention as key players in the development of next-generation biofuels and bioproducts for achieving a sustainable society. In fact, there are many undiscovered algae species in the natural world, with the potential to harbor useful traits and new varieties. Our research laboratory aims to explore and discover useful algae primarily in Yamagata Prefecture, which is home to the Shonai Plain, one of the leading paddy areas in Japan, and abundant water sources. Meanwhile, efforts to create useful algae using new technologies such as genome editing are underway worldwide. However, due to the unique cell walls and shells of each algae species, the introduction of genome editing techniques is often challenging, and research in this area is still in its early stages of development. Leveraging our experience in successfully genome editing Euglena for industrial use, we are working through industry-academia collaboration to develop molecular breeding methods for algae and confer useful traits.


Liquid culture of microalgae(Euglena)


Microscopic image of Euglena cultured under aerobic conditions


Euglena accumulating oil droplets inside cells under anaerobic conditions (stained with green fluorescent dye)

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