Integrative Symbiological Solutions

Developing scientific technologies based on symbiotic interactions for solving global environmental problems

To solve environmental problems such as pollution and climate change, we will elucidate symbiotic relationships in the soil and hydrosphere. By utilizing symbiotic microbial functions, we will develop sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural and environmental technologies that do not rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We will also develop technologies to monitor symbiotic dynamics in order to quickly recognize and predict environmental changes. In addition, we aim to identify symbiotic microorganisms that have the ability to produce unknown useful substances, and to elucidate their biosynthetic mechanisms and create useful compounds using genome mining, omics, biochemistry, structural biology, and computational chemistry approaches.

Integrative Symbiological Solutions

Following the adoption of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, there is an urgent need to promote sustainable economic growth and solutions to social issues such as climate change and stable food supply. Nitrogen and phosphorus are important as fertilizers in agriculture, but when they are released into the atmosphere and soil, they could cause global warming and pollution. In this project, we will implement nitrogen fixation technology and phosphorus utilization technology using symbiotic microorganisms, prediction and purification of the hydrosphere using symbiotic microorganisms, and creation of useful compounds by symbiotic microorganisms. Through these efforts, we will advance our understanding of symbiotic phenomena and contribute to solving global environmental and food problems and promoting the bio-industry.

Ken Shirasu

Project Leader

Ken Shirasu

Ph.D.