The research project on innovative area “pluripotent plant stem cells” approaches the indefinite active life potential of plants from the perspective of stem cells. Analysis of plant stem cells can illuminate the mechanism of the formation and maintenance of pluripotency in vivo. I hope that activities in this project will secure the as-yet-unclear status of stem cell biology in plant science, and spark an international trend. To achieve this, participating researchers will aim to establish this new field by promoting joint research drawing on strong alliances both in quality and quantity.

This project supports single-cell analysis, in order to illuminate the characteristics of plant stem cells on a molecular level. In addition, technical support is provided for 3D imaging analysis in order to link that information with spatial information in tissues. We will strengthen reciprocal partnerships with researchers in other countries, and promote substantial international collaborative research. I believe that these schemes will galvanize the research of each group, and lead to the development of new concepts which could not be discovered through research on animal stem cells. In particular, I expect that this research will elucidate previously unknown operating principles related to regulatory platforms supporting stem cell pluripotency.

Domestic and international collaboration among researchers will be vital to promote the development of this research area. Participating researchers have pledged as one to give their utmost efforts in order to make significant contributions to plant science and biology as a whole. We thank you all in advance for your support.

Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Graduate School of Science and Technology
Professor
Project Leader

Masaaki Umeda