AIST REPORT 2012

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Director, Central Laboratory, Bridgestone CorporationKoichi MoritaUnit Leader, NR R&D Unit 2, NR R&D Division, Central Laboratory, Bridgestone CorporationNorie WatanabeLeader, Plant Gene Regulation Research Group, Bioproduction Research Institute, AIST Kaoru Suzukitimeframe is molecular breeding technology.In July 2012, in collaboration with the National Institute of Genetics and Illumina, Inc., Bridgestone succeeded in decoding the Pará rubber treeʼs genome. Using this genome information, AIST aims to make progress in establishing genetic analysis and modification technologies, to establish cultivar selection technologies, and to develop superior cultivars.Leader Kaoru Suzuki describes the technologies to be used: “Our greatest competence is in research into transcription factors that promote and suppress gene expression, that is to say, controlling acceleration and braking. Our research previously was focused on promotion but AIST has turned its attention to suppression technology and independently developed the CRES-T process. With this process, we can suppress similar transcription factors in a single plant all at once, and we can obtain very clear results in a short time. Using this technology, we will first work on developing and regulating useful genes. Then, to utilize the useful genes we will need genetic modification technologies for Pará rubber trees. I think this research will require perseverance but it will play a very important role. By using genetic modification technologies, we hope to increase productivity rapidly.”From genetic analysis to empirical demonstration, the research will take long periods, so nurturing the young researchers who will carry this project on into the next generation is an important part of the mission. If we can get good results in terms of commercial application, we hope that young people will be motivated and that there will be a great wave of new enthusiasm for the field of botanical science.Commercial application is what earns scientists recognitionWe asked unit leader Norie Watanabe what the key to success in international partnerships is.“I have worked on a number of partnerships. In international partnerships, the most important thing is to build relationships of trust between individuals. When partners share the same goals and visions, they feel secure and they can exchange detailed information. Over the past 12 years, I have visited Indonesia every year for collaborative research with BPPT. Many researchers have studied in Japan, are very enthusiastic about Japan and frequently communicate in Japanese in meetings, telephone conversations, e-mails, etc. We have been able to achieve successes in research on the basis of friendly relationships. Trust will be further strengthened by this three-way partnership, and I am hopeful that this will contribute to development in both Japan and Indonesia.”The project also contains the possibility of future application in different kinds of research relating to botanical resources. Director Yoshihiro Ohmiya emphasizes that the project is important for the future of AIST: “How well we play our role in this marvellous scenario and whether this partnership can return the benefits of research to humanity are critical questions. This is really the science that will make the future, and it can be said that work that produces results is work that scientists will be recognized for. I think we should cultivate this research for the long term and make it one of AISTʼs assets. I think that AIST will be a major base for botanical research and lay the foundations for plant biotechnology that is relevant to industry.”Through achieving minor goals one by one over a long period, this partnership is on its way to major successes.Director, Biomedical Research Institute, AISTYoshihiro OhmiyaOpen Innovation|19

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