Prof. TOHGE Takayuki
Please tell us about your own research and what you find interesting about it.
We’re analyzing the structural diversity of plant secondary (specialized) metabolites that exist widely in nature. In addition, using integrated omics analysis and interspecies comparative analysis, we’re searching for gene groups involved in the production of useful metabolites and elucidating novel functions. Secondary metabolism in plants is diverse in terms of chemical structures and biological activities, and it’s fun to make new discoveries.
Please tell us about the difficulties and joys of the research field.
Analysis data is often complex, so it often requires multiple perspectives and flexible thinking. We grow and analyze a variety of plants and crops, and it's fun to see their growth and development.
Please tell us about the expected results and social significance of the project.
The results of our research can be applied to breeding of useful metabolites with added functions and discovery of new active substances.
A message of support for students who are about to take the exam
Our staff members have previously worked at research institutes in other countries. The experience of teaching in an international research and educational environment such as a research institute can sometimes lead to problems, but we’ve been able to solve any issues that arise. I hope to share this experience at NAIST, where many students aspire to work at overseas university research institutions, companies, or international corporations in the future.
What websites, books, review articles, and so on, do you recommend for studying in order to apply for the lab ?
- Fernie AR., Tohge T. (2017) The genetics of plant metabolism. Annual Review of Genetics, 51, 287-310.
- Tohge T., Watanabe M., Hoefgen R., Fernie AR. (2013) The evolution of phenylpropanoid metabolism in the green lineage. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48, 123-152.
- Tohge T., Fernie AR. (2010) Combining genetic diversity, informatics, and metabolomics to facilitate annotation of plant gene function. Nature Protocols, 5, 1210-1227.
What do you do to keep yourself fresh?
Drinking coffee.