Tomonobu Kusano
Company
Tohoku University
Address
Graduate School of Life Sciences
2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba, Sendai-city
980-8577 Miyagi
Telephone
+81 22-217-5709
E-mail
kusano@ige.tohoku.ac.jp
1. Summary of work to be allocated into a specific WG
This Partner is using genetic and molecular biological approaches to study the physiological function of polyamine, especially spermine, in abiotic stress response using Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana. The work is mostly integrated into WG4.
2. Links with other WG and/or Subgroups
The work is also linked with WG2.2, WG2.4, and WG3.4in order to study interactions with other signaling/metabolic pathways.
3. Specific activities to be integrated into WG and/or Subgroups
WG4: The work will cover most aspects of this WG.
WG2.2: Study the role of Cys2-His2-type transcription factors which are positioned in polyamine-signaling pathway.
WG2.4: Identification and characterization of new signaling factors controlling the expression of cold-induced bZIP-type transcription factor gene, lip19.
WG3.4: Study the translational control mechanism of ATB2-type transcription factors by sucrose.
4. Qualification for the role and current grants
Tomonobu Kusano is Full Professor of Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University (Laboratory of Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology). Since 1990 he is devoted to Plant Science and his main research topic is to understand plants´ responses to low temperature, salt and drought stresses. The work is partly supported by Grants-in-Aid from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (19658039).
5. Technical expertise and facilities
This partner will provide experience required for molecular biological techniques, including electrophoretic mobility shift assay, gene cloning and characterization of recombinant proteins, plant transformation, yeast two-hybrid screens, identification of proteins by MALDI-TOF-MS, etc. The laboratory and Technical Support Centers of Tohoku University have adequate equipment and facilities to carry out the work.