Naoya Takeda

Major research activity

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and root nodule symbiosis (RNS) are mutualistic plant-microbe interactions that confer great advantages to growth by supplying essential nutrients. AM fungi provide phosphate, minerals and water to the host plant and, in return, they obtain carbon sources from the host. In RNS, rhizobium reduces atmospheric nitrogen to ammonium and thus rhizobia provide a nitrogen source to the host plant. Each symbiosis forms specific symbiotic organs in the host roots, through which the host and symbiotic microbes effectively exchanges the nutrients.

Our laboratory investigates the developmental processes of AM, RNS and other plant-microbe symbioses both in host plants and in microbes. We analyze symbiosis factors and systems by omics and bioimaging techniques in addition to classical molecular biology and genetics methods. We are also studying the symbiotic functions for utilization in agricultural or engineering fields, for example, the symbiotic nutrient supplies as a biofertilizer. Through such basic and application studies, we will elucidate the complex symbiosis systems and learn how our knowledge links to social contributions.

Major relevant publications

1. Nagae M, Parniske M, Kawaguchi M, Takeda N
   The Thiamine Biosynthesis Gene THI1 Promotes Nodule Growth and Seed Maturation
   Plant Physiology Vol.172:2033-43 (2016)
2. Tsuzuki S, Handa Y, Takeda N, Kawaguchi M.
   Strigolactone-induced putative secreted protein 1 is required for the establishment of symbiosis by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis
   Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions Vol 29:288-86 (2016)
3. Takeda N, Handa Y, Tsuzuki S, Kojima M, Sakakibara H, Kawaguchi M.
   Gibberellins Interfere with Symbiosis Signaling and Gene Expression, and Alter Colonization by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Lotus japonicus.
   Plant Physiology Vol.167:545-57 (2015) Provided front cover image
4. Takeda N, Tsuzuki S, Suzaki T, Parniske M, Kawaguchi M.
   CERBERUS and NSP1 of Lotus japonicus are common symbiosis genes that modulate arbuscular mycorrhiza development.
   Plant Cell Physiology Vol54:1711-23 (2013) featured on the Research Highlights
5. Takeda N, Maekawa T, Hayashi M.
   Nuclear-localized and deregulated calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activates rhizobial and mycorrhizal responses in Lotus japonicus.
   Plant Cell Vol.24: 810-22 (2012)