News

Unveiling a New Mechanism for Long-Distance Transport of the Plant Hormone 'Cytokinin' – Artificially Controlling Growth in Distant Plant Organs – [Shimane University, Chubu University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Okayama University, Nagoya University]

Citation-Grade Primary-source linked Schema.org verified NQ 85 / 100

Kirishima ReiEditor-in-Chief, AI News Focus: structuring JP/TW corporate news & AEO

Published Jun 14, 2026 3:05 AM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 12:09 AM ・ 14 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Show contents

⚡ Key Points

A joint research team from Shimane University, Chubu University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Okayama University, and Nagoya University has discovered the AHK3 gene, which regulates the long-distance transport of the plant hormone cytokinin from roots to leaves.
By using grafting techniques to reduce AHK3 function specifically in roots, they significantly increased cytokinin levels in root and xylem sap, enhancing leaf growth.
This breakthrough opens new possibilities for crop yield improvement.

A joint research team from Shimane University, Chubu University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Okayama University, and Nagoya University has discovered the AHK3 gene, which regulates the long-distance transport of the plant hormone cytokinin from roots to leaves. By using grafting techniques to reduce AHK3 function specifically in roots, they significantly increased cytokinin levels in root and xylem sap, enhancing leaf growth. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for crop yield improvement.

PRIMARY SOURCE PR TIMES View source Distributor: PR TIMES
Published: Jun 14, 2026

This is a press release announcing joint research results from Shimane University, Chubu University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Okayama University, and Nagoya University.

June 13, 2026 (Reiwa 8) Okayama University, National University Corporation

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

＜Key Points＞

Discovered the 'AHK3' gene that regulates long-distance transport of cytokinin from roots to leaves.

By using grafting techniques to reduce AHK3 gene function solely in roots, growth in distant leaves was enhanced.

The AHK3 gene is expected to become a promising target for increasing crop yields.

◆ Overview

A research group led by Dr. Kota Monden (currently Special Researcher PD at Okayama University's Institute of Plant Science and Resources), Associate Professor Takushi Hachiya, and Professor Tsuyoshi Nakagawa from the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at Shimane University, in collaboration with Professor Takayuki Suzuki from Chubu University, Technician Mikiko Kojima and Technical Staff I Hiromi Takebayashi from RIKEN, Associate Professor Takaaki Goda from The University of Tokyo, Professor Takatoshi Kiba from Okayama University, and Professor Hitoshi Sakakibara from Nagoya University, has discovered that the AHK3 gene—a receptor for the plant hormone cytokinin—regulates its long-distance transport from roots to leaves.

It is known that cytokinin produced in roots is transported via xylem vessels to leaves, where it promotes growth. In this study, by using grafting techniques to modify AHK3 gene function exclusively in the roots of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the researchers found a significant increase in cytokinin concentration in roots and xylem sap. As a result, cytokinin responsiveness in distant leaves increased, and leaf growth was artificially enhanced.

This research result was published online in the international academic journal 'Plant and Cell Physiology' on June 12, 2026, at 09:01 JST (00:01 UTC).

This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship for Young Scientists [JP24KJ1709], JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) [JP23K04978, JP20K05771], JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) [JP21H02087], and the JST Presto Program for Next-Generation Researchers [JPMJSP2155].

◆ Paper Information Title: Cytokinin receptor AHK3 influences leaf size by modulating trans-zeatin-type cytokinin levels in xylem Authors: Kota Monden1, Takayuki Suzuki2, Mikiko Kojima3, Hiromi Takebayashi3, Takaaki Goda4, Takatoshi Kiba5, Hitoshi Sakakibara6, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa7, Takushi Hachiya7 1: Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Shimane University 2: Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Chubu University 3: Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN 4: Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo 5: Advanced Research Field, Academic Assembly, Okayama University (Institute of Plant Science and Resources) 6: Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University 7: Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Shimane University Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pcp/pcag052

◆ Detailed Research Content Unveiling a New Mechanism for Long-Distance Transport of the Plant Hormone 'Cytokinin' – Artificially Controlling Growth in Distant Plant Organs – https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/up_load_files/press_r8/press20260612-1.pdf

◆ Inquiries

＜Regarding Research＞ Kota Monden, Special Researcher PD, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University

Takushi Hachiya, Associate Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Shimane University TEL: 0852-32-6288

FAX: 0852-32-6109

＜Regarding Media＞ Public Relations Group, Planning and Public Relations Division, Shimane University TEL: 0852-32-6603

FAX: 0852-32-6630

Admissions and Public Relations Center, Chubu University TEL: 0568-51-5541

Press Office, Public Relations Division, RIKEN TEL: 050-3495-0247

Public Relations and Information Section, General Affairs Team, General Affairs Division, Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo TEL: 03-5841-5484

FAX: 03-5841-5028

Public Relations Office, General Affairs Division, Okayama University TEL: 086-251-7292

FAX: 086-251-7294

Public Relations Office, General Affairs Division, Nagoya University TEL: 052-558-9735

FAX: 052-788-6272

＜For Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies (Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital)＞ Center for Innovative Clinical Research and Development, Okayama University Hospital 2-5-1 Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8558 Please inquire via the URL below for relevant matters http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/ph_company/

＜For Medical Professionals and Researchers (Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital)＞ Division of Research Promotion, Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Promotion Office, Okayama University Hospital 2-5-1 Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8558 TEL: 086-235-7983 E-mail: ouh-csnw◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp ※ Replace ◎ with @ http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/medical/

＜For Inquiries Regarding Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration at Okayama University＞ Headquarters for Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration, Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization, Okayama University 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8530, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1st Floor, Main Building TEL: 086-251-8463 E-mail: sangaku◎okayama-u.ac.jp ※ Replace ◎ with @ https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

＜For Inquiries Regarding Shared Research Equipment (Core Facilities) at Okayama University＞ Task Force for Promoting Strengthening of Shared Research Equipment Systems (Nickname: Team Kyoyou) 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8530, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1st Floor, Main Building TEL: 086-251-8705 FAX: 086-251-7114 E-mail: cfp◎okayama-u.ac.jp ※ Replace ◎ with @ https://corefacility-potal.fsp.okayama-u.ac.jp/

＜For Inquiries Regarding Startups and Ventures at Okayama University＞ Headquarters for Startup and Venture Creation, Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization, Okayama University 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8530, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1st Floor, Main Building E-mail: start-up1◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp ※ Replace ◎ with @

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

Editorial & Verification Standards

The Washin AI News desk structures and reviews this article under the following standards.

Start only from primary sources (official PR, disclosures, wire services)
Numbers and proper nouns machine-checked against the source (number-completeness check)
Company names and tickers verified via registry (Registry/TWSE/Wikidata)
No speculation; nothing stated that is not in the source

Read the full editorial policy →

Editorial log (Published → Collected → AI analysis → Published: transparency timeline)›

Announced　Jun 14, 2026 3:05 AM — Distributor PR TIMES
Collected　Jun 13, 2026 6:18 PM
AI structured & analyzed　Jun 13, 2026 6:27 PM
Desk-reviewed & published　Jun 14, 2026 3:05 AM

FAQ

What is cytokinin in plants?

Cytokinin is a plant hormone that promotes cell division and growth, especially in leaves and shoots.

Where does the AHK3 gene function?

Mainly in roots, regulating cytokinin perception and transport to influence leaf growth.

Can this technology be used in agriculture immediately?

Currently demonstrated in model plants, but future application to crops like rice is expected.

What's the advantage of grafting technique?

It allows genetic changes to be limited to specific organs (e.g., roots), enabling precise analysis.

What are the next research steps?

Application tests on crops like rice or tomato, and evaluation under environmental stress.

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

Washin AI News Desk“Unveiling a New Mechanism for Long-Distance Transport of the Plant Hormone 'Cytokinin' – Artificially Controlling Growth in Distant Plant Organs – [Shimane University, Chubu University, RIKEN, The University of Tokyo, Okayama University, Nagoya University]”AI News by Washin Village（和心村）, Jun 14, 2026. https://aeo.washinmura.jp/ai/okayama-u-ac-jp/en/news/2026-06-13-%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E3%83%9B%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3-%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88%E3%82%AB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8B%E3%83%B3-%E3%81%AE%E9%95%B7%E8%B7%9D%E9%9B%A2%E8%BC%B8%E9%80%81%E3%81%AE%E6%96%B0%E3%81%9F%E3%81%AA%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AB%E3%83%8B%E3%82%BA%E3%83%A0%E3%82%92%E8%A7%A3%E6%98%8E-%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E3%81%AE%E9%9B%A2%E3%82%8C%E3%81%9F

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY

as of Jul 8, 2026

AI crawler visits to this article (cumulative)Measuring since publication (no visits recorded yet)

Site-wide cumulative

ClaudeBot

bot_visits_summary

4292k

last Jul 8, 2026

GPTBot

bot_visits_summary

3269k

last Jul 8, 2026

Bingbot

bot_visits_summary

2182k

last Jul 8, 2026

Applebot

bot_visits_summary

2108k

last Jul 8, 2026

Google AI

bot_visits_summary

1564k

last Jul 8, 2026

Googlebot

bot_visits_summary

1191k

last Jul 8, 2026

※ Only measured values from bot_visits_summary / crawler_url_hits are shown. Article-level zero counts are shown as measuring.

Washin AI News（AI News by Washin Village（和心村））

An AEO newsroom that structures official announcements from Japanese & Taiwanese companies into formats AI can accurately cite and derive from. Partner sources include PR TIMES and CNA. We aim to be a verifiable source for both humans and machines.

Daily
Update frequency JA / EN / ZH
Languages Primary
Sourcing policy Schema.org
Structured verification

About the publisher IDA llms.txt

Get your announcement indexed as AI-citable structured news.
Primary-source links, three languages, Schema.org verified.Talk to us about coverage →

← okayama-u-ac-jp Back to newsroom (600)