[The University of Tokyo Hiruma Laboratory × QFF] Commencing Research on Plant Symbiotic Microorganisms Utilizing Neutron Beams

Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mito City, Ibaraki; Representative Director CEO: Norio Kikuchi; hereinafter "QFF"), based on a commission from the Hiruma Laboratory (Associate Professor Takeshi Hiruma) at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, has commenced commissioned research on the creation of mutant plant-symbiotic microorganisms using neutron beams. In this research, QFF will utilize its non-GMO mutagenesis technology, "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®," to introduce diverse genetic mutations into plant-symbiotic microorganisms. The goal is to elucidate new genes and physiological mechanisms involved in plant growth promotion and symbiotic functions. The resulting mutants will be used in research to understand the symbiotic mechanisms between plants and microorganisms, and are also expected to have potential applications in sustainable agriculture and microbial material development in the future. ■ Background and Objectives Plants grow in nature by interacting with diverse microbial communities found in the rhizosphere and within plant bodies. Among these microorganisms, some play crucial roles in plant growth and health, such as assisting nutrient absorption and enhancing environmental stress tolerance. The Hiruma Laboratory at The University of Tokyo focuses its research on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plant-microorganism interactions, particularly how plant-symbiotic microorganism relationships are established and how they change under environmental conditions. However, to understand the molecular basis of these symbiotic functions, it is essential to broadly explore the genetic diversity of microorganisms. In this research, we will use neutron beam mutagenesis technology to create diverse microbial mutants and proceed with the exploration of new factors involved in symbiotic functions and plant responses. ■ Research Contents This research will create symbiotic microorganism mutants through the following steps: Neutron beam irradiation of symbiotic microorganism samples Inducing diverse genetic mutations while maintaining viability Construction of mutant populations Initial screening for symbiotic functions with plants The obtained mutants will be utilized by the Hiruma Laboratory at The University of Tokyo as research materials to elucidate plant symbiotic mechanisms. ■ Features of Neutron Beam Technology Neutron beams have the characteristic of inducing not only point mutations but also diverse genetic mutations such as deletions, insertions, and structural variations in DNA. QFF's neutron beam technology is characterized by its ability to introduce diverse mutations without significantly reducing viability, enabling the construction of mutant libraries tailored to research objectives. Furthermore, by keeping the number of mutations per individual relatively low, it has the advantage of facilitating the functional analysis of target genes while reducing unwanted genetic effects (off-trades). Moreover, this technology is a non-GMO technique that does not involve genetic recombination, which may be advantageous from a regulatory and social acceptance perspective when applying research results to the agriculture, food, and biotechnology industries. Mechanism of QFF's Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® technology (non-GMO) ■ Future Outlook Although this research is primarily aimed at basic research, if mutants with enhanced plant-symbiotic microbial functions are obtained, applications as agricultural materials such as plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPR) and biostimulants are also expected. In recent years, global interest in sustainable agricultural technologies utilizing microorganisms has been growing, and the development of new agricultural technologies leveraging plant-microorganism symbiosis is an important research area. QFF will continue to promote research and development for the exploration of new biological functions utilizing non-GMO mutagenesis technology with neutron beams and their societal implementation, through collaboration with universities and research institutions. ■ Representative Comments Takeshi Hiruma, Associate Professor Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo "The symbiotic relationship between plants and microorganisms is a crucial research theme that significantly influences plant adaptation and growth. We expect this research, utilizing neutron beam mutagenesis technology, to further deepen our understanding of symbiotic functions." Norio Kikuchi, Representative Director CEO / CTO Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. "Research on plant-microorganism symbiosis is a vital field that forms the foundation of sustainable agriculture and next-generation bio-industries. Through this research, we aim to demonstrate the potential of non-GMO mutagenesis technology with neutron beams to contribute broadly from basic research to societal implementation." ■ Company Overview Company Name Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. Location 2-101 Le Rêve Mikawa, 2563-77 Mikawa-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Representative Representative Director CEO Norio Kikuchi Business Activities Provision of Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® services, research and development of quantum biotechnology Established July 2018 URL https://qff.jp Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. CMO (Marketing & Sales Manager): Naito E-mail: shunsuke.naito@ Keywords: