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KEPLR Project's Dual Missions:
Unlocking Plant Reproduction Networks and Nurturing Young Researchers

Director Tetsuya Higashiyama
higashiyama

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13th KEPLR Meeting Held at Rikkyo University

TSUCHIKANE Yuki

Oct. 27, 2026


The 13th KEPLR Meeting, organized by Keiko Sakakibara, was held on October 26, 2026, at Rikkyo University’s Ikebukuro Campus, with online participation also available. The meeting featured four research presentations covering molecular mechanisms of plant reproduction, hornwort genomics, and microbial communities associated with charophyte algae.

Date and time:Monday, October 26, 2026, 16:00–18:00 (JST)
Venue:Room 4340, Building 4, Rikkyo University, Ikebukuro Campus, Tokyo, Japan
Format:Hybrid (in person and online)

Program

Time (JST) , Presentation

16:00, Opening remarks
16:05–16:20, Ryosuke Kikuchi (Rikkyo University): Functional Analysis of PpWOX13LC Expressed in the Antheridia of Physcomitrium patens
16:20–16:40, Keiko Sakakibara: Genome Sequencing and Establishment of a Model System for a Dioecious Hornwort
16:40–17:00,Nobuhiro Akiyoshi (Rikkyo University): Elucidating Feedback Regulation of RKD Transcription Factors Controlling Female Reproductive Organ Formation in Physcomitrium patens
17:00–17:20 , Junko Kawai (Rikkyo University / Chiba University): Comprehensive NGS Analysis of Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Charophyte Algae
From 17:30, Optional laboratory tour

    Author

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    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    • Project Assistant Professor
    • Tsuchimatsu Group
    • The University of Tokyo
    • Genome Flexibility
    • Field science

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    Announcing the FY2026 KEPLR In-house Research Grant Recipient

    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    Sep. 24, 2026

    We are pleased to announce that Hiromu Nakao, a PhD student at the University of Tokyo, has been selected as the recipient of the FY2026 KEPLR In-house Research Grant.

    Hiromu is currently based at the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI) in Vienna, Austria, for a planned three-year research stay.

    His project, “Population genomics of Marchantia polymorpha,” aims to deepen our understanding of genetic diversity and evolution in the common liverwort.

    Through this grant, KEPLR will support his research. We look forward to his continued progress and contributions through international collaboration.

    Author

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    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    • Project Assistant Professor
    • Tsuchimatsu Group
    • The University of Tokyo
    • Genome Flexibility
    • Field science

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    KEPLR Seminar: Dr. Steven Moussu Presented a Lecture on Plant Cell Wall Dynamics

    OKUDA Satohiro

    Jun. 8, 2026

    On June 8, 2026, KEPLR hosted a seminar featuring Steven Moussu from the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), The Plant Cell Wall Dynamics and Evolution Group, Toulouse Plant Science, France.

    Dr. Moussu delivered a lecture entitled “The Growing Plant Cell Wall: Revisiting the Roles of Extensin Glycoproteins” as part of the 1577th Biological Sciences Seminar. The seminar was held in Room 223 of Building 2, Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, with additional participation via Zoom.

    During the lecture, Dr. Moussu discussed recent advances in our understanding of plant cell wall growth and development, focusing on the functions of extensin glycoproteins and their roles in cell wall dynamics. The presentation highlighted emerging perspectives on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant cell wall assembly and expansion.

    The seminar attracted researchers and students with interests in plant biology, cell biology, and evolutionary biology, and was followed by an engaging discussion among participants.

    KEPLR sincerely thanks Dr. Moussu for sharing his research and insights with the community.

    Author

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    OKUDA Satohiro

    • Assistant Professor
    • Higashiyama Group
    • The University of Tokyo
    • Cell-to-cell Communications
    • Imaging
    • Structural biology

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    Lecture by Ueli Grossniklaus Held at the University of Tokyo

    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    May. 15, 2026

    Dr. Ueli Grossniklaus, Vice Director of KEPLR, delivered a lecture at the University of Tokyo on May 14, 2026.

    Date & Time: May 14, 2026 (Thu), 16:00–17:30
    Speaker: Dr. Ueli Grossniklaus (Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland; Guest Professor, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan)
    Title: Epigenetic variation and its possible role in adaptation and plant breeding

    In his lecture, Dr. Grossniklaus introduced recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic variation in plants and discussed its potential roles in environmental adaptation and plant breeding. The seminar attracted many researchers and students, leading to active discussions throughout the event.

    Following the lecture, a reception was held, providing an excellent opportunity for scientific exchange and international networking among participants.

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    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    • Project Assistant Professor
    • Tsuchimatsu Group
    • The University of Tokyo
    • Genome Flexibility
    • Field science

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    Professor Tetsuya Higashiyama Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Spring 2026)

    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    Apr. 28, 2026

    We are delighted to share that Professor Tetsuya Higashiyama, Director of the KEPLR project, has been awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon (Spring 2026).

    This honor is conferred by the Government of Japan in recognition of outstanding achievements in academic and artistic fields. Professor Higashiyama’s pioneering work in plant reproductive biology has been highly recognized.

    This award reflects not only Professor Higashiyama’s achievements but also the strength of the research carried out within KEPLR.
    Congratulations to Professor Higashiyama on this well-deserved honor.

    Author

    Profile

    TSUCHIKANE Yuki

    • Project Assistant Professor
    • Tsuchimatsu Group
    • The University of Tokyo
    • Genome Flexibility
    • Field science

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