National Institute of Agrobiological Resources The elucidation of the structure of DNA ushered in a new era in the biological sciences - the era of biotechnology. In recent years unprecidented advances in the life sciences has made it possible to modify and manipulate genes and transfer genes from one species to another. To meet the food requirements of the worlds ever increasing population new crop varieties with higher yield, improved quality,enhanced tolerance to pests and broad adaptation to different environments are needed. At the same time new varieties must be suited to sustainable farming practices. Biotechnology offers new ways of developing varieties with useful traits, since, biotechnology can overcome the limitations of conventional breeding techniques. The National Institute of Agrobiological Resources (NIAR) was established in 1983 to perform basic research on agricultural genetic resources which will lead to new varieties for farmers. Application of biotechnology is in the forefront of NIAR`s strategy to meet the challenge of producing new varieties. The research work at NIAR includes collection, evaluation, preservation and use of genetic resources, clarification of molecular mechanisms of physiological functions, development of gene manipulation techniques, and the elucidation of plant genome structure and function. << Main Research objectives >> 1. Investigation and Preservation of Biological Diversity 2. Elucidation of Molecular Mechanisms for Biological Functions 3. Use of Biotechnology for Creating New Biological Resources Analysis of Rice Genome Genome Research Team Department of Research Planning and Coordination Rice is the staple food for more than half of humanity. To make further improvement in rice, rice genome research is crucial. The Rice Genome Project team is working with members of STAFF (Society for Techno- innovation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) to isolate important rice genes. The project has four main research areas which are cDNA analysis, RFLP linkage mapping, detection of significant variation in the genome and construction of a physical map of the chromosomes. The extensive research results are managed by a database management group and entered into a database called "Ricebase". @ Exploration for and Evaluation of Genetic Resources Department of Genetic Resources I Germplasm exploration missions are undertaken within Japan and with collaborating institutes in foreign countries for plants, animals and microorganisms which may be useful. In addition to old landrace varieties threatened with replacement by new varieties, wild species which may have useful characteristics are sought. New methods are applied to analyze genetic variation and to seek new genes in conserved germplasm. We are also developing an efficient database management system to handle the vast amounts of information on conserved germplasm, so scientists may readily access the information they need on genetic resources in the Gene Bank. Preservation and Use of Genetic Resources Department of Genetic Resources II The Department of Genetic Resources ll carries out research on the preservation of plant, microorganism and animal genetic resources. For plants, research on the cryopreservation of cultured tissues and winter buds of vegetatively propagated plants, the long-term preservation of pollen and seeds, and the factors involved in the longevity of stored seeds are carried out. Research on animal germplasm focuses on cryopreservation of the spermatozoa from domestic animals and the preservation and use of livestock oocytes. For microorganisms, research on the long-term stable preservation of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms by ultra-low temperature or freezedrying methods is being conducted. Mutations affecting either pathogenicity or antibiotic production are also studied. The multiplication and distribution of plant and microorganism genetic resources is also carried out. Gene Function and Biotechnology Research Department of Molecular Biology In order to understand the fundamental functions of plants, research in a wide variety of fields such as cell differentiation, multiplication, and gene expression at the molecular level is underway in the Department of Molecular Biology. Other important areas of research aim to establish methods for transposon tagging, cloning of useful genes by chromosome dissection, isolation of functional proteins by amino acid microsequencing, and analysis of the three dimensional structure of proteins. New selectable marker genes, promoters with various expression specificity, and new vectors are also being developed in order to improve DNA recombination techniques for many crops. Cell Engineering and Molecular Cell Biology Department of Cell Biology A single plant cell has the potential to develop into a fully grown plant. This potential, known as totipotency, is expressed via the genetic infomation on the genome. Successful regeneration from cells is possible because of this characteristic of cells. Developing regeneration system in many crops, we have been able to make advances in cell engineering. Techniques such as haploid production, cellselection, cell fusion and genetic engineering, have already led to the production of superior breeding materials.Recent research activities of the cell biology department have focused on molecular genetics and cell physiology with the aim of opening new avenues for future biotechnology. Research topics include somaclonal variation, gene expression, stress response, cell recognition, reproduction, heterosis and totipotency itself. Molecular Approaches to Understand Plant Physiological Functions and Their Regulating Mechanisms Department of Applied Physiology Research in the Department of Applied Physiology focuses on gene expression signal transduction and composition of the cellular environment. The structure and regulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and stress tolerance are priority areas of research. Plant-microbe interactions are also being studied with the goal of producing transgenic plants with disease resistance and nitrogen fixation ability. The Development of Radiation Breeding Technology Institute of Radiation Breeding Institute of Radiation Breeding was established in 1960 and is engaged in the development of new crop strains through radiation- induced mutation, and is conducting research into more efficient methods for inducing mutation. While working to contribute to the development of new varieties of various seed-propagating, and woody crops, the Institute is also conducting fundamental research to understand the mechanism of mutation. The Institute has pursued an energetic joint-research programs at the request of universities, private industries, and local governments. Principal irradiation facilities of the Institute include the Gamma Field, the Gamma Greenhouse, and the Gamma Room. With these three facilities, closely controlled conditions to irradiate various types of crops are possible. Over the past 35 years, continuous irradiation research here has produced many significant mutant strains, some useful in research and some are released as improved varieties for farmers. MAFF Gene Bank,National Center of Genetic Resources Gene Bank In 1985, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) initiated the "Gene Bank Project" and the National Center for Genetic Resources was established within NIAR in December 1986. The central bank of the National Center for Genetic Resources is primarily responsible for the preservation and supply of seeds, microorganisms and animal spermatozoa and embryos. In 1993, a DNA Bank was initiated for the collection, preservation and supply of DNA materials and information. Research and Technical Cooperation International research and technical cooperation is implemented in various fields by promoting collaborative research programs and holding international symposia and workshops. In order to preserve the genetic diversity of living organisms, plant, animal and microbial genetic resources are systematically collected from various countries and are evaluated and preserved. In cooperation with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and other organizations, trainees and research scientists from various countries are welcomed at the institutes facilities. Plant genetic resources including rice and bean varieties collected from all over the world are cultivated in NIAR and other national institution and their characters are evaluated. Seeds were collected from these plants, preserved in a genetic resources storage center called "Gene Bank", and distributed to domestic and foreign researchers on requests. Research Communication and Information Dissemination A computer network has been set up and allows researchers to communicate with domestic and foreign scientists and to search the scientific literature. Research information on NIAR is disseminated by publications such as Annual Reports, Bulletins and Brochures. This informations is available to visitors and occasionally displayed in exhibitions. ___________________________________________________________________________ National Institute of Agrobiological Resources 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan (Tel:0298-38-7406, Fax:0298-38-7408) (International Fax:81-298-38-7408) Institute of Radiation Breeding Kamimurata, Omiya-Cho, Naka-Gun, Ibaraki 319-22 (Tel:02955-2-1138, Fax:02955-3-1075) (International Fax:81-2955-3-1075) .