Development of a Field Guide for Identification of Plant Species by using of the "Google My Map"

In the present study, a field guide for identification of plant species was developed. It was built by the “My Maps” of the function in the “Google Map”. This online “Map” showed the habitat point, the plant name and photos of each species. Students were able to use it by the smart phones and the tablet devices as well as PC machines. They were able to confirm their position by GPS in their mobile devices, and also find plants to observe. Moreover, they were easily able to identify the species name by this "Map". A questionnaire survey was conducted for the purpose of improvement of the “Map” to students. As the result, it was suggested that this "Map" enhanced students' interest in outdoor observation, and was effective when students actually go out to the field and observe the plants. On the other hand, it turned out that this "Map" was not easy to use for the beginners of the mobile equipment. It is necessary to improve usability.本研究の一部は，科学研究費基盤研究（B）（一般）（17H01980），および科学研究費基盤研究（C）（一般）（26350235），ならびに科学研究費基盤研究（C）（一般）（16K00966）の助成を受けて行った

Optimization of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to modify abiotic stress responses in plants.

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to modify plant genomes, however, improvements in specificity and applicability are still needed in order for the editing technique to be useful in various plant species. Here, using genome editing mediated by a truncated gRNA (tru-gRNA)/Cas9 combination, we generated new alleles for OST2, a proton pump in Arabidopsis, with no off-target effects. By following expression of Cas9 and the tru-gRNAs, newly generated mutations in CRIPSR/Cas9 transgenic plants were detected with high average mutation rates of up to 32.8% and no off-target effects using constitutive promoter. Reducing nuclear localization signals in Cas9 decreased the mutation rate. In contrast, tru-gRNA Cas9 cassettes driven by meristematic- and reproductive-tissue-specific promoters increased the heritable mutation rate in Arabidopsis, showing that high expression in the germ line can produce bi-allelic mutations. Finally, the new mutant alleles obtained for OST2 exhibited altered stomatal closing in response to environmental conditions. These results suggest further applications in molecular breeding to improve plant function using optimized plant CRISPR/Cas9 systems

Rapid breeding of parthenocarpic tomato plants using CRISPR/Cas9

Parthenocarpy in horticultural crop plants is an important trait with agricultural value for various industrial purposes as well as direct eating quality. Here, we demonstrate a breeding strategy to generate parthenocarpic tomato plants using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We optimized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce somatic mutations effectively into SlIAA9—a key gene controlling parthenocarpy— with mutation rates of up to 100% in the T0 generation. Furthermore, analysis of off-target mutations using deep sequencing indicated that our customized gRNAs induced no additional mutations in the host genome. Regenerated mutants exhibited morphological changes in leaf shape and seedless fruit—a characteristic of parthenocarpic tomato. And the segregated next generation (T1) also showed a severe phenotype associated with the homozygous mutated genome. The system developed here could be applied to produce parthenocarpic tomato in a wide variety of cultivars, as well as other major horticultural crops, using this precise and rapid breeding technique

Rapid breeding of parthenocarpic tomato plants using CRISPR/Cas9

Parthenocarpy in horticultural crop plants is an important trait with agricultural value for various industrial purposes as well as direct eating quality. Here, we demonstrate a breeding strategy to generate parthenocarpic tomato plants using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We optimized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce somatic mutations effectively into SlIAA9—a key gene controlling parthenocarpy—with mutation rates of up to 100% in the T0 generation. Furthermore, analysis of off-target mutations using deep sequencing indicated that our customized gRNAs induced no additional mutations in the host genome. Regenerated mutants exhibited morphological changes in leaf shape and seedless fruit—a characteristic of parthenocarpic tomato. And the segregated next generation (T1) also showed a severe phenotype associated with the homozygous mutated genome. The system developed here could be applied to produce parthenocarpic tomato in a wide variety of cultivars, as well as other major horticultural crops, using this precise and rapid breeding technique

Need for Flexible Adjustment of the Treatment Schedule for Aprepitant Administration against Erlotinib-Induced Refractory Pruritus and Skin Rush

Common dermatological side-effects associated with erlotinib, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), include pruritus and skin rash, which are mediated by substance P, leading to the occasional discontinuation of cancer treatment. Aprepitant is an antagonist of neurokinin-1 receptor, through which substance P activates the pruritogens. Thus, aprepitant is expected to offer a promising option for the treatment of erlotinib-induced pruritus. However, the appropriate treatment schedule for aprepitant administration is under consideration. Here, we discuss the need for flexible adjustment of the treatment schedule for aprepitant administration against erlotinib-induced refractory pruritus and skin rush. A 71-year-old female smoker presented with stage IV EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. She was started on erlotinib at 150 mg/day. However, by 28 days, severe pruritus and acneiform skin rush resistant to standard therapies occurred, resulting in the interruption of erlotinib therapy. After recovery, she was restarted on erlotinib at 100 mg/day. However, severe pruritus and skin rush developed again within 2 weeks. Then, we started the first 3-day dose of aprepitant (125 mg on day 1, 80 mg on day 3, and 80 mg on day 5) based on the results of the previous prospective study, which showed the success rate of 100% with at least the second dose of aprepitant. However, the pruritus and skin rush exacerbated again within 4 weeks. Therefore, we started the second 3-day dose of aprepitant, but in vain. At this point, as the patient-centered medicine, bi-weekly schedule of the 3-day dose of aprepitant was considered and, then, adopted. As the results, the pruritus and skin rush remained well-controlled throughout the subsequent treatment with erlotinib