Research
・How do new bacteria born ?
– Study on horizontal gene transfer in bacteria –
Recently, pandemic or epidemic food-borne infection cases by new bacteria like O157 or O104 are arising worldwide. The major cause of this emergence of new bacteria is considered to be genetic changes in bacteria by horizontal gene transfer among bacterial cells. We are investigating possible new mechanisms of this phenomenon.

・Microbial cells live in cooperation with each other.
– Study on novel functions of biofilm –
Microbial cells in the environment often live in biofilm, which is natural aggregate of the cells. Biofilm is being noticed because of its special natures different from those of planktonic cells. Biofilm shows various functions in the food environment and in the human body. We are studying novel functions of biofilm.