Kobe University Research Unveils Genetic Mechanisms in Liverworts

Kobe, Japan - Recent research conducted by a team at Kobe University has made significant strides in understanding the genetic mechanisms of plant vegetative reproduction, particularly through the study of liverworts. This research, published in the journal *New Phytologist* on July 30, 2025, highlights the role of the SHOT GLASS gene in the development of reproductive structures in the liverwort *Marchantia polymorpha*, which is considered an ideal model organism for agricultural and bioengineering applications.

The study, led by Dr. Kimitsune Ishizaki, a plant geneticist at Kobe University, reveals that the SHOT GLASS gene is essential for the formation of both vegetative and sexual reproductive organs in liverworts. Ishizaki explains, "Plants lacking the SHOT GLASS gene do not develop functional reproductive structures and instead produce empty, shot-glass-shaped cups." This research has implications beyond basic plant biology, as understanding vegetative reproduction is crucial for improving crop yields and bioengineering efforts.

Liverworts, which can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually, utilize a unique method of vegetative reproduction through small, detachable buds called gemmae. These structures are dispersed by environmental factors such as rain and wind, allowing the plant to propagate efficiently. The research team found that the SHOT GLASS gene suppresses the development of air chambers in the liverwort's leaves, thereby facilitating the growth of gemma cups and sexual reproductive organs.

Further investigations revealed that flowering plants share similar genetic frameworks with the SHOT GLASS gene, indicating a potential evolutionary link. Ishizaki's team demonstrated that inserting the liverwort's SHOT GLASS gene into a flowering plant could compensate for the absence of its corresponding gene, suggesting a conserved mechanism for bud development across land plants.

This research is not only significant for agricultural innovation but also for potential applications in space cultivation. Dr. Ishizaki stated, "Unlike most crop plants, liverworts can grow without soil, using only fog cultivation, making them a promising candidate for food sources in space missions. We are also exploring their use in bioproduction processes, which have typically been limited to bacteria and yeasts."

The study received funding from multiple sources, including the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, among others. Kobe University, established in 1902, continues to be a leading research institution in Japan, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to solve contemporary societal challenges.

As the global demand for sustainable agricultural solutions increases, research into the genetic foundations of plant reproduction, such as that conducted by Dr. Ishizaki and his team, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of food production and bioengineering. The findings underscore the importance of exploring diverse plant species, like liverworts, to unlock new possibilities in agricultural innovation and sustainability.