Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo Department of
Integrated Biosciences

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, and they are constructed by reef-building (stony) corals (Cnidaria). Using whole genome information on corals and their intracellular symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), we are comprehensively studying coral reef ecosystems, identifying unique features of coral and zooxanthella genomes, gene expression responses of corals to environmental changes, evolution of coral adaptation to past environmental changes, and molecular bases of symbiotic mechanisms between corals and zooxanthellae. In addition to basic genomic and molecular research, we conduct population genome analysis, environmental DNA analysis, and other research and technological development to support conservation and restoration of coral reefs.