Awardee: Nodoka Handa (Supervisor: Prof. Sachihiro Matsunaga)
Presentation Title: Functional analysis of LDL3-interacting factors mediating epigenetic priming during shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana

Conference: Priming, Stress & Epigenetic Memory: an integrated view from model plants to crops, EpiSeedLink International Conference 2026 (February 9 - 10, Hotel Casa, Amsterdam, Netherlands)

In this study, Ms. Handa focused on epigenetic priming - a molecular mechanism which prepares gene activation in response to subsequent stimuli in advance - during shoot regeneration, the formation of new leaves and stems. She identified a previously uncharacterized transcription factor involved in this priming mechanism and demonstrated that it plays a critical role in the regeneration process. These findings deepen our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by which plants regain their regenerative capacity following damage. Applying this knowledge to crops may contribute to enhanced regenerative capacity and improved agricultural productivity.

Award Comment:

“I am deeply honored to have received the Best Poster Award. During the session, many researchers visited my poster, and I was able to engage in meaningful discussions about the novelty of our research and its potential applications. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Matsunaga, the members of our laboratory, and our collaborators for their generous support throughout this project. Encouraged by this award, I hope to further advance our understanding of regenerative mechanisms in plants and translate these findings into future applications.”