We analyzed the domestic topic of genetically modified food in Japan by using text-mining techniques. We used KH Coder—free software for quantitative text analysis of the Japanese language—to analyze 1164 Japanese newspaper articles published between December 1988 and November 2018. Our text-mining analysis revealed that the number of articles on this topic increased in 1999 and 2000. Particularly in 1999, “labeling” was used frequently in newspapers, and in 2000, “safety” was used frequently. Four research periods (phases 1 to 4) were identified through the analysis of frequently appearing words with a focus on changes in the labeling system. Response analysis revealed that the debate on genetically modified food had focused on “labeling” and “safety” in phases 2 and 3. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis showed that Group H (genetically modified food labeling and safety) was the principal category in phase 2. We used an analysis of co-occurrence networks to visualize the relationships of the words in group H in each of the four periods. The analysis showed clearly that there was an active debate that ranged from genetically modified food importation to the establishment of genetically modified food labeling (in phase 2), and then from the establishment of genetically modified food labeling to transfer of the food labeling business to government control (in phase 3). Also, it became clear that there was constant reporting about “safety”, but only temporary, intensive reporting about “labeling”.

The presence of alkaloids is rather specific to certain plant species. However, berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is relatively broadly distributed in the plant kingdom. Thus, berberine biosynthesis has been intensively investigated, especially using Coptis japonica cell cultures. Almost all biosynthetic enzyme genes have already been characterized at the molecular level. Particularly, two transcription factors (TFs), a plant-specific WRKY-type TF, CjWRKY1, and a basic helix-loop-helix TF, CjbHLH1, were shown to comprehensively regulate berberine biosynthesis in C. japonica cells. In this study, we characterized the promoter region of some biosynthetic enzyme genes and associated cis-acting elements involved in the transcriptional regulation via two TFs. The promoter regions of three berberine biosynthetic enzyme genes (CYP80B2, 4'OMT and CYP719A1) were isolated, and their promoter activities were dissected by a transient assay involving the sequentially truncated promoter::luciferase (LUC) reporter constructs. Furthermore, transactivation activities of CjWRKY1 were determined using the truncated promoter::LUC reporter constructs or constructs with mutated cis-elements. These results suggest the involvement of a putative W-box in the regulation of biosynthetic enzyme genes. Direct binding of CjWRKY1 to the W-box DNA sequence was also confirmed by an electrophoresis mobility shift assay and by a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, CjbHLH1 also activated transcription from truncated 4'OMT and CYP719A1 promoters independently of CjWRKY1, suggesting the involvement of a putative E-box. Unexpected transcriptional activation of biosynthetic enzyme genes via a non-W-box sequence and by CjWRKY1 as well as the possible involvement of a GCC-box in berberine biosynthesis in C. japonica are discussed.

The purpose of this paper is clarify interpretation and behavior of the various actors, and the construction of a network of phenomena over the technology, by case study of the exploration of process and current situation in Japan over genetically modified foods(GM foods). In particular, observation is the social shaping process of the safety in the technical artifact until distribution of current from appearance of the GM foods to the domestic market, and is solved using the social shaping of technology approach(SST approach). There is, focus is institutionalization of the GM foods represents, it appears that convergence of interpretation over the safety of GM foods and resolution of conflicts between actors has progressed.

Specific plant species produce unique isoquinoline alkaloids (IQAs); however, the mechanism of their evolution and the regulation of their biosynthesis are largely unknown. We report here the isolation of a novel basic helix-loop-helix protein, CjbHLH1, from IQA-producing Coptis japonica. A BLAST search indicated that CjbHLH1 homologs were only found in plant species that produce IQAs. Transient RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression of CjbHLH1 in C. japonica protoplasts revealed the activity of CjbHLH1 in transcription of IQA biosynthetic genes, and little activity in the transcription of genes involved in primary metabolism or the stress response. A chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment using CjbHLH1-specific antibodies revealed the direct interaction of CjbHLH1 with promoter sequences of IQA biosynthetic genes in vivo. We discuss the unique role of CjbHLH1 in IQA biosynthesis.