Miho INOUE-MURAYAMA

Miho INOUE-MURAYAMA

Professor, Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University
Doctor of Science, Kyoto University

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To learn more about the reproduction of animals in zoos and aquariums we are applying methods and analyses used to ascertain genetic diversity. Results of this work will not only benefit captive animals but can also be applied to conservation of species in the wild. To understand the range of genetic diversity within species requires obtaining and genotyping many samples for each species. We collected DNA samples from over 23,000 individuals representing 200 species of mammals. Since some animals are difficult to capture, and thus blood samples are not always available, we devised methods for efficient DNA analysis using noninvasive samples such as feces and hair. We stored these in a DNA database (the DNA Zoo), which also includes information on the geographical region in which the sample was collected and characteristics of the individual. We are going to develop The DNA Zoo so that it is able to link to cell bank. Using the DNA Zoo, we are identifying subspecies/populations/kinships by genotyping polymorphic markers such as microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. Moreover, by analyzing genes on the sex chromosome, we can identify the sex of some bird species in which males and females are difficult to distinguish by observation alone. We are also surveying individual differences in functional genes related to personality traits (e.g. stress susceptibility) and reproduction. Introduction of the next-generation sequencer made marker isolation and meta-genome analysis easier, and widens the possibility of genome analysis of wild animals.

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Educational and Professional History
  • 2008-
    Professor, Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan
    (October 2017 - October 2021
    Director, Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University)
  • 2004-2008
    Associate Professor, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Japan
  • 2003-2004
    Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Japan
  • 1997-2003
    Assistant, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Japan
  • 1993-1997
    Researcher, Shirakawa Institute of Animal Genetics, Japan LivestockTechnology Association, Japan
  • 1992-1994
    Part-time Lecturer, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan
  • 1990-1992
    Researcher, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
  • 1987-1992
    PhD Student, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan

Selected Publications
  • Adenyo C, Ogden B, Kayang BB, Onuma M, Nakajima N, Inoue-Murayama M: Genome-wide DNA markers to support genetic management for domestication and commercial production in a large rodent, the Ghanaian grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus). Animal Genetics 48:113-115, 2017.
  • Sakai M, Kita YF, Kogi K, Shinohara M, Morisaka T, Shiina T, Inoue-Murayama M: A wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin adopts a socially and genetically distant neonate. Scientific Reports 6:23902, 2016.
  • Konno A, Romero T, Inoue-Murayama M, Saito A, Hasegawa T: Dog breed differences in visual communication with humans. PLoS One 11(10):e0164760, 2016.
  • Ito H, Langenhorst T, Ogden R, Inoue-Murayama M: Population genetic diversity and hybrid detection in captive zebras. Scientific Reports, 5:13171, 2015.
  • Weiss A, Staes N, Pereboom JJM, Inoue-Murayama M, Stevens JMG, Eens M: Personality in Bonobos. Psychological Science 26:1430‐1439, 2015.
  • Nishina K, Takagishi H, Inoue-Murayama M, Takahashi H, Yamagishi T: Polymorphism of the oxytocin receptor gene modulates behavioral and attitudinal trust among men but not women. PLoS One. 2015. 10:e0137089.
  • Kaneko T, Ito H, Sakamoto H, Onuma m, Inoue-Murayama M: Sperm preservation by freeze-drying for the conservation of wild animals. PLOS ONE,e113381.2014
  • Fukuda T, Kurota J, Saito T, Yusasa K, Kurita M, Donai K, Nitto H, Soichi M, Nishimori K, Uchida T, Isogai E, Onuma M, Sone H, Seko N, Inoue-Murayama M: Efficient establishment of primary fibroblast cultures from the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal 48:660-665, 2012.
  • Inoue-Murayama M, Weiss A, Morimura N, Tanaka M, Yamagiwa J, Idani G: Molecular Behavioral Research in Great Apes. In: Inoue-Murayama M, Kawamura S, Weiss A, editors. From Genes to Animal Behavior. Tokyo: Springer (ISBN978-4-431-53891-2) pp.239-253, 2011.