Strategic Objective
Establishing Technologies for Genome-scale DNA Synthesis and Functional Expression, and Creating Technology Seeds for Material Production and Medical Care
Research Supervisor
Haruhiko Siomi (Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Keio University)
Overview
This research area aims to elucidate basic principles in relation to the structure and function of genomes (the principle of genome function) and for the creation of a platform technology for the use of cells on the basis of such knowledge. In particular, we aim to control cells by using long-chain DNA and thus to develop this frontier in the field of life science, including genome science and cell engineering, and to establish a technology platform.
In recent years, research and development that uses long-chain DNA has been accelerating globally, following paths developed by synthetic biology. In the U.S., China, and the UK, a certain number of genome synthesis centers have been established, where strategical investments have been made in fundamental research, technology developments, fostering venture enterprises, and more. However, when we look at the endeavors of each country, it seems that there are only a small number of research and development projects that proceed in the area genome programming for the autonomous control of cells.
This is why in this research area we will manage research and development for the purpose of solving the principle of functional genomics in view to establish a future platform technology for genome programming. From the point of view of making use of long-chain DNA, a field in which considerable development has been ongoing, we facilitate four project areas comprising “Elucidation of Genome Structure and Function,” “A Platform Technology for Genome Design,” “Genome Synthesis Technology,” and “Producing artificial cells,” which aim to generate knowledge in relation to the complex functions and structures of genomes, as well as establishing a new technology in relation to genome synthesis and artificial cells.
Research Area Advisors
Yoko Asakura |
Associate General Manager, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. |
Kojiro Ishii |
Professor, School of Engineering Science, Kochi University of Tecnology |
Yumiko Imai |
Project Leader, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition |
Shintaro Iwasaki |
Chief Scientist, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN |
Hiroshi Okazaki |
Former Executive Officer, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. |
Satoshi Obika |
Professor, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University |
Tetsuji Kakutani |
Professor, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo |
Tomoya Kitajima |
Deputy Center Director/Team Leader, Center for Biodynamics Dynamics Research, RIKEN |
Ken Kurokawa |
Professor & Vice-Director, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems |
Sumio Sugano |
Professor, Future Medicine Education and Research Organization, Chiba University |
Tsutomu Suzuki |
Professor, School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo |
Itoshi Nikaido |
Professor, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
Ryuji Yokokawa |
Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University |
Research Projects
- Year Started : 2018
- Year Started : 2019
- Year Started : 2020