NEW 5 YEAR PROJECT FOR GENOME RESEARCH
Genome Science 2004-2009
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of about 250 species, including humans. These may differ in accuracy or analytical phase, but efforts have already begun to integrate this wealth of genomic information in meaningful ways. The ultimate goal is to piece the innumerable networks of genetic interactions into coherent systems, allowing us to finally understand living processes and evolution on the most fundamental of levels.
In April 2005, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), which supports Japan's genome research, launched the fourth in a series of five-year projects, " Genome Science 2004-2009 ” The project is funded under the auspices of MEXT’s Kakenhi (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas), which has provided strategic support for crucial areas of research such as genomics, cancer research, brain science, and immunology. The project leader, Prof. Toshihisa Takagi (Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo) spoke about the structure of the new project, which is described below.
FOUR RESEARCH AREAS
The new genome research project is divided into four major areas.
Area 1-Systems Genomics
This field uses functional genomic information to analyze core mechanisms of biological systems. For example, information about morphological changes that occur when specific genes are inhibited or promoted is used in conjunction with genome data to construct genetic networks. Systems genomics is also concerned with inventing new experimental and informational methodologies required to understand biological systems.
Area 2-Comparative Genomics
This field uses the genomic data now available for a wide variety of organisms to explore the workings of evolution and biodiversity by comparing sequences and expression levels across different species. The field also studies how organisms interact at the genomic level both with each other and with the environment.
Area 3-Applied Genomics
This field uses genomic results to advance areas of disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and even drug discovery (pharmacogenomics). This field has myriad direct benefits for society at large, with applications such as antibiotic manufacturing and organic waste processing, both of which rely on microorganism genomes. The field is also directly concerned with the human genome, specifically with confidentiality issues surrounding individual genetic information and other bioethical issues. Methods of facilitating communication between researchers and citizens also fall under the rubric of applied genomics.
Area 4-Comprehensive Genomics
This field provides the technological and scientific foundations for the first three areas. This includes sequencing of genomes of various species, high-throughput analyses of individual genomic differences (SNPs), and the construction of the databases which make all these research projects possible.
INDEPENDENT YET CONNECTED
These four areas encompass as many as 160 individual research projects. Each project has its own leader, although the entire effort is overseen by Professor Toshihisa Takagi, who leads Area 1. "Each area performs its own research independently, but all researchers meet once each year to strengthen inter-group relationships," says Professor Takagi, who numbers total researchers at about 500.
Of these 160 research projects, the subject of about 60 were determined "top-down" beforehand. About 40% of these are continuations of the previous five-year project. The remaining 100 or so research projects were determined in 2005 by seeking proposals in a "bottom-up" manner. Three sets of proposals lasting one, two, and two years each will form the five-year project. Professor Takagi states that "Competition for proposal selection is stiff, but I expect great things of the young researchers who are pushing this new field forward."
Genome science requires the melding of both biology and computer science. Research combining the two fields is already proceeding in the labs of Professor Takagi, who was originally a computer scientist. Takagi believes that “Although biology and computer science are well-combined in the lab, educational practices have yet to catch up.” The professor goes on to comment about the field’s future: “I expect great things of current high school and college students. The field of genome science has only just finished compiling what you could call a list of all the parts that go into constructing biological systems. I think it will take us at least another ten years to discover how these parts fit together, and how complex living organisms emerge from these systems. Students now in high school and college have great things to look forward to if they go into this area; I think the field of genome science will hit its heyday when they are in their 30s, right at their peak of productivity as researchers.”
This new project will also include public symposia throughout Japan in order to educate the public about and elicit involvement in genome science. These follow in the steps of the “Genome Square” a three year citizen’s gathering that was part of the previous project. In November 2006, “Genome Square 2006” will be held in Tokyo and Kyoto with more emphasis on the dialogue between scientists and visitors. Professor Takagi states that the goal is to “First obtain understanding and cooperation for our research from citizens at large, then give the fruits of our labor back to society. The shortest path to this is creation of an integrated, easy-to-use database.” We all have great expectations of Professor Takagi’s work and those involved with the entire project.