Outline of our achievements
Laboratory of Human Gene Research
About our research
Purpose of our research
The cells of our body contain proteins made from some 23,000 genes, the functions of many of which remain unknown. The aim of our research is to examine their functions. For this purpose, we analyze the sequence of messenger RNA’s transcribed from individual genes and deduce their amino acid sequences to facilitate characterization of their functions.
Feature of our research
We established the amino acid sequences of about 2,000 proteins that remained to be identified when we started our work and registered them in the public database. By analyzing the genes encoding larger proteins, we were able to identify proteins that appeared to play important roles in the processes of life.
Expected fields of application
To investigate in detail what sort of proteins exist in human cells and what their functions are will not only deepen our understanding of life but also help to establish more accurate diagnosis and to develop new medicines. Especially, since proteins can now be synthesized in vitro from the genes, we can experimentally examine their functions.
Our research projects
- Synthesis of proteins in vitro
- Examination of protein functions
- Development of methods for examination of protein functions
The amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by a gene can be deduced from the genome information. Since it is now possible to actually produce proteins from DNA clones, the large number of clones that we have prepared and maintain are valuable resources.
We synthesize proteins from DNA clones and then examine their functions in cultured cells or in vitro to know at which part of the cell it functions or with which proteins it cooperates.
We need efficient methods to examine a large number of proteins with a variety of function. With the rich genetic resources, we aim at developing analytical methods useful for research that will contribute to human health.