Study of the human genome to elucidate human diseases and their medical applications

“What is encoded in the human genome” remains largely unknown. We combine classical biochemistry, molecular biology, systems biology, informatics, primatology and medicine to study the human genome that makes us human. To elucidate the operating principles of the genome, we investigate how many RNA molecules are read out from which genomic regions by which stimuli and transcription factors, how they are post-transcriptionally regulated (splicing, stability control, translation, etc.), and ultimately what functions they exert in each cell that makes up the human body. These processes need to be observed in detail, and the huge amount of data obtained needs to be analyzed in an integrated manner. To this end, our lab members from various backgrounds have come together and used cutting-edge technologies such as the NET-CAGE, single cell technologies, short- and long-read sequencing, artificial intelligence and imaging. By developing our own original genomic technologies that can solve paradigms that cannot be otherwise solved, we establish new scientific concepts and new innovative future medicine.

In particular, we are working on the following topics.
• Human genome
• Enhancers
• Gene regulatory network
• High-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis
• New technologies to decode non-coding regions of the human genome
• Genome evolution in humans, apes and other primates
• Human disease genomics
• New genomic medicine and drug discovery
• Next-generation healthcare and preventive medicine