Research Project 1: Establishment of the basis for advanced genome analysis technology and promotion of translational studies for conquering immunological and allergic diseases
Subproject 1: Establishment of technology to search for biomarkers for conquering immunological and allergic diseases
Based on the technological know-how’s accumulated in our previous projects, we have developed small-sized and inexpensive prototypes of on-chip cell sorters with disposable blood-contacting parts within a closed environment to avoid infection, as well as chips enabling lab tests with a very small amount of blood sample.
In this subproject, to implement our previous research achievements into a more practical device, we will develop whole blood-pretreatment chips capable of separating blood cells in a minute amount of whole blood, and of determining the amount of specific biomarkers in the resultant plasma. To alleviate the previous technical problem of surface adsorption, we plan to exploit the technology developed by Waseda University to convert the surface of plastics hydrophilic. Consequently, we will be able to develop an inexpensive and sensitive device of practical capability for the diagnosis of immunological and allergic diseases.
The developed systems will be used to search for protein biomarkers and, in combination with other systems, for their genes.
Subproject 2: Foundation of a center for screening of genes responsible for immunological and allergic diseases using a next generation high-speed DNA sequencer
In this subproject, we aim at establishing a research center in the Kazusa Area for systematic search for genetic factors of diseases.
First, we will perform our analysis by focusing on genetic factors causing immunological and allergic diseases. Since ethical and financial issues must be solved in using a next-generation high-speed DNA sequencer for such analysis, we have established technology for condensing only the 1,000 or less target genes from the entire genome without touching other genes, and by using this technology we have started screening of the causative genes of patients with primary immunodeficiency. In the near future, we will establish a system to accept samples for genetic analysis of other immunological and allergic diseases.
To meet the needs of patients and medical experts, we shall, in cooperation with the NPO Orphan Net Japan, carry out quick, accurate and inexpensive DNA-based gene analysis for rare diseases that are often overlooked in our country for various reasons.
Through the introduction of Japan’s first open-source next-generation sequencer, we will develop an advanced platform for gene analysis in collaboration with Japanese manufacturers of various equipments and devices by taking advantage of their superior technology.
