Necessity of Research and Development of the Structural Genome Analysis Technology

Completion of the Human Genome Project was announced on April 14, 2003, as the whole human genome was sequenced. The Human Genome Project was proposed in the mid-1980s aiming to sequence the whole human genome. Yet, its realization was thought to be almost impossible since a considerable amount of time was required to complete the whole genome sequencing with the analysis technology at that time. Later on, however, the human genome research advanced rapidly and the international Human Genome Project started in 1990 with the U.S. playing the leading role. When the project was launched, it was planned to sequence the whole human genome of about 3 Gbp and identify all of the 30,000 genes by 2005. However, early completion of the whole genome sequencing was proclaimed in April 2003, mainly because of the great improvements in analyzers. Some people regard the structural genome analysis technology as fully matured because it has developed dramatically through the Human Genome Project in recent years and sequencers have become widely used. Yet, in this era of post genome research, “high-speed and low-cost analysis” is further required. It is thought that the application of conventional technology is insufficient to meet such requirements and the invention of new technology is necessary. In this report, we will discuss the current status of research and development of structural genome analysis technology and the necessity for their promotion.