Purpose
Forefront of Biology with Genome Editing
Osamu NUREKI
Professor
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Science,
The University of Tokyo
Professor
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Science,
The University of Tokyo
Since the decoding of the human genome in 2003, it has been reported that the genome—the blueprint of life—regulates numerous biological phenomena, including individual activities, physical traits, and diseases. Moreover, the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 in 2012 sparked a surge of research and development in genome editing, enabling us to modify this blueprint. As a result, genome editing technology has been widely applied across basic researches, various industries, and the medical field, culminating in Drs. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
In basic research, advances in genomic and bioinformatics analysis have led to the identification of Cas family proteins even in eukaryotes that originally function in bacterial acquired immunity, along with various proteins that act on the genome in a nucleic acid-dependent manner. In agriculture, fisheries, and livestock breeding, systematically bred products are being developed to enhance human quality of life. In terms of clinical applications, the first generation of genome editing therapy using knock-out technology for sickle cell disease and b thalassemia was approved in Europe and North America at the end of last year. Additionally, the development of new regenerative medicine integrated with genome-editing technology is rapidly progressing.
This 54th Naito Conference will bring together researchers from Japan and around the globe who are leading the way in genome editing research. The event will also showcase poster presentations from young researchers invited from the public. We hope this conference will create opportunities to build an international network among researchers and inspire collaborative research based on innovative ideas.
In basic research, advances in genomic and bioinformatics analysis have led to the identification of Cas family proteins even in eukaryotes that originally function in bacterial acquired immunity, along with various proteins that act on the genome in a nucleic acid-dependent manner. In agriculture, fisheries, and livestock breeding, systematically bred products are being developed to enhance human quality of life. In terms of clinical applications, the first generation of genome editing therapy using knock-out technology for sickle cell disease and b thalassemia was approved in Europe and North America at the end of last year. Additionally, the development of new regenerative medicine integrated with genome-editing technology is rapidly progressing.
This 54th Naito Conference will bring together researchers from Japan and around the globe who are leading the way in genome editing research. The event will also showcase poster presentations from young researchers invited from the public. We hope this conference will create opportunities to build an international network among researchers and inspire collaborative research based on innovative ideas.