Group for Development of Molecular diagnostics and Individualized Therapy
Division of Genome Biology

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Research Staff

Research Activities

[Background]
Biological research using genome information is changing medical treatments of cancer. There are inter-individual variations in the genomic sequence which consist of genetic polymorphisms, such as blood types and HLA types, and germline mutations causing genetic diseases. Individuals carrying germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene develop breast and ovarian cancers at high rates. Olaparib is a drug which targets cancer cells exhibiting a defect of DNA repair developed in such patients. Cancer cells acquire alterations in their genome, i.e., somatic mutations. For instance, somatic mutations in the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene occur in 30-50% of lung adenocarcinoma of the Japanese. Molecular targeting drugs Gefitinib and Erlotinib work for patients suffering from such cancer. Therefore, both inter-individual variations in the human genome and somatic mutations in the cancer genome are critical keys to improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

[The aim of research]
Our division aims to find "seeds" that improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, by identifying and elucidating the biological significance of somatic mutations in cancer genomes and genetic polymorphisms of cancer patients.

[Research contents]
We are working together with staffs of Hospitals, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, and Center for Cancer Control and Information Service, of National Cancer Center, Japan, to fight lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related death in Japan and worldwide. We are also participating in international genome research projects.

Research Projects

• Genes for cancer treatment
  Genome-wide analyses of somatic mutations in the cancer genome; and finding and functional analysis of novel DNA double strand break repair/chromatin remodeling genes are being conducted to develop new therapeutic methods and to improve the efficacy of existing therapeutic methods. By focusing on DNA double strand break repair, mechanisms for accumulation of genetic alterations during carcinogenesis are also being pursued.
  
  
  
• Genes for cancer prevention
  By analyzing genetic polymorphisms and germline mutations of cancer patients, we aim to improve cancer prevention through identification of high-risk individuals for cancer developments.