Research Areas

As part of the international HapMap Project, the Center for Genomic Medicine laid the groundwork for SNP research by constructing Haplotype maps for Caucasians, Asians and Africans, and this work suggested that the Haplotype patterns of Japanese are similar to those of other Asians. Since one of the center's overall goals is to provide better medical care and improve health in Asia, this similarity will be useful for SNP research in Asian populations. By conducting comparative studies, it will be possible to illuminate ethnic similarities or differences in pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases and drug responses among patients.
The Laboratory for International Alliance supports SNP-based research using the center's technologies and knowledge in areas where SNP-based research for disease genes is not well developed. We actively recruit young scientists from overseas to work at RIKEN and carry out research in SNP-based approach, statistical analysis and biological analysis. Our long-term goal is to establish an international SNP research network that will make the Center for Genomic Medicine a world leader in personalized medicine.

Research Subject

1. Nevirapine-induced skin rash in Thai HIV patients
2. Nuclear modifier genes for expression of Thai Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
3. Identification of genes associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Bulgarians
4. Identification of genes associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Malaysian Chinese
5. Identification of genes associated with tuberculosis in Thai patients

Related links

1. RIKEN Center for Genomic Medicine Website_Laboratories Page