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| Gene Discovery and Elucidation of Functions of Useful Genes in Rice Genome by Gene-Expression Monitoring System |
| Outline of Project | Research Subjects and Participants |
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1. Goals
(1) To develop a gene-expression monitoring system
(2) To identify the functions of genes using the monitor system
2. Research plans
1) Development of a system to monitor the expression profiles of rice genes.
(1) Purpose of research
As part of the rice genome project, the structure of cDNA clones has been analyzed to determine the partial base sequences, however, the functions of the majority of the sequences remain unclear. A method for a comprehensive analysis of gene expression using micro-array (DNA-chip) technology is an effective means of identifying the functions of a massive number of cDNA clones. In view of this situation, a method will be developed for making a comprehensive analysis of gene expression using a rice cDNA clone-based microarray technology.
(2) Research plans
To make a microarray with a glass plate which carry a set of nonredundant 11,000 clones out of about 40,000 clones of cDNA obtained from the rice genome research, and to create a system that rapidly monitors the genes that expresses specifically when rice is subjected to environmental stresses (drought, low and high temperatures, low nutrition levels, diseases and insect pest attack, etc.) and the genes that expresses in specific organs at a specific time.
(3) Goals
To make DNA chips that cover almost all rice genes, by initially using currently available independent clones from the rice genome project and then increasing the number of clones.
To establish a system for comprehensive profiling of gene expression using cDNA based DNA chips.
2) Identification of genetic functions using a system to monitor the expression profiles of genes
(1) Purpose of research
To utilize the DNA microarray technology and accelerate the identification of the gene functions by cooperating with private organizations and universities to promote the transfer of the results of the rice genome research program to the private sector.
To monitor genes that are induced or repressed specifically in response to environmental stress (drought, low and high temperatures, low nutrition levels, disease and insect pest attack, etc.) or in response to a development and differentiation program.
(2) Research plan
To identify the genes that are induced or repressed under specific environmental stresses and estimate their genetic functions by utilizing the information of existing base sequences and by characterizing genetic functions from phenotypic changes in the transgenic plants in which particular cDNA is excessively expressed or repressed by antisense technology.
(3) Goals
To unravel genetic functions by monitoring the expression of genes in response to environmental changes or a development and differentiation program by using DNA microarray technology.
To build a database.