tokyo

Japan's largest and most advanced genome research programme will begin at the end of this year, despite an earlier dispute between its scientific advisers about whether it should become deeply involved in protein analysis.

The Genome Frontier Programme, now renamed the Biomolecular Research Programme, is being backed by the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and the Science and Technology Agency. It represents one of the latest efforts by the Japanese government to promote human genome research.

Support for genome research has grown dramatically in Japan over the past few years. The overall budget for the 1998 fiscal year, beginning 1 April, is one of the tightest for many years. But genome-related research projects across all science-related ministries and agencies saw a generous increase of more than double last year's figures (see Nature 391, 111; 1998).

But when details of the project — designed to incorporate both DNA sequencing and protein analysis — were developed last year, some leading genome researchers acting as advisers were said to be opposed to proposals for the protein-related research project (see Nature 389, 772; 1997). They argued that only DNA base sequencing should be carried out, since genome research in Japan was insufficiently advanced, and the protein work would be premature.

But the government has now decided that the RIKEN programme will be carried out as originally planned. It will have three parts: DNA base sequencing using full-length mouse complementary DNAs, the analysis of the human genome using chromosome 21, and the analysis of protein function and structure.

Construction of the Biomolecular Research Centre, planned to be built in Yokohama, near Tokyo, is due to be completed in 2000, and there are plans to recruit at least 200 researchers. RIKEN also hopes to recruit 20 to 40 external researchers to participate in the project through a collaborative research system, and intends to accept proposals from overseas researchers in related fields.

The first five years of the 15-year project have recently been approved by the government. A sum of ¥4 billion (US$31 million) will be spent in the programme's first year, and a total of ¥50 billion is planned to be invested over the five-year period.

Sequencing of full-length cDNA will be carried out using the latest automated high-speed sequencer developed by RIKEN, called RISA, for producing a genetic ‘encyclopaedia’ of gene and protein functions. The structure and function of proteins will be analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at a proposed ‘NMR Park’(see Nature 381, 105; 1996) that has been incorporated into the new centre.

Part of the protein-related research will also be carried out at SPring-8, the world's largest third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, where RIKEN has two beamlines. The advanced features of the 8-GeV synchrotron, which began operation last October, are said to make it particularly useful for analysing protein structures.

Some leading genomic researchers claim the project is too ambitious because Japan is “several years behind the West” in genome research. Many also doubt the capabilities of RIKEN's new high-speed DNA sequencer, which is still under development.

But Akira Kira, the executive director of RIKEN, says that, although the technical aspects of the new sequencer have not yet been established, “we are optimistic about its potential”. According to one project leader from RIKEN, RISA will help to minimize costs and could potentially carry out DNA sequencing at a much higher rate than commercially available models.

Akiyoshi Wada, former dean of science at Tokyo University and the director of Sagami Chemical Centre, says the project could potentially pave the way for Japan to join the front rank of international genomics research. But he warns that it will require careful management to fulfil its aims.