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(c) Fundamental technology |
| Accumulation of basic knowledge and technological know-how is important
in succeeding in the field of applied research. Our research group works
on the development of basic biotechnologies as well as applied R&D
in order to create microbiological cells that possess useful characteristics. Good understanding of microbiological metabolism is the key in being successful in the field of applied research that utilizes microbiological functions. In order to collect and understand molecular biological information and make use of it for applied research, we work on basic technological research that can be categorized as follows: 1) Metabolome Analysis 2) Genome Analysis 3) Genome Engineering Technology 4) Transcriptome Analysis 5) Metagenome Technology A genome is the blueprint of microbial cells and a comprehensive understanding of the genomic information is necessary to modify and improve microorganisms' functions. Genomic engineering is an important gene manipulation technology in the post-genomic era to improve various cell functions. Transcriptome analysis, represented by DNA chip technology, provides substantial information to evaluate global changes in cell gene transcript expression. Metabolome analysis provides a comprehensive look at the complete set of small-molecule metabolites to be found within a cell. Metagenome analysis is a new technology that provides opportunities to exploit a source of genetic and metabolic diversity for the development of novel enzymes and functional proteins. In short, our fundamental technology research is divided into the following three sections: Comprehensive understanding of microbial cells (genome analysis, transcriptome analysis, and metabolome analysis); Development of gene manipulation techniques (genome engineering); Collection of the gene resources (metagenome analysis). |
