Institute of Medical Genomics
【Education】
Wakayama Prefectural Koza High School, Completed 1970
Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Completed 1976
Ph.D. The University of Tokyo 1983
【Appointment】
2007-2017 Director, Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine,The University of Tokyo.
2011-2017 Director, Medical Genome Center,The University of Tokyo Hospital
2017-present Professor, International University of Health and Welfare.
2018-present Director, Institute of Medical Genomics
Professor Shoji Tuji,
Director of Institute of Medical Genomics
Professor of School of Medicine
Human Genome Project was a large-scale international-collaborative effort to elucidate human genome sequence, which took 20 years and was completed in 2003. Elucidation of human genome sequence has been a driving force to promote our research effort to identify molecular basis of diseases. Subsequently, development of next generation sequencers has enabled us to analyze human genomic sequences in a short period at a reasonably low cost. We have launched a brand new Institute of Medical Genomics to facilitate discovery of molecular mechanisms of diseases based on genome sequence analysis, and, furthermore, to translate new findings into clinical practice. We expect our initiative should further improve quality of clinical practice.
In Institute of Medical Genomics, next generation sequencers including NovaSeq and NextSeq as well as computer systems for genome informatics analyses have been installed. Robotics to facilitate sample preparations and a droplet digital PCR apparatus that enables highly sensitive detection of mutant DNA molecules have also been installed. NovaSeq has an extraordinary high capacity for genome sequencing. Along with the current trend of human genome research that is rapidly moving to whole genome sequence analysis, we will lead medical genome researches in the world.
Institute of Medical Genomics is a core facility to facilitate genome sequence analysis for researchers at International University of Health and Welfare, especially in the field of cancer, intractable diseases and infectious diseases. In collaboration with Department of Pathology headed by Prof. Shiomi, we will promote banking of various bioresources. To contribute to clinical practice, we will provide high quality genome analysis of cancer, hereditary diseases, and infectious diseases. It is our aim to accomplish state of art integration of human genome analysis and clinical practice.