No.68 Seminar ： Tailoring Genomes with Molecular Scissors
- Knut Woltjen (The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research)
- 2013/11/19 4:00pm
- The Hakubi Center for advanced research (iCeMS West Wing 2F, Seminar Room)
- English
Summary
Over the last decade, a veritable explosion in genomics data has promised to completely revolutionize the field of human medicine. Yet, compounded by an inability to directly test hypotheses, validation of statistical correlations has been nearly impossible. Now, two emerging core technologies are improving our understanding of functional human genetics. Using iPS cell technology, somatic cells of the body are convinced to return to an embryonic (pluripotent) state, which can in turn be converted into any cell in the body, allowing ex vivo testing in the lab. Importantly, iPS cells are personal stem cells – providing access to the vast genetic diversity in the human population. Akin to surgical scissors, nuclease technology enables tailoring of DNA sequences in a custom manner. By correcting or disrupting key genetic regions, we can at last functionally address the connection between genetic change and disease. In this seminar, I will describe how we are establishing and applying these two core technologies to functionally explore the human genome. Beyond my own lab’s research, I will present both theoretical and practical research in genome engineering and synthetic biology which press the boundaries of conventional medicine.