Genome Resource and Analysis Unit

The Genome Resource and Analysis Unit handles original research projects as well as broad supports of gene sequencing, annotation, expression profiling and distribution of existing clone resources. We will strengthen the focus on comparative genomics, particularly regarding evolution of developmental programs of vertebrates. The Unit also aims to make the best use of rising next-generation sequencing technologies in developmental biology.

Research Subjects

• Technical support of a wide range of molecular analyses including large-scale gene expression analysis
• Development of new solutions for genomics and epigenomics
• Technical support of bioinformatic analyses including sequence annotation
• Comparative genomic studies of vertebrates

Publications

1. Smith J, Kuraku S, …. Flicek P, Bronner M, Warren WC, Clifton SW, Wilson RK, and Li W.:
   "Sequencing of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) genome provide insights into vertebrate evolution."
   Nature Genetics. doi:10.1038/ng.2568 (2013)
2. Kuraku S.:
   "Impact of asymmetric gene repertoire between cyclostomes and gnathostomes."
   Seminars in Cell and Dev Biol. doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.12.009 (2013)
3. Takechi M, Adachi N, Hirai T, Kuratani S, and Kuraku S.:
   "The Dlx genes as clues to vertebrate genomics and craniofacial evolution"
   Seminars in Cell and Dev Biol. doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.12.010 (2013)
4. Oisi Y, Ota KG, Kuraku S, Fujimoto S, and Kuratani S.:
   "Craniofacial development of hagfishes and the evolution of vertebrates."
   Nature. 493: 175-180 (2012)
5. Matsubara K, Kuraku S, Tarui H, Nishimura O, Nishida C, Agata K, Kumazawa Y, and Matsuda Y.:
   "Intra-genomic GC heterogeneity in sauropsids: evolutionary insights from cDNA mapping and GC3 profiling in snake."
   BMC Genomics. 13: 604 (2012)
6. Freter S, Muta Y, O'Neill P, Vassilev VS, Kuraku S, Ladher RK.:
   "Pax2 modulates proliferation during specification of the otic and epibranchial placodes."
   Dev Dyn. 241: 1716-1728 (2012)