Understanding of the diversity and specificity by comparative genomic analysis using advanced sequencing technologies

Faculty

Research Summary

Established in April 2008, the Comparative Genomics Laboratory focuses on uncovering the fundamental principles of biological systems through comparative genome analysis, by using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and analysis technologies. In addition, the laboratory develops and supports metagenome analysis, thereby driving innovation in microbiome research. Furthermore, it maintains close collaboration with the Advanced Genomics Center and actively engages in joint research with domestic and international research institutions.

Selected Publications

Tsukahara S, Bousios A, Perez-Roman E, Yamaguchi S, Leduque B, Nakano A, Naish M, Osakabe A, Toyoda A, Ito H, Edera A, Tominaga S, Juliarni, Kato K, Oda S, Inagaki S, Lorković Z, Nagaki K, Berger F, Kawabe A, Quadrana L, Henderson I, Kakutani T. Centrophilic retrotransposon integration via CENH3 chromatin in Arabidopsis. Nature. 2025 Jan;637(8046):744-748.

Tanaka H, Hori T, Yamamoto S, Toyoda A, Yano K, Yamane K, Itoh T. Haplotyperesolved chromosomal-level assembly of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) genome. Sci Data. 2023 Jul 11;10(1):441.

Terao M, Ogawa Y, Takada S, Kajitani R, Okuno M, Mochimaru Y, Matsuoka K, Itoh T, Toyoda A, Kono T, Jogahara T, Mizushima S, Kuroiwa A. Turnover of mammal sex chromosomes in the Sry-deficient Amami spiny rat is due to male-specific upregulation of Sox9. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Dec 6;119(49):e2211574119.

Rai A, Hirakawa H, Nakabayashi R, Kikuchi S, Hayashi K, Rai M, Tsugawa H, Nakaya T, Mori T, Nagasaki H, Fukushi R, Kusuya Y, Takahashi H, Uchiyama H, Toyoda A, Hikosaka S, Goto E, Saito K, Yamazaki M. Chromosome-level genome assembly of Ophiorrhiza pumila reveals the evolution of camptothecin biosynthesis. Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 15;12(1):405.