Instead of hundreds of hot startups competing for investor attention, the scene consists mainly of old-economy brewers, foodmakers, and pharmaceutical companies entering biotech as a way to diversify. Nevertheless, thanks to the recent breakthroughs in gene research, these companies have enjoyed run-ups on their share prices. The human genome refers to the over 3 billion base pairs of DNA in every human cell and is considered to be the genetic blueprint for humans. Genes are found in various sections of the DNA sequence and instruct the body to produce specific proteins. There are at least 100,000 genes in the human genome.
Genomics is the study of all the genes that comprise the genome.
Whereas the genome is seen as the blueprint, proteins are seen as the building blocks, knowledge of which could improve and accelerate the development of new drugs and therapies. Here Japan can still gain an edge. The study of cDNA is one area within genomics in which Japan leads and can compete with foreign rivals. Research on cDNA has been tackled primarily by Helix Research Institute, the University of Tokyo's Institute of Medical Sciences, and Kazusa DNA Research Institute, with participation from private businesses as well. With SNP maps of the human genome, pharmaceutical companies could better understand a person's genetic predisposition to certain diseases or to adverse drug reactions.