Japan's Rice Genome Program

Published in Probe Volume 2(2): Summer 1992

Susan McCarthy, Coordinator
Plant Genome Data and Information Center
National Agricultural Library, USDA
Beltsville, MD

Japan's Rice Genome Program, initiated late last year, brings together a uniquely Japanese blend of business and government. Overall program management falls under the government's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF). Technical direction and support come from the National Institute of Agrobiological Resources (NIAR) and the Society for Technoinnovation of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (STAFF).

NIAR is a national research institute under MAFF with research funding for genetic resources, molecular and cell biology, applied physiology, and radiation breeding. STAFF is a cooperative embracing over 130 businesses and 47 prefectures (state governments). Figure 1 depicts the program's organizational structure.

By January 1992, 40 scientists had been assigned to the Rice Genome Program. The first 7-year stage was launched October 1, 1991. Combined NIAR/STAFF program funding amounted to nearly $15 million for 1991. This year STAFF plans to begin construction of a research center in Tsukuba. The center should be completed by 1993.

Goals

Specific research goals for the program are listed below. The timetable for the program is given in figure 2.

Mapping

• Develop a physical map with DNA clones from YAC, cosmid, and phage libraries.
• Construct cDNA catalogs from several different organs, especially important for agronomic traits.
• Integrate physical and genetic maps for isolating agronomic, environmental, and economical traits.
• Accumulate detailed analyses of Chromosome-6, which carries many genes controlling disease and insect resistance, and photosensitivity.
• Research genome organization, structure, and function; leading to an understanding of allelic relationships associated with bybrid vigor, programmed differentiation, and other genetic events.

Technology Development

• Develop tools and techniques to efficiently construct individual chromosome libraries.
• Prepare easy PCR-methods to analyze segregation data on F2 populations.

Informatics

Data storage and management will be performed at NIAR as a center of DNA Bank. Included in the collection will be the chromosome maps, position assigned-clones, RFLP probes, and STS and ETS sequences. Clones and materials registered in the data bank will be available for world wide distribution.

The RFLP mapping is contracted out to STAFF. By 1995, the Japanese anticipate that 2,000 markers and conventional genes will be mapped, covering 90 percent of the genome. Some of these markers will be used in chromosomal mapping, with Chromosome-6 to be the first so analyzed.

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee, formed in March 1990, provides guidance for the program. The 13-member committee developed the objectives and research goals for the program at its inception. Heading the committee is Dr. Itaru Watanabe, Professor emeritus, School of Medicine, Keio University. A committee summary report was issued in August 1990.