Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B
Online ISSN : 1349-2896
Print ISSN : 0386-2208
ISSN-L : 0386-2208
Reviews
Genetic variations in medical research in the past, at present and in the future
Yoichiro KAMATANIYusuke NAKAMURA
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2021 Volume 97 Issue 6 Pages 324-335

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Abstract

As we look so different, our genomic sequences vary enormously. The differences in our genome, genetic variations, have played very significant roles in medical research and have contributed to improvement of medical managements in the last 2–3 decades. Genetic variations include germline variations, somatic mutations, and diversities in receptor genes of rearranged immune cells, T cells and B cells. Germline variants are in some cases causative of genetic diseases, are associated with the risk of various diseases, and also affect drug efficacies or adverse events. Some somatic mutations are causative of tumor development. Recent DNA sequencing technologies allow us to perform single-cell analysis or detailed repertoire analysis of B and T cells. It is critically important to investigate temporal changes in immune environment in various anatomical regions in the next one to two decades. In this review article, we would like to introduce the roles of genetic variations in medical fields in the past, at present and in the future.

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