Human genome project: Current status, Keio strategy, and prospects

Through the human genome project (HGP) at Keio University, we were able to find a number of new genes including SIM1 (single-minded), SIM2, MNB (minibrain), KNP1 (keio novel protein), KNP3, APECED/AIRE, MYOC (myocilin), RAO (retina amine oxidase), and ISLR (immunoglobulin superfamily containing LR domain). Also, we determined the genomic sequence of immunoglobulin light chain lambda (IGL) gene cluster of more than 1 megabase (Mb) and identified 69 IGLV genes, 7 IGLC genes, and 12 non-Ig genes/pseudogenes. Moreover, we established the genomic structures of previously known genes such as HCS, ETS2, TMEM1, PWP2, and PFKL. It should be noted that SIM2 and MNB are candidate genes for mental retardation in Down syndrome, that APECED/AIRE is a gene responsible for the autoimmune disease APECED, and that MYOC is identical to TIGR, which is a pathogenic gene for primary open angle glaucoma.