Bioscience Research-Present and Future-Research at a Turning Point-

Accession number;04A0766392
Title;Bioscience Research-Present and Future-Research at a Turning Point-
Author;MURAMATSU MASAMI(Saitama Medical School, JPN)   
Journal Title;Biotherapy (Tokyo)
Journal Code:L0028A
ISSN:0914-2223
VOL.18;NO.5;PAGE.365-371(2004)
Figure&Table&Reference;TBL.2, REF.6
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;Japanese
Abstract;Bioscience has now come of age at the beginning of 21st century. In this review, a brief historical overlook, present status and possible future of bioscience research have been presented. In brief, the basis of the present bioscience was established in 19th century and the former half of the 20th century. The rise of molecular biology since the second quarter of 20th century, however, paved the road to the flourishing development of the present bioscience. To pick up a few epoch-making discovery, Double-helix structure of DNA in the middle of 20th century, DNA-sequencing and cloning technology at the end of the three-fourth of the century may be counted. Of course, great may developments in this and other field, including protein purification, characterization and so-called structural biology, have contributed to this field. In 2000, "The draft sequence of the human genome' has been accomplished, which signifies a monument of bioscience at the end of 20th century. In addition, recent progress in the field of bio-imaging and "functional cytology", by which we can identify presence, movement and interaction of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids in the cell or even in the cell organelles, has made it possible for us to analyze the dynamic aspects of these informational molecules in vivo. On the other hand, the spacio-temporal knockout of a specific gene in mouse would become a commonplace to analyze the function of the gene in question. The development of nanotechnology and the use bio-interface material give us a hope to use the accumulating knowledge for the medical and other applications. Bioinformatics and the new concept of Systems Biology will also become increasingly important in the future development of bioscience. (author abst.)