‘1000 genomes’ project launched
An international project to read the entire genetic code of at least 1000 individuals will result in a comprehensive catalogue of human variation that will accelerate efforts to identify genetic factors involved in health and disease, scientists announced recently.
The '1000 Genomes Project' will take advantage of new, fast technologies to decode DNA, and powerful computing techniques to find out how the genetic make-up of people from around the world varies from the 'reference' human genome unveiled in 2003. The consortium includes the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK, the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) in China and the US National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).
The first part of the project will involve reading the genomes (complete genetic information) of just six people - two sets of parents and their adult children. This will allow the researchers to test the new technologies for ‘sequencing’ DNA - that is, determining the order of the six billion DNA 'letters', or base-pairs, that make up the human genome. This will be followed by a less in-depth look at the genetic make-up of a further 180 people, and then studies of about a 1000 different genes in 1000 individuals.
The first part of the project will involve reading the genomes (complete genetic information) of just six people - two sets of parents and their adult children. This will allow the researchers to test the new technologies for ‘sequencing’ DNA - that is, determining the order of the six billion DNA 'letters', or base-pairs, that make up the human genome. This will be followed by a less in-depth look at the genetic make-up of a further 180 people, and then studies of about a 1000 different genes in 1000 individuals.
The researchers hope that the results of this vast undertaking will allow them to identify new genetic variations involved in disease - even the more elusive ones, which are only present in around one per cent of individuals.
Genetic variation contributes to human differences such as susceptibility to common diseases, and individual responses to drug treatments. 'This project reinforces our commitment to transform genomic information into tools that medical research can use to understand common disease', said Jun Wang, associate director of BGI, China.
Sources:
International Consortium Announces the 1000 Genomes Project
1000 Genomes.org
22/1/08
http://www.1000genomes.org/files/1000Genomes-NewsRelease.pdf
International Consortium Announces the 1000 Genomes Project
1000 Genomes.org
22/1/08
http://www.1000genomes.org/files/1000Genomes-NewsRelease.pdf
Shortcut to cause of common disease
The Times
23/1/08
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3231502.ece
The Times
23/1/08
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3231502.ece