The human genome project: past, present, and future

Article Abstract:

In 1953, when the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule was identified, it seemed inconceivable that entire genes could be analyzed from a purely chemical standpoint. Twenty years later, the advent of molecular biology provided techniques that made the cloning and analysis of individual genes a common practice in many laboratories. In 1985 came the first proposals to use the techniques of molecular biology to march through the entire human genome. What was once an impossibly daunting task is now taking shape. A joint subcommittee of the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy, likely to be the two financial backers of the project, has drawn up a proposal for the next five years of work, and this report is now in the hands of Congress. The immediate work includes improving DNA sequencing technology; any improvements in the basic sequencing techniques, in terms of time or money, will have direct impact upon the project. The actual attack on the genome will occur on two fronts. Working down from the top will be those constructing a genetic linkage map of the human genome. By studying families with an armamentarium of genetic markers, it is possible to determine the approximate location of the genes on the chromosomes. The report submitted to Congress calls for a genetic linkage map of 2 to 5 centiMorgans in resolution. (A centiMorgan is an arbitrary unit indicating the distance between genes based on crossover frequency. It is not identical with a physical distance.) The scientists attacking from the bottom up can use this information. Long sequences of DNA can be placed in proper relation to one another to construct a physical map if their relation to the linkage map is known. There is no doubt that the project is manageable. Serious questions remain, however, about the allocation of funds and the participation of other nations. Some researchers worry that the funds for the genome project will be provided at the expense of grants for other scientifically worthy projects. Other nations have shown interest in the project. Consequently, additional scientific, economic and political questions have been raised, such as whether or not to share results of the genome project with countries that do not participate in the research. A backlash of nationalism in the United States might work to the overall detriment of science. It should be remembered that only by making the information obtained from the genome project as widely and freely available as possible will the greatest benefits be achieved. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Heredity, Human, Human heredity

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Orchestrating the human genome project

Article Abstract:

The Human Genome Project is underway, and it is unique among research projects in biology in that it has a clearly definable endpoint: the genetic sequence for all 24 chromosomes in the human body (22 autosomes, X, and Y). The project is being jointly managed by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy; their collaboration has the indications of being an auspicious one. The NIH, of course, has traditionally managed much of the nation's biological research and funding. The Department of Energy, however, has a strong interest in the human genome resulting from its mandate to monitor the safety of low-level environmental radiation. Furthermore, the DOE is experienced and comfortable with the management of very large projects. Much of the project lies in the management of diverse efforts. In a small number of centers, some large labs, funded primarily by the DOE, will be marching through large portions of the genome's physical map. These efforts must be coordinated with numerous smaller labs, which very often will be using both molecular biology and traditional linkage mapping to study a specific region of a single chromosome, most likely in the examination of a particular human disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The scientific results to be obtained over the next 15 years are expected to be remarkable. The project is expected to be completed with relatively little risk. Continuing advances in the speed and cost-effectiveness of DNA sequencing techniques have already put aspects of the project ahead of schedule, and the same technological improvements are likely to bring it in well within budget as well. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Linkage (Genetics)

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Sequencing the human genome

Article Abstract:

The Human Genome Project has developed technologies for its research and made progress in mapping genes, but only 600 million of 3 billion base pairs of the human genome have been sequenced. The project's accomplishments and challenges are discussed.

Analysis, Human Genome Project

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