Sequencing of the zebrafish genome will aid annotation of the human genome and facilitate gene identification. Already a widely used genetics animal model, the zebrafish will soon join the ranks of organisms whose genomes have been sequenced, thus boosting the popular aquarium pet's research value even more. The Sanger Centre of Cambridge, U.K., announced on Nov. 21 that it would head zebrafish-sequencing efforts, scheduled to begin in February or March of 2001 and to be completed within three years. Researchers hope to have a draft of the genome, approximately 85 percent coverage, within one year. In the fall of 1997, the National Institutes of Health began funding various zebrafish genome-mapping efforts at several genome centers as part of a "Trans-NIH zebrafish initiative." Projects include finding microsatellite markers, which help construct a genetic map, finding expressed sequence tags, which help to link physical and genetic maps, and building a radiation hybrid ...
News Notes
Next Up for Gene Sequencing: Zebrafish Sequencing of the zebrafish genome will aid annotation of the human genome and facilitate gene identification. Already a widely used genetics animal model, the zebrafish will soon join the ranks of organisms whose genomes have been sequenced, thus boosting the popular aquarium pet's research value even more. The Sanger Centre of Cambridge, U.K., announced on Nov. 21 that it would head zebrafish-sequencing efforts, scheduled to begin in February or March o
Written byEugene Russo
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