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The DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and Stanford University completed the sequencing of the 55.8 million bases of human chromosome 19, the most gene-rich of all human chromosomes. The achievement is described in the April 1, 2004, issue of Nature. Although it represents only 2% of the genome, chromosome 19 features some 1500 genes, including those responsible for controlling the repair of DNA damage caused by exposure to radiation and other environmental pollutants. Among other genes identified are those involved in such diseases as insulin-dependent diabetes, myotonic dystrophy, migraines, and familial hypercholesterolemia.

This final version of the chromosome 19 sequence is far more accurate than earlier drafts, having an estimated 1 error in 100,000 bases. High-quality sequence is critically important to biologists using it to search for genes or other important regions. The finished sequences for chromosomes 16 and 5 are in the offing and will complete DOE's 11% contribution to sequencing the human genome.

JGI Press Release

  3/31/04

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