Comparative Genomics. What is comparative genomics? Comparative genomics is an exciting field of biological research in which researchers use a variety of tools, including computer- based analysis, to compare the complete genome sequences of different species. By carefully comparing characteristics that define various organisms - including the genomes of organisms ranging from humans to chimpanzees to yeast - researchers can pinpoint regions of similarity and difference. This information can help scientists better understand the structure and function of human genes, and develop new strategies to combat human disease. Nhgri Fund New Functional Genomics Tools For WorkingTop of page. What are the benefits of comparative genomics? Identifying DNA sequences that have been . It pinpoints genes that are essential to life and highlights genomic signals that control gene function across many species. It helps us to further understand what genes relate to various biological systems, which in turn may translate into innovative approaches for treating human disease and improving human health. Comparative genomics also provides a powerful tool for studying evolution. By taking advantage of - and analyzing- the evolutionary relationships between species and the corresponding differences in their DNA, scientists can better understand how the appearance, behavior and biology of living things have changed over time. His research interests include developing pooled screening approaches for functional genomics. The National Human Genome Research Institute. 2009 — Researchers from NIH and NHGRI find a new way of detecting functional regions in the human genome. NHGRI’s History of Genomics Program hosts a seminar series. The National Academies Press. Other functional genomics projects also capitalize on the resources and exper- tise of an international scientific. Although NHGRI does not fund plant genome sequencing. The Human Genome Project (1990-2003) Skip navigation. Such efforts have led to new insights into some branches on the evolutionary tree, as well as improving the health of domesticated animals and pointing to new strategies for conserving rare and endangered species. Top of page. What is a genome made of? The genomes of almost all living creatures, both plants and animals, consist of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the chemical chain that includes the genes that code for different proteins and the regulatory sequences that turn those genes on and off. Precisely which protein is produced by any given gene is determined by the sequence in which four building blocks - adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G) - are laid out along DNA's twisted, double- helix structure. Top of page. What results has the field of comparative genomics produced? Comparative genomics has yielded dramatic results. Investigators are increasingly using comparative genomics to explore areas ranging from human development and behavior to metabolism and susceptibility to disease. These studies are uncovering new behavioral, neurological and developmental pathways and genes that are shared or related among species. Some researchers are using comparative genomics to reveal the genomic underpinnings of disease in animals with the hope of gaining new insights into disease development in humans. Among the results so far are the following: A study discovered that about 6. Two- thirds of human genes known to be involved in cancer have counterparts in the fruit fly. This is one of many studies aimed at increasing food production. The bird researchers also found gene networks responsible for traits such as feathers and beaks. Sudhir Kumar New Methods and tools for the next generation of pohylogenetics. HHS-NIH-NHGRI (8/1/2011 - 6/30. In some cases, they have mapped genes contributing to these disorders. Studies of dogs with sleep problems have revealed genes and pathways - and potential drug targets - to treat sleep problems. Top of page. What other genomes have been sequenced? Researchers have sequenced the complete genomes of hundreds of animals and plants- more than 2. In addition to the sequencing of the human genome, which was completed in 2. Human Genome Project sequenced the genomes of a number of model organisms that are commonly used as surrogates in studying human biology. These include the rat, puffer fish, fruit fly, sea squirt, roundworm, and the bacterium Escherichia coli. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Sequencing Center has been instrumental in the sequencing of many organisms. NHGRI programs such as ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) and mod. ENCODE (model organism Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) have compared and contrasted the inner workings of animal and human genomes to try to better understand how genomes function. In mod. ENCODE, researchers found shared patterns of gene activity and regulation among fly, worm and human genomes. The mouse ENCODE Consortium demonstrated that, in general, the systems that are used to control gene activity have many similarities in mice and humans. Top of page. Last Updated: November 3, 2.
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