1. In 2003 scientists in the Human Genome Project achieved a long-sought goal by obtaining the DNA sequence of the 3.2 billion base pairs (the order of As, Ts, Cs, and Gs) making up the human genome. The DNA sequence spells out the exact instructions needed to maintain and reproduce a living organism – whether it’s a person, a plant, or a paramecium.
Some fascinating insights so far:
-         The human genome is almost (99.9%) exactly the same in all people.
-         Only 2% of the human genome contains genes, the part of DNA that encodes recipes for proteins. We don’t know what the remainder does.
-         We have an estimated 30,000-40,000 genes; the functions remain unknown for more than half of these.
-         Almost half of all proteins predicted from human genes share similarities with fruit flies and worms, underscoring the unity of life.
-         MUCH remains to be learned!
Human Genome Project

3. In 2003 scientists in the Human Genome Project obtained the DNA sequence of the 3 billion base pairs making up the human genome

4. How they did it… DNA from 5 humans 2 males, 3 females
2 caucasians, one each of asian, african, hispanic
Cut up DNA with restriction enzymes
Ligated into BACs & YACs, then grew them up
Sequenced the BACs
Let a supercomputer put the pieces together

5. What we’ve learned so far from the Human Genome Project
The human genome is nearly the same (99.9%) in all people
Only about 2% of the human genome contains genes, which are the instructions for making proteins
Humans have an estimated 30,000 genes; the functions of more than half of them are unknown
Almost half of all human proteins share similarities with other organisms, underscoring the unity of live
About 75% of the human genome is “junk”

6. How does the human genome stack up?
Organism
GenomBase Size (Bases)
Estimated Genes
Human (Homo sapiens)
3 billion
30,000
Laboratory mouse (M. musculus)
2.6 billion
Mustard weed (A. thaliana)
100 million
25,000
Roundworm (C. elegans)
97 million
19,000
Fruit fly (D. melanogaster)
137 million
13,000
Yeast (S. cerevisiae)
12.1 million
6,000
Bacterium (E. coli)
4.6 million
3,200
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
9700 9
Species
Base pairs
Genes

7. Much is still unknown

8. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research
Molecular Medicine
• improve diagnosis of disease • detect genetic predispositions to disease • create drugs based on molecular information • use gene therapy and control systems as drugs • design “custom drugs” (pharmacogenomics) based on individual genetic profiles
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

9. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research
Microbial Genomics
• rapidly detect and treat pathogens (disease-causing microbes) in clinical practice • develop new energy sources (biofuels) • monitor environments to detect pollutants • protect citizenry from biological and chemical warfare • clean up toxic waste safely and efficiently
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

10. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research-cont.
Risk Assessment
• evaluate the health risks faced by individuals who may be exposed to radiation (including low levels in industrial areas) and to cancer-causing chemicals and toxins
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

11. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research-cont.
Bioarchaeology, Anthropology, Evolution, and Human Migration
• study evolution through germline mutations in lineages • study migration of different population groups based on maternal inheritance • study mutations on the Y chromosome to trace lineage and migration of males
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

12. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research-cont.
DNA Identification (Forensics)
• identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes • exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes • identify crime and catastrophe victims • establish paternity and other family relationships
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

13. Anticipated Benefits of Genome Research-cont.
Agriculture, Livestock Breeding,
and Bioprocessing
• grow disease-, insect-, and drought-resistant crops • breed healthier, more productive, disease-resistant farm animals • grow more nutritious produce • develop biopesticides • incorporate edible vaccines incorporated into food products
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

14. ELSI: Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
• Privacy and confidentiality
of genetic information.
• Fairness in the use of genetic information by insurers, employers, courts, schools, adoption agencies, and the military, among others.
• Psychological impact, stigmatization, and discrimination due to an individual’s genetic differences.
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

15. ELSI: Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
• Reproductive issues including adequate and informed consent and use of genetic information in reproductive decision making.
• Clinical issues including the education of doctors and other health-service providers, people identified with genetic conditions, and the general public about capabilities, limitations, and social risks; and implementation of standards and quality‑control measures.
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

16. ELSI Issues (cont.) gene tests for susceptibilities
• Uncertainties associated with
gene tests for susceptibilities
and complex conditions
(e.g., heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease).
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003

17. ELSI Issues (cont.)
• Health and environmental issues concerning genetically modified (GM) foods and microbes.
• Commercialization of products including property rights (patents, copyrights, and trade secrets) and accessibility of data and materials.
U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs, Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society, 2003