Human+Genome+Project

WHAT IS THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT?__** Brief Overview of Human Genome Project: The Project began in 1990. In 1996, the project analyzed 1 percent of the 3 billion nucleotide pairs of DNA in the human genome. Knowing even 1% of the sequence, scientists can establish the identity and determine the functions of 16,000 genes. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from the human genome will help improve diagnoses, treatments and even cures for approximately 4,000 genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, colon cancer, etc. It is estimated that as many as 5% of the babies born in the United States each year are afflicted with a genetic order that could one day be treated or prevented using the information provided by the Human Genome Project. __Modern Biology__. Austin: Harcourt Classroom Education, 2002.
 * __[[image:http://www.genome.gov/Images/press_photos/highres/96-300.jpg width="1015" height="294"]]

Its goals were to: The human genome project was started due to biological aspirations (to map out human DNA), yet there are also other reasons for the project, such as: - the advance of information technology - restructuring of the science bureaucracy - increasing participation by commercial organizations. Scientists compared Human DNA to that of E-Coli, the Fruit Fly and to Lab Rats. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/about.shtml
 * to map the location of every gene on every chromosome
 * identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA,
 * determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA,
 * store this information in databases,
 * improve tools for data analysis,
 * transfer related technologies to the private sector, and
 * address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from the project

Every cell in an individual’s body has the same genome, made up of an estimated 3.2 billion strings of DNA. There are about 40,000 genes coded within the cell’s DNA.Researchers have identified the function of about 5,000 of those genes to date. THis still leaves much of the larger picture undiscovered.


 * __HOW DOES THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT HELP YOU? (Applications and Benefits):__**

Birth defects are the leading cause of death among infants (0-364 days old). By age 25, eight percent of liveborns will be diagnosed with a disorder that has a major genetic component. We refer to the all these genetic defects as the **genetic load**. Genetic load is produced by five paths: > autosomal dominant 1.4/1000 (.14%) > autosomal recessive 1.7/1000 (.17%) > X-linked recessive 0.5/1000 (.05%) > (all congenital anomalies = 5.25%) These genetic mutations are caused by gene mutations. Gene mutations occur in a frequency believed to be between 1/100,000 to 1/1,000,000. http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/articles/other/genome_4/index.shtml
 * //Single gene disorders// account for 3.6/1000 (.36%)
 * //Chromosome abnormalities// account for 1.8/1000 (.18%)
 * //Multifactorial disorders// are believed to account for 46.4/1000 (4.64%)
 * //Genetic unknown//=0.12%
 * //Congenital anomalies// with a genetic etiology = 2.66%

Changes in the order of DNA units can increase an individual’s chance of developing an illness, protect against getting sick or predict the way he or she will react to medications. If scientists can map what chromosomes or genes cause diseases like Alzeheimer's or Cancer, then they can begin to map out specific treatments that target these genes. Specific medications can be tailored to specific people who may not react conventionally to existing medicines. The mapping of DNA can help asses and elliminate a person's risk for some diseases, even before they begin to show symptoms. Recently on the 14th of January 2007 scientists discovered that "variations in a gene known as SORL1 may be a factor in the development of late onset Alzheimer's disease." http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1009398335.html

It is an extremely labor intensive job to try and figure out which segments of DNA are changed when a disease is contracted. Scientists try in various ways to map the changes that occur in the human genome:

For starters, scientists search the entire DNA structure of us humans, and compare those that have contracted or were born with a disease and those that do not.

If possible, the scientists narrow the search, scanning only a certain area of the genome in order to track changes.

And in some cases, scientists are able to take a gene that is known to be linked with a disease, and compare the genes of those that have that disease with those that do not.

New technology has now given scientists hope that they can speed up the search: a new type of genetic map called [|single nucleotide polymorphism].

Doctors one day hope to [|understand genetics] (click on the Interactive animations for a helpful walk-through of the info) to the point where a patient could hold a card with his or her genetic data imprinted on it. Being able to access such information would help doctors predetermine how a patient would react to possible perscriptions, and how a disease or sickness would most likely run its course.

The less obvious diagnostic uses may include **forensic** uses which may establish one’s identity to either accuse a man through biological evidence or to exonerate a victim. Identifying individuals will become increasingly feasible, practical, and precise with increasing information from the HGP as direct characterization of very large DNA segments, and possibly even whole genomes, may be advanced.

Not only does the Genome research study complex diseases, but also the normal **biological functions** of humans. Each new gene is a potential target for drug development - to fix it when broken or to change its product, usually a protein.

Human genome project may affect a**griculture, livestock breeding, and bioprocessing** in the long run. If we understand plant and animal genomes, we can create stronger and more disease-resistant plants and animals. This is benefit consumer as costs of agriculture are reduced, while consumers may be provided with more nutritious, pesticide-free foods. Furthermore, alternate uses for crops, such as tobacco, have been found. One researcher has genetically engineered tobacco plants in his laboratory to produce a bacterial enzyme that breaks down explosives such as TNT. Waste that would take centuries to break down in the soil can be cleaned up by simply growing these special plants in the polluted area. http://genome.rtc.riken.go.jp/hgmis/project/benefits.html
 * Risk assessment** may also be improved under the HGP. This means that we will have the ability to assess risks posed to individuals by exposure to toxic agents, for example. Scientists know that genetic differences make some people more susceptible and others more resistant to such agents. This knowledge will allow us to understand the effects of low-level exposures to radiation and other energy-related agents, especially in terms of cancer risk.

__**ETHICAL ISSUES WITH THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT:**__

The ethical issues for the Human Genome Project was less about the technology, but more about how its used.

There is something called germline manipulation where we can manipulate reproductive cells, therefore influencing all the later generations. This process involves more ethical issues because extend across generation, magnifying the impact of unforseen consequences. Also, mandatory genetic screening of the adult population raises serious ethical questions about personal liberty and privacy, and thus is not likely to garner widespread support. However, we are likely to hear calls for mandatory genetic testing in specific social contexts, and existing practices will no doubt be cited as justifications for such testing. (i.e. fingerprinting, urine testing, and blood testing already being taken over by DNA testing in the justice system)

Many people worry about how personal genetic information is used. Some think this type of information could be used by insurance companies and employers to discriminate against individuals who are genetically susceptible to disease. Therefore, how society uses this information is essential.

http://www.actionbioscience.org/genomic/carroll_ciaffa.html


 * Research Progress of the Human Genome Project**


 * [|Human Chromosome 1 Completed], May 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 3 Completed], April 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 17 Completed], April 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 11 Completed], March 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 12 Completed], March 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 15 Completed], March 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 8 Completed], January 2006.
 * [|Human Chromosome 4 Completed], April 2005.
 * [|Human Chromosome 2 Completed], April 2005.
 * [|Human Chromosome X Completed], March 2005.
 * [|Human Chromosome 16 Completed], December 2004.
 * [|Human Gene Count Estimates Changed to 20,000 to 25,000], October 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 5 Completed], September 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 9 Completed], May 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 10 Completed], May 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 18 Completed], March 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 19 Completed], March 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 13 Completed], March 2004.
 * [|Human Chromosome 6 Completed], October 2003.
 * [|Human Chromosome 7 Completed], July 2003.
 * [|Human Chromosome Y Completed], June 2003.
 * [|Human Genome Project Completion: 1990-2003] (April 2003)
 * [|Human Chromosome 14 Completed], January 2003.
 * Mouse Genome Sequencing Consortium [|publishes] draft sequence of mouse genome, December 2002.
 * International consortium led by the DOE Joint Genome Institute [|publishes] draft sequence of //Fugu rubripes//, July 2002.
 * [|Human Chromosome 20 Completed], December 2001.
 * HGP leaders [|publish] the initial analysis of the working draft of the human genome sequence, February 2001.
 * HGP leaders and President Clinton [|announce] the completion of a "working draft" DNA sequence of the human genome, June 26, 2000
 * [|Press briefing] and [|remarks]
 * //[|Human Genome News]// article
 * [|Human Chromosome 21 Completed], May 2000
 * [|Draft Sequences of Human Chromosomes 5, 16, 19 Completed], April 2000
 * [|Drosophila Genome Completed], March 2000
 * [|Human Chromosome 22 Completed: First Human Chromosome to be Sequenced], December 1999
 * [|HGP Leaders Confirm Accelerated Timetable for Draft Sequence], October 1999
 * [|Completion Date for "Human Genome Working Draft" Accelerated to Spring of 2000], March 1999 news release
 * [|Human Genome Project 5-Year Research Goals 1998-2003], October 1998; also contains links to previous goals since the project's beginnings.
 * [|Human Genome Project Passes Midpoint], April 1998
 * __What the Human Genome Project has done so far:__**

[|Goals for the Human Genome Project] 1. Identify an estimated 20,000-25,000 genes in the human DNA 2. figure out the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs 3. that the information is stored in a database 4. Advance in the tools and technical equipment used for the data analysis 5. move technologies that are related to the project to the private sector 4. Make sure that people are aware of the ethical, legal and social issues that the human Genome project can make

http://isbibbio.wikispaces.com/Human+Genome+Project