Human Genome Project Information Archive
1990–2003

Genomes to Life Program Funded for FY 2002

As researchers press toward completing the Human Genome Project by 2003, the DOE Office of Science has taken the next leap forward by launching a program to explore how the static information in DNA comes to life to create dynamic living systems. Goals of the new Genomes to Life program, funded at $19.5 million in FY 2002, are to identify and characterize the protein complexes that perform most of the cells work, the gene regulatory networks that control those processes, and the functional repertoire of natural microbial communities at the molecular level; and to develop computational capabilities for integrated and predictive understanding of biological systems. This new and comprehensive level of understanding will allow scientists to design ways in which the biological capabilities of various organisms can serve DOE missions in energy security, environmental cleanup, and health protection. Specific payoffs include U.S. independence from foreign oil, enhanced protection against biothreat agents, stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide to counter global warming, and a savings of billions of dollars in toxic waste cleanup.

For more details, see the April 2001 Genomes to Life plan describing the new programs background, rationale, and goals (genomicsgtl.energy.gov). Other related documents and graphics on the Web site include Q&As; slide set; backgrounder on GTL payoffs; brochure on Neutralizing the Biological Threat; workshop report by cochairs Ken Nealson and J. Craig Venter on The Role of Biotechnology in Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Concentrations, held in June 2001; fact sheets on global warming; related statements by President George Bush; link to a Washington Post special report; and report of the August 2001 Workshop on Computational Biology.

[Contacts: Marvin Frazier (301/903-5468, marvin.frazier@science.doe.gov) of the DOE Biological and Environmental Research program and Gary Johnson (970/225-3794, garyj@er.doe.gov) of the DOE Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research. See call for funding, p. 23.]

The electronic form of the newsletter may be cited in the following style:
Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v12n1-2).