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Human Genome News, November 1990; 2(4)

First International Workshop on Human Chromosome 5

Twenty-nine scientists from eight countries gathered at St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London September 4-5 for the First International Workshop on Human Chromosome 5, sponsored by the NIH National Center for Human Genome Research, the DOE Human Genome Program, the U.K. Medical Research Council, and GeneLabs, Inc.

Objectives of this intensive, 2-day workshop were to update the chromosome 5 consensus map and reference marker assignment, to assess resources available now or needed for future mapping efforts, and to provide input to the Chromosome 5 Committee of the Human Gene Mapping Workshop (HGM 10.5) held in Oxford September 6-11.

Genetic and Physical Mapping

Localization of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) genes were discussed. New linkage data placed the gene for diastrophic dysplasia (DTD)-a craniofacial dysplasia- on 5q. A large amount of new 2-point linkage data made possible the ordering of markers over much of the long arm.

Substantial progress in physical mapping was reported for chromosome 5, considering its large size. Many new markers have been placed by in situ hybridization; most are concentrated on the distal part of 5q, which seems to be rich in growth-factor and receptor genes. Detailed physical maps were presented for areas containing growth-factor genes (IL3, CSF2, IL4, and IL5) and the FAP region. An extensive collection of hybrids was reported containing translocations at 5p, which will provide a valuable resource for continued mapping in this region.

Consensus physical and genetic maps showed many informative markers, both restriction fragment length polymorphisms and microsatellites, mostly on 5q. Participants saw a clear need for more highly informative markers of the variable number of tandem repeat or microsatellite type but were pleased that most useful reference markers are freely available. Often probes that were best mapped physically had not been as well mapped genetically, and conversely. Attendees proposed that reference probes be mapped both ways by the next workshop and felt that a good start was made in providing a set of informative reference markers spanning chromosome 5.


Follow-up Projects for Chromosome 5

  • Workshop Summary
    To include lists of available resources (e.g., hybrids, probes, and libraries); will be prepared and distributed to participants.
  • List of Reference Markers
    Prepared during working sessions; will be proposed for inclusion in the HGM-10.5 report for chromosome 5.
  • Composite Genetic and Physical Maps
    Will be refined, updated, and submitted for publication.
  • Newsletter For Chromosome 5
    Will soon begin circulation to continue the spirit of collaboration; coordinated by Carol Westbrook.

Reported by Carol A. Westbrook
Department of Medicine
University of Chicago
and Robert T. Williamson
St. Mary's Hospital Medical School
University of London

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Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v2n4).

Human Genome Project 1990–2003

The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international 13-year effort, 1990 to 2003. Primary goals were to discover the complete set of human genes and make them accessible for further biological study, and determine the complete sequence of DNA bases in the human genome. See Timeline for more HGP history.

Human Genome News

Published from 1989 until 2002, this newsletter facilitated HGP communication, helped prevent duplication of research effort, and informed persons interested in genome research.