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Human Genome News, January 1994; 5(5)

CRADA Signed to Speed DNA Sequencing

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Perkin-Elmer Corporation signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) in November 1993 to develop analytical instrumentation for faster DNA sequencing via electrophoresis. The agreement will combine the microfabrication expertise of LLNL with that of the Applied Biosystems Division (ABD) of Perkin-Elmer, a key patent holder of specific sequencing techniques and a pioneer in the development of automated DNA sequencers.

ABD will contribute $3.8 million in cash and $964,000 in equipment and effort. DOE is funding 30% of expenses at $2.3 million. Anthony Carrano (Associate Director for Biology and Biotechnology Research at LLNL and DOE Human Genome Center Director), noted that Lawrence Livermore has initiated more than 100 cooperative research and development agreements since 1992. He said this CRADA is the largest cash contribution by an industrial partner and the first of several CRADAs expected to emanate from the LLNL program.

The immediate goal of the CRADA is to increase sequencing rates 10-fold in the next 2 years and 100-fold in the longer term. With current sequencing rates at about 1250 bases/h, more than 1600 person years would be required to achieve the sequencing objectives of the Human Genome Project. Future technology is expected to produce sequencing rates of more than 100,000 bases/h, enabling researchers to complete the project within 10 years. Faster DNA sequencing will also accelerate the identification of genes that cause some 4000 known genetic diseases.


HGMIS Staff

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Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v5n5).

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.