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1990–2003

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Human Genome Quarterly, Summer 1989; 1(2)

Tenth International Human Gene Mapping Workshop

Over 2000 New Gene Loci and DNA Markers Added to HGML Database
The goal of the International Human Gene Mapping workshops, initiated in 1973 at Yale University, has been to provide a forum in which members of the human genetics research community can summarize the current state of the human gene map, which is maintained by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Human Gene Mapping Library (HGML) at Yale University. At the recent Tenth International Workshop (HGM10) in New Haven, Connecticut, approximately 600 scientists from 28 countries presented new mapping data for comparison and integration with existing maps to produce a current and accurate account of the human gene map.

During this week-long workshop (June 11-17, 1989) 29 committees met representing the following areas:

  • individual chromosomes or chromosome pairs,
  • the mitochondrial genome,
  • nomenclature,
  • neoplasia and rearrangements,
  • cytogenetic markers,
  • linkage and gene order,
  • clinical inherited disorders and chromosomal deletion syndromes,
  • DNA segments,
  • informatics, and
  • comparative mapping.

The committees gathered and evaluated new information for recently discovered gene loci, anonymous DNA fragments, and disease phenotypes all of which are linked to a specific chromosome or locus. The new mapping data were integrated into the existing HGML database, a publicly accessible information resource, by using an on-line database system. Chairpersons of these committees reviewed and entered over 2000 new gene loci or DNA markers.

In addition to new entries, the workshop committees revised existing HGML entries of genes or DNA markers to reflect recent literature reports or presentations at HGM10. Prior to this meeting, the human gene map database had contained approximately 1800 gene loci and an equal number of anonymous DNA segments regionally localized or genetically linked to specific loci.

The HGML database of genes, DNA markers, and disease loci has approximately doubled since the last workshop (HGM9) held in 1987. The rate of data generation is expected to increase significantly as a consequence of the rapid emergence of both new knowledge and technologies in all areas of gene mapping. These areas include the following levels:

  • cytological (e.g., in-situ hybridization and somatic cell hybrids),
  • linkage (e.g., genetic linkage and radiation fragmentation hybrids), and
  • physical mapping (e.g.

Exponential growth of human genome mapping information can be projected to continue at an accelerated pace as data are generated by existing mapping projects (funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and other agencies and organizations) and as new projects are initiated.

In addition to the large contributions made to the human gene map at the meeting, another significant outcome was the movement toward integration of mapping information arising from the various levels of mapping resolution (e.g., cytological, linkage, and physical). Initiatives taken by several of the workshop chromosome committees to use an integrated format to represent multilevel mapping information indicated that major challenges are ahead for the informatics and genetics/genomics communities.

The proceedings and outcome of the HGM10 Workshop reflect a high level of enthusiasm and commitment in the human genetics community to the task of coordination and cooperation in moving toward an integrated analysis of the human genome. Reports on the proceedings of the HGM10 workshop, including committee summaries and updated maps and tables describing gene loci and anonymous DNA segments, will be published in an upcoming issue of Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics. The chromosome maps are available on request from HGML, which also offers five interconnected databases for use by those interested in human genetics.

Human Gene Mapping Library
25 Science Park
New Haven, CT 06511
E-mail: genesic@yalevm.bitnet
Phone: 203/786-5515


HGMIS Staff

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The electronic form of the newsletter may be cited in the following style:
Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v1n2).

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.