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Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Human Genome Program
Human Genome News, March 1994; 5(6)
The Cooperative Human Linkage Center (CHLC), directed by Jeffrey Murray, has published the second issue of CHLC Report. In addition to individual updates on the five CHLC constituent projects at the University of Iowa (UI), Harvard Medical School, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation (MMRF), and Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), the newsletter contains an updated version of the skeletal genetic maps described in its first issue [see HGN 4(4), 3 (November 1992) and 5(3), 13 (September 1993)]. These maps continue to integrate markers genotyped by Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) collaborators and, for the first time, include a substantial body of markers developed by CHLC. Significant numbers of tri- and tetranucleotide repeats are provided to complement efforts of other groups using polymorphisms based on the polymerase chain reaction. Selected information from the report is highlighted below.
Online access to CHLC maps, which are continually updated, continues to be supported through the Informatics Core at FCCC. Initial access can be obtained by sending a message to info-server@chlc.org. The online reply provides (1) detailed instructions on using the ftp server and Gopher services and (2) an overview of available information. This includes not only skeletal and framework maps, but also genotypes, information on mapping methodologies, primer sequences, sequences from which primers were developed, and mapping data on the initial battery of markers. The primers are available from Research Genetics; 2130 Memorial Parkway; Huntsville, AL 35801 (800/533-4363, Fax: 205/536-9016).
CHLC outreach activities include opportunities for linkage mapping of markers associated with diseases. Interested individuals may spend up to 3 months at the CHLC laboratory, using the laboratory's reagents, maps, and protocols on their own material. Another core activity provides onsite support for 1- to 2-month stays by secondary school science teachers to gain direct experience with the technology of the genome project and participate in studies of ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI). Over the next year, this program will be expanded to assist the ELSI Core in providing similar experiences for the ELSI fellows. [Contact: Jeff Murray; CHLC; University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242 (319/356-3508, Fax: /335-6970, Internet: jmurray@umaxc.weeg.uiowa.edu)].
Investigators at MMRF are genotyping new polymorphisms developed at the center through the CEPH reference families. A major goal continues to be improvement of technology used to genotype short tandem repeat polymorphisms. The simple program (geno) for entering genotypes offers advantages over systems for standard data entry and sophisticated, semiautomated image analysis. Program access: anonymous ftp to dgabby.mfldclin.edu.
Collaborative efforts in mapping disease genes are continuing at MMRF. During the first grant year, genes responsible for colon cancer, familial expansile osteolysis, and a form of pseudoachondroplasia were mapped through these collaborative efforts. Those interested in collaborating on gene-mapping projects should contact James Weber at MMRF; Marshfield, WI 54449 (715/387-9179, Fax: /389-3808, Internet: weberj@dgabby.mfldclin.edu).
To subscribe to CHLC Report in hard copy, send name, affiliation, and address to CHLC Administration; #431 EMRB; University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242. The report is available online through the following addresses:
HGMIS Staff
The electronic form of the newsletter may be cited in the following style:
Human Genome Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Human Genome News (v5n6).
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.
Published from 1989 until 2002, this newsletter facilitated HGP communication, helped prevent duplication of research effort, and informed persons interested in genome research.
