Reuters is reporting a draft of the Fugu (pufferfish) genome
has been completed. This is good because the Fugu genome
has much less garbage in it and can be considered the minimal
vertebrate genome. Having the human & Fugu genomes
largely complete and the Mouse and Rat in progress will
accelerate comparative genomics. That will allow a
more rapid construction of the complete picture of
what genes regulate what other genes because regulatory
regions will be conserved across genomes and allow computerized
comparisons to identify them (rather than messy wet lab
experiments that are now required).
It also allows us to begin an exploration of what
changes Nature makes to the genomic program to extend
lifespan -- and that will provide further ideas for
enhancements researchers should try to engineer into
ours for even greater extensions.
URL: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Living/reuters20011025_472.html
Robert
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