Microbial Genomics
at the U.S. Department of Energy

Microbial Genome Program History
(1994-2005)

To explore the possibilities for new applications, in 1994 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the Microbial Genome Program (MGP) as a companion to its Human Genome Program (HGP). From the start, the MGP experienced remarkable success, and microbial genomics has become one of the most exciting and high-profile fields in biology.

A principal goal of this spin-off project was to determine the complete DNA sequence—the genome—of a number of nonpathogenic microbes that may be useful to DOE in carrying out its missions (nonpathogenic microbes do not cause disease). The microbes chosen for genomic sequencing were selected with broad input from the scientific community. "The microbial diversity of the program is an absolute treasure trove for [research in] biotechnology, ecology, evolution, and bioremediation," notes David Schlessinger (National Institute on Aging).

Only a few years ago, scientists could not have imagined having full access to the genetic structure of more than a few such organisms. Today, a number of complete microbial genomes, many of which were supported by DOE's MGP, have been sequenced, and the rate of reported new genome sequences is increasing rapidly. (For a current listing, see GOLD.) These DNA sequences, along with those from many viruses and more complex organisms such as fruitfly, roundworm, and yeast, are freely available in public databases. This information is being used by governmental, academic, medical, and industrial scientists. The number of possible applications of this information is staggering. Sequenced genomes provide us with a genetic "parts" list; the next challenge is to explore how these parts come together to form a functioning organism.

The major focus of the DOE MGP was genomic sequencing of microbes relevant to DOE missions. To avoid "starting from scratch" in sequencing new microbes, investigators developed novel strategies to cost-effectively determine the DNA sequence of microbes that are very closely related to others whose sequence already is known. 

Additionally, the MGP developed new tools to study how groups of genes work together to produce specific products or determine particular behaviors. Other objectives were to mine genomic information from sequenced microbes, improve tools for annotation and analysis of sequence data, develop high-throughput methods for determining gene function and gene expression, and develop methods for examining protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interaction.

DOE continues the research started by MGP in the Genomic Science Program and Joint Genome Institute's Community Sequencing Program.

Funding History

Totals include ¹$2.4M and ²$5.8M from DOE Carbon Management Science Program (CMSP).  CMSP is part of the federal Climate Change Technology Initiative.

Publications Archive