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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 Genomics:GTL Program
and Joint Genome Institute's Community
Sequencing and Laboratory
Science Programs.
Funding History
|
FY |
Amount in Millions |
|
1997 |
$5.5 |
|
1998 |
$5.2 |
|
1999 |
$12.21 |
| 2000 |
$14.52 |
| 2001 |
$22 |
2002 |
$18 |
2003 |
$16.4 |
|
2004
|
$16.7 |
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.
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Site sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Energy Office of Science, Office
of Biological and Environmental Research