Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome

The human genome holds an extraordinary trove of information about human development, physiology, medicine and evolution. Here we report the results of an international collaboration to produce and make freely available a draft sequence of the human genome. We also present an initial analysis of the data, describing some of the insights that can be gleaned from the sequence.

New goals for the U.S. Human Genome Project: 1998-2003

The Human Genome Project has successfully completed all the major goals in its current 5-year plan, covering the period 1993-98. A new plan, for 1998-2003, is presented, in which human DNA sequencing will be the major emphasis. An ambitious schedule has been set to complete the full sequence by the end of 2003, 2 years ahead of previous projections. In the course of completing the sequence, a "working draft" of the human sequence will be produced by the end of 2001. The plan also includes goals for sequencing technology development; for studying human genome sequence variation; for developing technology for functional genomics; for completing the sequence of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster and starting the mouse genome; for studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of genome research; for bioinformatics and computational studies; and for training of genome scientists.

The Human Genome Project: view from the Department of Energy

The Human Genome Project (HGP), a research effort initiated by the Department of Energy (DOE) and jointly managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the DOE, will determine a representative (but complete) sequence of the DNA from a typical human cell. This information and the associated resources will help us understand the critical differences that make us individuals and lead to insights into many areas of medicine, biology, and biotechnology. The HGP was conceived because DOE and its predecessor agencies had a longstanding interest in developing more sensitive methods to detect genetic changes induced by ionizing radiation and to understand the related health effects. Additionally, the unique capabilities and resources of the DOE national laboratory system, including a multidisciplinary research environment, high-skill engineering and high-performance computing centers fostered the ideal conditions for the success of such an ambitious undertaking. Knowing the human genome will revolutionize the practice of biology in the next century with far-reaching implications to health care and sustainable development. In a novel departure from previous science programs, the Human Genome Project includes a subprogram devoted to the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of human genome research.