Scientists celebrate "finishing" 500th genome

December 16, 2010—The finishing team for the Genome Science (B-6) Group recently celebrated a record year, "finishing" its 500th genome and completing 151 genomes for the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and more than 20 additional genomes for other sponsors, such as the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. These are the greatest number of genomes that the group has completed in a year.

Finishing, a critical step

A genome is the complete genetic information for an organism. Finishing is a critical step in the genome-sequencing process. It is a combination of computational strategies and chemical (wet-laboratory) reactions to complete areas of the genome that were not sequenced initially or were sequenced incorrectly. As a partner in the DOE Joint Genome Institute, B-6 began finishing JGI-drafted sequences in early 2005. The team finished their 50th genome in August 2006, and by April of 2007, their total already had jumped to 100 genomes. Through increased laboratory automation and optimization of protocols and procedures, the team's throughput has consistently risen every quarter since. This summer, the team finished their 500th genome, the genome of the bacterium Cellulosilyticum lentocellum DSM 5427, a cellulose-degrading organism. The LANL scientists sequenced the genome for Cameron Currie of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currie's research focuses on the ecology and evolution of symbiotic associations between animals and microbes. His team examines how microbes shape the biology of higher organisms.

A leader in finishing techniques

The Laboratory's Genome Science Group finishes more genomes than any other genome center worldwide. It is a leader in the development of finishing techniques, as highlighted at the group's annual Sequencing, Finishing and Analysis in the Future conference. Researchers in all areas of science depend on quality, finished sequence data for their work. Many look to LANL to ensure the highest standard.

In addition to the DOE JGI, the Genome Science Group also finishes genomes for the Department of Homeland Security, Defense Threat Reduction Agency-Chemical and Biological Defense, and Defense Threat Reduction Agency-Transformational Medical Technologies. Moreover, the scientists often train research groups and individuals worldwide on the techniques and processes necessary for genome finishing. Genome finishing supports the Laboratory's mission areas of Energy Security and Global Security.