Biotech Updates

DOE JGI Releases Prelim Soybean Genome Sequence

January 25, 2008

The United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI) has made available a preliminary assembly and annotation of the soybean genome. The sequencing of the soybean genome began in the middle of 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2008. Currently, more than 13 million sequences have been produced and deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Trace Archive.

The current assembly, genes, set and browser, based on a partial dataset, are referred to as “Glyma0”. Glyma0 is expected to be replaced by an improved, chromosome scale “Glyma1” version by the end of the year. Interests in sequencing the soybean genome stems from its use as a bioenergy source. Detailed knowledge of the soybean genetic code will enable the production of improved varieties that can be used as a clean and efficient biofuel source.

The data is available at http://www.phytozome.net/soybean Read more at http://www.jgi.doe.gov/News/news_1_17_08.html