Biotech Updates

DOE Joint Genome Institute Announces Genome Sequencing Targets for 2008

June 15, 2007

The Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI) has announced the latest Community Sequencing Portfolio (CSP). Among these projects, one of the most ambitious is that of the eucalyptus tree genome, which is geared to the generation of resources for renewable energy. The second largest selected CSP project is the sequencing of foxtail millet (Setaria italica), a close relative of several prospective biofuel crops, including switchgrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet. Next in the portfolio is the marine red alga Porphyra purpurea, for the study of carbon fixation.

The CSP will also pursue eight smaller eukaryotic projects in 2008, including the sequencing of the genomes of the fungus Paxillus involutus, the phytoplankton Phaeocystis, the leaf-degrading fungus Agaricus bisporus, the ciliated protozoa, Tetrahymena thermophila, the soybean pathogen Heterodera glycines, and liverwort. Another project will deal with the genomes of coniferous trees.

Read the news article at http://www.jgi.doe.gov/News/news_6_8_07.html.