Resource centres for human genome analysis programme
A network of resource centres and services is being created to aid human genome analysis in Europe. The task is supported under Area 3 of the specific programme of RTD in the field of biomedicine and health, BIOMED, 1990-1994. The aim is to improve communication between research teams by facilitating the exchange of data, materials and technology. Resource centres will exist to serve all scientists, not only who receive funding from within the programme. They will develop and maintain a set of tools, services, data and materials readily available for scientists interested in genome analysis. Specifications of the services to be carried out by resource centres are laid down in calls for proposals. Chosen centres receive funding for a specified period. Those currently supported by the BIDED programme include: - EUROGEM (Human Genome Mapping Project): A network of 24 laboratories contributing to and receiving materials from, two Resource Centres: the DNA probe bank (UK); and the Membrane Resource Centre (France). The EUROGEM project aims to produce a high-density genetic linkage map as an essential step towards mapping genetic diseases. - Other resource centres: These include the Cosmid libraries for a Consortium on Ordered Clone Libraries (UK); cDNA libraries (UK); Resource Centres for the distribution of YAC clones (France); European Data Resource for Human Genome Research (Germany); Danish Family Bank (RClink) (Denmark); and, Single Chromosome Workshops (UK).