Detailed map of human genome on target for 2003, says Professor
A detailed map of the entire human genome is on target for completion by the end of 2003, according to the President of the Human genome organisation Professor, Yoshi Sakaki. Professor Sakaki, speaking at the seventh International Human Genome Meeting in Shanghai, China, said a precise map of over 90 per cent of the human genome is set to be completed next year, according to the BBC. He added that the breakthrough will help researchers find out which genes are responsible for diseases such as diabetes and cancer. He is hopeful that by using new genetic technology, medical treatments which target the faulty genes will be available a decade from now. Professor Sakaki's comments follow a recent announcement by the European Commission that it has allocated 39.4 million euro of funding to three large-scale projects which aim to build on the achievements of the Human genome project. Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin said that the three projects, on the genetics of twins, mouse genomics and structural proteomics, will help to build on the new opportunities opened up by the decoding of the rough draft of the human genome, completed almost two years ago.