WORLD> Animals
China firm to map genome of 3 animals
By Chen Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-25 09:51

SHENZHEN: A leading Chinese scientific research institute specialized in genome sequencing is all set to map the entire genome of three animals that live in extreme environments.

The Beijing Genomics Institute based in Shenzhen, or BGI-Shenzhen, said on Friday that the project was likely to be completed by the end of the year.

The initiative, which follows BGI-Shenzhen's genome sequencing projects on the first Asian and the panda, would provide scientists with the essential tools to understand how these endangered species have adapted to extreme climates and assess the impact of global warming on their survival, Zhang Yong, a project director of the institution, said at a press conference in the city.

Scientists at BGI-Shenzhen took blood samples of a polar bear, a penguin and a Tibetan antelope earlier this month, and genome sequencing on these animals would be carried out from next month onwards, Zhang said.

If all goes according to plan, the research house will release genome maps of the three species in December.

Scientists would use the most advanced sequencing technologies to construct complete genome sequences for each of these animals, Zhang said. They will also use these technologies to carry out detailed genome-wide analysis, including identification of gene function and determination of the genomic basis of their unique evolution and adaptation to extreme climates, he said.

"Global warming has dealt a deadly blow to the species. Our study will help save these endangered species and the genome maps might also help restore them even if they become extinct," Zhang told reporters.

The map will also help to understand the effects of extreme climates on the health of human beings, Zhang said.

For example, the genome sequence of the Tibetan antelope, which is found in alpine meadows and deserts at an altitude of 3,500 to 5,500 meters, would help scientists in developing medicines to combat altitude sickness in human beings, he said.

The project has been launched in partnership with several foreign and domestic institutions, including US genetic technology kits developer Illumina, Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park Research Center and Qinghai University.