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Perhaps it can be said that the mission to decode the human genome truly began in 1953, when Dr. James T. Watson, and Francis Crick published their description of the fundamental structure of DNA. The U.S. Government put into effect its Human Genome Project in 1990, which was co-sponsored by the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Health. The project was given 15 years and 3 billion dollars to spend on researching the genome. Their ultimate goal was, and still is, to find all of the estimated 80 to 100 thousand human genes, as well as determine the sequence of 3 billion DNA building block, which underlie the diversity of the human race. Early on, the scientists concentrated on inventing the resources necessary for efficient DNA sequencing. This included biological, instrumental, and computing resources. The HGP staff broke their 15 years into three five year plans. The first five year plan was revised in 1997 due to incredible progress. The second plan outlined goals through 1998. The third plan, which goes from 1998 to the proposed year of completion: 2003, was created over a series of joint Department of Energy (DOE) and National Institute of Health (NIH) workshops. This third was again updated in March of 1999, only 5 months after its release in Science magazine. This issue also cited the contributions of international partners, which over the years have included Great Britain's Sanger Center as well as German, French and Japanese research centers. Approximately 18 countries participate in the research. China is the newest partner to join. Most significant history created by HGP researchers was made in the past few years. For example, in their quest to decode the human genome, scientists have decoded complete sequences for the bacteria Escheria Coli (E. Coli), the yeast Saccharomyces Cereviside, the fruit-fly Drosphilia Melanogaster, and the roundworm Caenorhabolitis Elegans. Sequencing is also in progress on the laboratory mouse. Perhaps one of the most important pieces of HGP history to date is the announcement of a truce between the two main competitors in the race to decode the genome. June 2000: Celera Genomics, a Rockville, MD company, and the National institute of Health (NIH) and wellcome Trust, a London based philanthropy. The truce allows for a joint publishing of findings as well as putting an end to public criticisms of each others' methods. If the announcement of the truce was one of the most important accompmlishments, then perhaps the most important accomplishment came days later, on June 26, 2000. In a press conference attended by President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the consortium and Celera announced victory. The two groups had each created an initial sequencing of the Human Genome. Following congratulatory speeches by President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair, three speakers addressed the crowd. Dr. Neal Lane, Science Advisor to the President called this an "extremely exciting day" and said it was a "forward looking time, because of the enormous opportunities for the use of this scientific information to benefit all peoples of the world." Dr. Francis Collins, the director of National Human Genome research institute said that it was "a happy day for science, and I think, for the public, both here (in the U.S.), and around the world." Dr. Craig Venter, the president, and chief scientific officer of Celera Genomics Corporation was also present, as was Dr. Ari Patrinos, associate director for the Department of Energy. This historic event was held in the James S. Brady briefing room at the white house. Also, on the day when the International Human Sequencing Consortium and Celera Genomics declared joint victory, President Clinton made a promise to the country. He pledged to continue to and accelerate the U.S. involvement in translating this genetic "blueprint" into novel health care strategies and therapies. He also added that this new information should never be used to stigmatize or discriminate any individual or group of people. Many milestones have been reached over the course of the HGP. Without these breakthroughs, the accomplishment of June 26, 2000 would not have been possible. For example, in April 1998, the project passed its midpoint, half of its time already having been dedicated to ground breaking genetic research. In March 1999, the completion date for a working draft of the human genome was accelerated to spring 2000. (Its actual completion was the aformentioned June 26.) This was the first advancement to the 1998 - 2003 plan mentioned earlier. In December 1999, the first human chromosome was sequenced. Chromosome 22 is the location of defects which can cause DiGeorge Syndrome (CDGS), Chronic Myeloid Leukemmia (BLR), and neurofibromatosis (NF2). It is also the final autosome (non-sex chromosome) in the human sequence. In March 2000, the Drosphilia genome was completely sequenced. Focus re-shifted to human genomes in April 2000, when the sequencing of chromosomes 5, 16, and 19 were announced. Chromosome 5 defects are responsible for Steriod S-Alpha Reductase 1 (SRDSIA), Lockagne Syndrome (LSA), Asthma, and Dystrophic Dysplasia (DTD). Chromosome 16 defects are responsible for Familial Mediterranean |