Human Genome Project
U.S. Department of Energy

HGP Research Area: Chromosome Mapping

One of the key research areas of the HGP was chromosome mapping.

Mapping is the construction of a series of chromosome descriptions that depict the position and spacing of unique, identifiable biochemical landmarks, including some genes, that occur on the DNA of chromosomes.

In 1990, DOE initiated projects to enrich the developing chromosome maps with markers for genes. In 1993 this effort led to the establishment of the Integrated Molecular Analysis of Gene Expression (IMAGE) Consortium. IMAGE members developed and arrayed cDNA clones (representing the gene coding regions of the genome) to make them available worldwide. In 2007, the effort was transferred to HudsonAlpha. Numerous other institutes and identities have undertaken mapping efforts.

AreaHGP GoalStandard AchievedDate Achieved
Genetic Map2- to 5-cM resolution map (600 – 1,500 markers)1-cM resolution map (3,000 markers)September 1994
Physical Map30,000 STSs52,000 STSsOctober 1998
Gene IdentificationFull-length human cDNAs15,000 full-length human cDNAsMarch 2003

For a more detailed explanation of mapping, see the U.S. DOE Primer on Molecular Genetics.

Abstracts

Gene Maps

Single Chromosome Workshops

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