Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X Conference Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X ConferenceJanuary 12-16, 2002
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA
Poster: Genome Sequencing & ESTs
The second phase of the Rice Genome Research Program (RGP) was launched in 1998 with the aim of decoding all the genetic information of rice as a part of the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP). Our major goal is to complete the sequence of chromosome 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8. The draft sequence of chromosome 1 has almost been completed and most sequence data of PAC (P1- derived artificial chromosome) / BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) clones is in finishing phase. Draft sequencing of chromosomes 2, 6, 7 and 8 is now in progress. To accelerate of draft sequencing with minimum manpower, a semi-automated system for sequencing and assembly has been constructed. The system includes an automated liquid handling system (Biomek FX) for preparation of sequence sample with 384-well plate; sequencing with 384-well plate by ABI3700 capillary sequencers; automatic transfer of sequence data files; automatic assembly by PhredPhrap; and phase calssification. As a result the pace of release of phase 2 and phase 3 sequence has accelerated by 10-fold. Currently nucleotide sequence of 116 Mb corresponding 879 PAC / BAC clones of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 has been released in RGP's web site (http://rgp.dna.affrc.go.jp) and submitted to the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ). As for chromosome 1, about 90% (47Mb) of phase 2 sequence has been published as of October 2001 and 51.2% (26.6Mb) is completed as phase 3. This work is supported by the MAFF Rice Genome Project grant GS-1201.