Genome 10K Project
To understand how complex animal life evolved through changes in DNA and use this knowledge to become better stewards of the planet.
The Genome 10K project aims to assemble a genomic zoo—a collection of DNA sequences representing the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species, approximately one for every vertebrate genus. The trajectory of cost reduction in DNA sequencing suggests that this project will be feasible within a few years. Capturing the genetic diversity of vertebrate species would create an unprecedented resource for the life sciences and for worldwide conservation efforts.
The growing Genome 10K Community of Scientists (G10KCOS), made up of leading scientists representing major zoos, museums, research centers, and universities around the world, is dedicated to coordinating efforts in tissue specimen collection that will lay the groundwork for a large-scale sequencing and analysis project.
Accomplishments
- Inspired partly by the Genome 10K project, the i5K initiative to sequence 5,000 insect genomes began in March 2011.
- G10K announces the first 101 species for sequencing. These add to 120 vertebrate species already being sequenced in public-sector genome projects. See them in phylogenetic trees.
- The Genome 10K database catalogs specimens from more than 16,000 vertebrate species, including living and recently extinct mammals, birds, non-avian reptiles, amphibians, and fishes, many of which are threatened or endangered.
- Inaugural publication in the Journal of Heredity, November 4, 2009--the second most-downloaded article in JOH's history.