Heartlanders:
See below.
Lori Williamson, MS, CGC
-----Original Message-----
From: [nsgc-list] Wendy Uhlmann [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 11:19 AM
To: Williamson, Lori L. (HSC)
Subject: Summary of Genome Council Meeting (NACHGR) - May 2006
Dear Colleagues:
The National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research (NACHGR) met May
22-23, 2006. You can download the agenda at
http://www.genome.gov/19016863 and Dr. Francis Collins' director's
report (which has links to several pertinent articles) at
http://www.genome.gov/19016877.
Some highlights:
* Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Director of NIH, presented a talk entitled "NIH at
the Crossroads: Myths, Realities and Strategies for the Future." He
clearly articulated the challenges with NIH funding and flat budget and
provided statistics on chances for grants to be funded: For FY2006,
19.8% success rate for applications; 25% success rate for applicants,
93% of funded grants are from unsolicited, investigator-initiated
research. Dr. Zerhouni encouraged all of us to educate the public about
need for sustainability in research. You can view his Powerpoint
presentation at: http://www.genome.gov/19016877.
* Geneticists and genetic counselors' efforts to work on identifying
remaining Hurricane Katrina victims were recognized.
http://www.genome.gov/18016743.
* DNA Day: Genetic counselor, Barbara Biesecker, MS was featured in a
webcast "Genomics: Towards a Healthier You, which focused on why
genetics is important to health and provided information on genetic
counseling as a career- video can be viewed at:
http://www.genome.gov/19016617. 53 Genomic researchers and professionals
with NHGRI (National Human Genome Research Institute) visited
approximately 45 schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and
Maine for DNA Day on 4/25/06 http://www.genome.gov/18516592 An on-line
chat-room was held for 10 hours; Dr. Francis Collins and genomics
experts answered >600 questions (>2500 received) from students, teachers
and the general public on topics including genomic research, genetic
basis of disease and ethical issues. You can read the questions and
answers at: http://www.genome.gov/18516768.
* Family History: There is now a Spanish version of the Surgeon
General's family history tool "My Family Health Portrait." National
Council of La Raza's Institute for Hispanic Health has developed family
history consumer outreach program for Spanish-speaking Americans.
http://www.genome.gov/17516991
* Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): currently has 203
co-sponsors. Main objectors: Chamber of Commerce and National
Association of Manufacturers. Coalition for Genetic Fairness
(http://geneticfairness.org/) efforts were recognized.
* DNA Sequencing Update: Researchers have assembled second non-human
primate genome (rhesus macaque). The rhesus genome shares 92-95% of its
sequence with humans and >98% with chimpanzees. "Because of its
genetic, physiologic and metabolic similarities with humans, the rhesus
macaque is the major, non-human primate used for the study of human
disease, and also serves as an important system in drug development."
http://www.genome.gov/17516742. A comprehensive list on the status of
the sequencing different organisms can be found at
http://www.genome.gov/Pages/About/NACHGR/
May2006NACHGRAgenda/SequencingTable.xls. Information on future
sequencing plans: http://www.genome.gov/18016538
Evan Eichler, PhD presented on new methods to identify human structural
variation in the genome which will be critical for disease-association
studies.
HapMap: ~800 sections of genome have signatures of selective advantage.
HapMap will facilitate large-scale population studies and
genome-association studies for complex diseases. HapMap data has already
facilitated mapping of genes involved with macular degeneration,
prostate cancer and type II diabetes.
Cancer Genome Atlas: major initiative with NCI to characterize all
genetic alterations in common types of cancer; using tumor and blood
samples.
Sequence Data Release Policies: Issues regarding confidentiality,
informed consent and controlling access to data. Considerations
regarding availability of data in either open/public database versus
controlled access database were presented regarding data generated from
GAIN (Genetic Association Information Network), GEI (Genes and
Environment Initiative), GWAS (Genome-wide Association Studies) TCGA
(The Cancer Genome Atlas) and NHGRI Medical Sequencing projects.
* Interesting Genetics Research Findings: X -chromosome similarity
between humans-chimpanzees implies closer time in speciation; serotonin
2A receptor alleles associated with different response to antidepressant
treatment http://www.genome.gov/18016565; connexin-26 plays role in
regulating epidermal barrier, which has implications for asthma and
complex skin disorders http://www.genome.gov/18516811.
* Three RFA (Request for Applications) have been issued: 1)
Identification of All Functional Elements in Selected Model Organism
Genomes 2) A Data Coordination Center for the Model Organism ENCODE
Project and 3) Public Consultation to Inform the Design of Possible
Large-Scale Studies of Genes and Environment in Common Disease. Concept
Clearance for RFAs for ENCODE, GEI and CEER (Centers of Excellence in
ELSI Research).
* Human Genome Issue of Nature: Nature June 1, 2006 issue (Nature
Collections) features the Human Genome, with the seminal articles for
the mapping of each chromosome, chromosome maps, commentaries and
historical reflections.
Sincerely,
Wendy R. Uhlmann, MS, CGC
NSGC Liaison to National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research
***********************************************
Wendy R. Uhlmann, MS, CGC
University of Michigan
Division of Molecular Medicine & Genetics
4301 MSRB III, Box 0638
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0638
Phone: (734) 763-2532
Fax: (734) 763-7672
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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