Alliance to Build Human Protein Interaction Map

A collaboration to generate maps showing the interaction of different proteins has been formed by Genetix Group plc (New Milton, UK; www.genetix.com) and the Human Genome Mapping Project Resource Center of the Medical Research Council (MRC HGMPRC, Cambridge, UK; www.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk). Genetix provides automated systems and services for genomic and proteomic research.

The two groups will work together to develop instrumentation and systems required to map these interactions to gain a better understanding of how proteins function. The project will initially use yeast as a medium, later switching to mammalian cells so the protein interactions can be validated in humans. The resulting knowledge will be used by scientists and researchers throughout the world to advance the understanding of how proteins interact to perform complex biologic processes, to identify the causes of disease, and to develop novel drugs against specific protein targets.

To measure interactions between the protein products of the estimated 30,000-50,000 genes would generate about one billion data points. The participants say their skills in systems integration, software development, and microbiology will enable them to develop the new technologies needed to complete this research in a timely and accurate manner.

"An overwhelming amount of information has been produced by mapping the human genome, but it will only be useful with a manual or map to help us understand how the component parts work to complete the whole,” said Dr. Duncan Campbell, director of the
MRC HGMPRC.




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