Structural and functional analysis of the genome of the zebrafish Danio rerio, a model organism for biomedical research

• Antragstellerin: Professorin Dr. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Zellbiologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2001 bis 2005
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 5314878

The zebrafish Dario rerio is gaining importance in biomedical research. Systematic mutagenesis approaches have allowed the identification of a large number of genes based on their mutant phenotype, which in turn suggests the function of the gene in question. While detailed phenotypical analysis can be performed with ease in the transparent fish embryos that develop externally, the molecular cloning of mutated genes requires systematic genome wide mapping and sequencing efforts. We are currently participating in an international collaboration aimed at the complete sequencing and annotation of the zebrafish genome within the next three years. As part of this project we are generating a physical map based on BAC fingerprinting technology. We will sequence the ends of the BAC clones and use those sequences to anchor the physical map on our preexisting genetic and radiation hybrid (RH) maps. We will also collaborate in the assembly and annotation of the shotgun sequences produced by the Sanger center by providing sequences that have been placed on the physical map. As the sequencing and mapping data accumulate, we will clone and analyse selected genes affecting balance and hearing, neural crest cell migration, pigment pattern formation, skin and eye development, as well as others. We expect that the biological information gained from zebrafish functional genomics will be invaluable in elucidating the function of human genes.

• DFG-Verfahren: Sachbeihilfen
• Beteiligte Personen: Dr. Robert Geisler; Professorin Dr. Teresa Nicolson; Professor Dr. Stephan Christoph Schuster