| |
 |
Post-genome research planned
|
CHINESE scientists, who are engaged in the Human Genome Project, have decided to give priority to probing the three-dimensional structure of protein in the years to come.
Attending a forum on human genomes recently, Liang Dongcai, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said this may help use the research results of the Human Genome Project to benefit mankind on an earlier date.
By analyzing the structure of protein, according to Liang, people may know more about the secrets of life and diseases, since the structure decides the function of protein.
If so, Liang said, scientists may take a new step toward developing some methods to treat diseases by controlling the function of disease-related proteins.
The Human Genome Project was started in 1990 and attracted scientists from six countries, namely, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Japan and China.
The project reported on June 26, 2000 the completion of a "working draft" of the human genome, which contains an estimated 90 per cent of human genetic sequence arranged in near perfect order on a genetic map.
China is the only developing country participating in the project. It now ranks fourth in the world in genome sequencing capability.
(Xinhua)
|
|
|
|
