The Stem Cell Genomics Project
Summary
Stem cells have extraordinary potential to help in the treatment of some of the most intractable diseases - for example, arthritis, diabetes, neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s, and stroke. They are not yet available for this purpose because of lack of basic knowledge about stem cells. Full exploitation of their potential requires understanding of the genetic factors that make them what they are and of how they specify different kinds of cells and tissues in the body.
Genetic Determinants of Human Health and Disease
Summary
This research program explored gene variants causing and/or modulating a number of common multigenic disorders, including Alzheimer’s, cancer (breast, endometrial, melanoma, ovarian, and prostate), inflammatory bowel disease, and osteoporosis. The research team also developed biometric and computational tools for expediting discovery of disease genes.
Genomic Analyses of Soil Microorganisms
Summary
Genomics projects include the study of many kinds of organisms that affect our daily lives - for example, bacteria. One of the major groups of bacteria is also one that few people know - microbes that form nodules on the roots of many plants. Inside these nodules, specialized bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a chemically useful form, which is essential for plant growth and thus ultimately for life on Earth. One of the best-studied nitrogen-fixing bacteria is S. meliloti, which fixes nitrogen in the roots of alfalfa and other plants.
