The Human Genome Project.

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The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international research effort to characterize the genomes of human and selected model organisms through complete mapping and sequencing of their DNA, to develop technologies for genomic analysis, to examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics research, and to train scientists who will be able to utilize the tools and resources developed through the HGP to pursue biological studies that will improve human health. The following links will provide detailed information on how this effort was initiated and how it is progressing, who is involved, opportunities for research funding, and HGP related publications and information sources.

What is the Human Genome Project?

The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international research program designed to construct detailed genetic and physical  of the human genome, to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of human DNA, to localize the estimated 50,000-100,000 genes within the human genome, and to perform similar analyses on the genomes of several other organisms used extensively in research laboratories as model systems. The scientific products of the HGP will comprise a resource of detailed information about the structure, organization and function of human DNA, information that constitutes the basic set of inherited "instructions" for the development and functioning of a human being. Successfully accomplishing these ambitious goals will demand the development of a variety of new technologies. It will also necessitate advanced means of making the information widely available to scientists, physicians, and others in order that the results may be rapidly used for the public good. Improved technology for biomedical research will thus be another important product of the HGP. From the inception of the HGP, it was clearly recognized that acquisition and use of such genetic knowledge would have momentous implications for both individuals and society and would pose a number of policy choices for public and professional deliberation. Analysis of the  of genetic knowledge, and the development of policy options for public consideration are therefore yet another major component of the human genome research effort.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications
(ELSI) Research Program

The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research program in the Division of Extramural Research supports basic and applied research that identifies and analyzes the ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding human genetics research. It funds and manages research grants and education projects at institutions throughout the United States and supports workshops, research consortia, and policy conferences related to these projects. Established in 1990, the ELSI Research program currently is the largest federal supporter of bioethics research, with an annual budget of over $12 million.

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Over the years, ELSI research projects have focused on a wide range of issues including: discrimination in insurance and employment based on genetic information; when and how new genetic tests should be integrated into mainstream health care services; informed consent in genetic research protocols; and public and professional education about genetics research and bioethics.

For the past few years, the ELSI Program has been organized around the following four research areas.

  1.  Activities in this area examine the meaning of genetic information and how to prevent its misinterpretation or misuse.
  2.  These activities examine the ...

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