Published in Probe Volume 1(1-2): Spring-Summer 1991
Susan McCarthy, Coordinator
Plant Genome Data and Information Center
USDA
The French government has made a major investment in bioscience research. They have established a new agency, the Groupement d'Interet Public, (GIP), which will play a lead role in coordinating genome activities in France and with other countries.
GIP Acting Director Dr. Jacques Hanoune and Acting Associate Director for Informatics Dr. Pierre Oudet visited the United States this summer to study the organization of genome programs and corresponding database developments for these programs. During their trip, they met with Dr. Jerome Miksche, Director of the USDA Plant Genome Program, and NAL staff. This visit introduced GIP representatives to U.S. genome efforts and provided an opportunity to discuss areas for future collaboration between the United States and France.
The French program will have three main scientific thrusts. 1) The primary effort will consist of mapping and sequencing the genes expressed in man. Largely, this will be the sequencing of cDNA libraries. 2) The program will also support high resolution mapping of identified genes to chromosome coordinates, particularly those related to genetic diseases. 3) Model organisms will be studied to develop new and more efficient technologies and to understand gene function. The organisms under study include yeast, mouse, bacteria, and wheat.
A significant effort will involve the storage and retrieval of the mapping data, informatics. The high volume of data generated from the mapping efforts will require two basic developments: (1) advances in adapted informatic structures--in other words, user needs assessments--and (2) programs for the acquisition and analysis of the mapping and sequencing data. Approximately 20-25 percent of program funds will support informatics.
FY 1991 will see a French investment of 50 million francs--about $10 million--in new funds. This is added to the figure of approximately 150 million francs supporting existing genome programs. The budget for next year is expected to reach 100 million francs in new funds.