History of the Human Genome

1953

Francis Watson and James Crick publish their legendary paper discussing the structure of DNA, a double helix. They note that their work "suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material". Their description explains how DNA contains all necessary knowledge needed to construct a human being. (1.1)

(P1.1)

1977

Frederick Sanger created a technique, called electrophoresis, to rapidly sequence DNA so scientists can determine the order of bases in a strand of DNA. "Enzymes are used to synthesize short pieces of DNA." The DNA fragments are divided based on how quick they are able to travel through a gel matrix when an electric field is applied. (1.2)

(P1.2)

Researchers discover that changes in an individual letter of DNA can impact the arrangement of the protein assembled by a gene called HRAS, contributing to a bladder cancer. (1.1)

1982

(P1.3)

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common chronic lung diseases among children and young adults. It causes thick mucus to build up in certain organs including the lungs. Researchers found a small DNA mutation in 70% of cystic fibrosis patients that has not been identified in healthy individuals. (1.2)

1989

(P1.4)

The Human Genome Project produced a first draft and primary analysis of the human genome sequence, revealing over 90% of the human genome. There was an estimated number of 30,000-35,000 genes in the genome, which was lower than expected. (1.3)

2001

(P1.6)

A plan is published for the first five years of an expected 15-year Human Genome Project. "The Human Genome Project would develop technology for analyzing DNA; map and sequence human and other genomes including fruit flies and mice." (1.2)

1990

(P1.5)

Scientists publish the HapMap database outlining variation in the human genome. This database maps the areas in the human genome that are commonly different from person to person. It contains single-letter changes in the DNA code that are passed on from parent to child that contribute to diseases such as cancer. (1.4)

2005

(P1.8)

The Human Genome Project is completed after thirteen years, two years ahead of schedule, with a total cost of almost $3 billion. (1.4)

2003

(P1.7)

For the first time, scientists decode the whole DNA sequence of a cancer. With the help of sequencing technology, they read the genetic code of leukemia cells of a 50 year old woman. The scientists uncover genetic mutations linked to the patient's cancer by comparing the code of DNA from her leukemia cells to the code of DNA from her healthy cells. (1.1)

2008

(P1.9)

Cancer research scientists use sequence technology to map in the genetic landscape of a single kidney cancer. They found that "only one-third of genetic changes are shared across multiple biopsies of the same cancer," explaining why some cancers are so difficult to treat. (1.1)

The Human

Genome