Complementary DNA Sequencing: Expressed Sequence Tags and Human Genome Project

TLDR

ESTs are valuable for discovering new human genes, mapping the genome, and identifying coding regions in genomic sequences. The study aims to use rapid cDNA characterization to tag most human genes quickly and cheaply, providing new genetic markers and a resource for diverse research. The authors performed automated partial sequencing on over 600 randomly selected human brain cDNA clones to produce ESTs. The analysis yielded 337 novel genes, 48 of which resemble genes from other species, and mapped 46 ESTs to chromosomes.

Abstract

Automated partial DNA sequencing was conducted on more than 600 randomly selected human brain complementary DNA (cDNA) clones to generate expressed sequence tags (ESTs). ESTs have applications in the discovery of new human genes, mapping of the human genome, and identification of coding regions in genomic sequences. Of the sequences generated, 337 represent new genes, including 48 with significant similarity to genes from other organisms, such as a yeast RNA polymerase II subunit; Drosophila kinesin, Notch, and Enhancer of split; and a murine tyrosine kinase receptor. Forty-six ESTs were mapped to chromosomes after amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. This fast approach to cDNA characterization will facilitate the tagging of most human genes in a few years at a fraction of the cost of complete genomic sequencing, provide new genetic markers, and serve as a resource in diverse biological research fields.