Last updated: September 16, 2011
Multiple Mammalian Y Chromosomes
Initiative Rationale
The Y chromosome is an important gene-rich sequence in the human genome. It has been implicated in spermatogenesis, cancer, developmental disorders, graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease, locomotion, high blood pressure, and stress response. Yet, many of the current efforts to sequence the genomes of mammals for comparative annotation do not include adequate coverage of the Y chromosome. Thus NHGRI has established a targeted effort to sequence the Y chromosomes of several representative mammalian species to facilitate comparative analysis and evolutionary studies.
Mammals selected are either important laboratory model organisms or intensively studied domestic animals that vary in evolutionary distance from humans.
Further information on this initiative is available in the white paper Chromosome Y.
Active Sequencing Projects
For an updated list of the genomes that are actively being sequenced or that have been completed recently, please see Approved Sequencing Targets.
Program Contacts
Adam Felsenfeld, Ph.D.
Program Director
E-mail: felsenfa@mail.nih.gov
Jane Peterson, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Division of Extramural Research
E-mail: petersoj@mail.nih.gov