Tiger Genome Project
From Personalgenomicsinstitute.org
Tiger Genome Project is a public service that is launched in order to preserve tiger, a level 1 endangered species designated by the Ministry of Environment. We are preparing a research on the genomes of different types of tiger and how they have evolved. We are also proudly promoting the development and acquisition of technology by analyzing the genome of a tiger, a symbol of Korea.
Contents |
Introduction
A tiger, a symbol of Korea, has been designated by the Ministry of Environment as a first rate endangered species. The estimated number of existing Siberian tigers, which have preserved the bloodline of Korean tigers, is 300, and their conservation is urgent. There are diverse projects to protect the tigers, both domestically and internationally. In preparation for the extinction of tigers, their genetic information should be procured through genetic researches.
Genome Research Foundation, designated as a Ministry of Knowledge Economy mutant data center, desires to complete the standard reference genome of a Korean tiger by sequencing and analyzing the genome of Korean tiger. The author of first Korean human genome Dr. SeongJin Kim, Genome Research Foundation research team, Theragen genome research team, Dr. Hang Lee of Seoul National University, Dr. ChangBae Kim of SangMyung University, and SangTae Kim of SungShin Women’s University are participating in the genome analysis study.
The research results are the outcome of multiple analysis techniques of genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis technology of PGI, including genetic function prediction, and will be used to trace the evolutionary steps of the tiger and to preserve and restore the species.
We lead a participative research in the form of Tiger Genome Initiative (TGI) to promote engagement of many researchers. Companies and individuals can participate in the research and in collecting samples, and we appreciate donations.
Present Participating Institutions :
Theragen Etex, Everland, Seoul National University, Korea Tiger Preservation Fund, National Science Museum, SangMyung University, SungShin Women's University and etc
Vision
1. We are foreseeing the advancement of next-generation genome analysis and completion of the tiger genome with the world's first tiger genome project.
2. We lead a participative research in a form of Tiger Genome Initiative (TGI) to promote engagement of many researchers. We collect the genes of a tiger and investigate their functions, and a synergy effect is generated by the genetic analysis technique and collaboration study. Common people can also participate, and we appreciate donations from organizations and individuals.
3. We are in cooperative relationships with global research institutes, and operate to secure biodiversity of species of the nation by continuing the study on their genomes.
Cooperation companies
- Theragen Etex
- BGI
- PGP
A genome analysis of one tiger subspecies does not fully represent all tiger subspecies' genetic traits. Therefore, samples of extinct tigers are procured to additionally analyze a total of 9 tiger subspecies’ genomes. This completes the Tiger Genome Project and will provide solutions in preserving the tiger and studying its evolutionary process.
How to Participate
We look forward to your participation in enhancing the Tiger Genome Project. We ask for your involvements in Research participation, Sample participation, Company participation, and Donation. Please contact us at the contact information below.
Contact Information
Tel : +82 031-888-9300
Fax : +82 031-888-9314
Address : Second floor Unit B, Chasedae Institute of Convergence Technology, Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Project Plan
Step 1. Korean tiger whole-genome sequencing
Tiger Genome Project has started in March, 2010, followed by consultations with Tiger Preservation Association, SangMyung University, and National Science Museum in summer 2010. Whole-genome sequencing process has begun in November, 2010, with the collected blood sample of a Siberian tiger in Everland. DNA is extracted from the tiger’s blood and it is randomly amplified to produce large-quantity genetic information. Afterwards, the genetic information is aligned in order to sequence the genome.
Step 2. Korean tiger genome analysis
Large-quantity parallel sequence analysis describes the genome sequence of a tiger, and the annotation and a number of analysis techniques analyze the genetic information of the whole genome by predicting the genetic functions. This marks the completion of Tiger Genome Project.
Step 3. Genome analysis of all species of tiger
A genome analysis of one tiger subspecies does not fully represent all tiger subspecies' genetic traits. Therefore, samples of extinct tigers are procured to additionally analyze a total of 9 tiger subspecies’ genomes. This completes the Tiger Genome Project and will provide solutions in preserving the tiger and studying its evolutionary process.
