While scientists have recently identified the sequence of virtually all of the genes in humans, they have yet to fully understand which genes are linked to the formation of various organ systems as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying disease processes. The Tuebingen large scale systematic and comprehensive genetic screens link genes, for the first time, to an actual biological function like organ formation, or patho-physiological process such as cardiac arrhythmias,'' said George A. Scangos, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Exelixis.
Screen is the largest vertebrate genetic screening project ever conducted.
More than 10 million zebrafish were examined for mutations affecting several organs and systems. The size of the screen makes it likely that every essential gene in the genome was analyzed several times. More than 6,500 fish were identified with alterations in the heart, blood, blood vessels, bone, cartilage, nervous system and immune system. As a result, for the first time in a vertebrate, it is possible to systematically analyze every gene for its impact on organ structure and function as well as important disease processes. Zebrafish were selected for their ease of manipulation, short life cycle and high degree of genetic conservation with humans.