Genome Sequence of a Korean Deciphered

The genome sequence of a Korean has been deciphered, according to a report released yesterday.

Researchers at Gachon University of Medicine and Science in Incheon and the Korean BioInformation Center said they have completed the genome sequence map of a Korean. The breakthrough is expected to facilitate customized medical service in Korea.

Using the DNA of Kim Seong-jin, the head the university’s cancer research center, they made Korea the fourth country to achieve such a feat.

Since a Caucasian’s genome was deciphered in 2003 through the human genome project, the full genome of U.S. biologist Craig Venter was deciphered last year, followed by those of James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of DNA structure, an anonymous African American in Nigeria, and Chinese scientist Yang Huanming this year.

“The deciphering project began in April and cost 250 million won (169,000 U.S. dollars). Korean BioInformation Center analyzed the sequence again based on our results,” Kim said. “I’m very proud to release the genome map for the development of medical science.”

The study will be published in a special edition of the magazine “Genome Research” early next year and the data will be posted on the homepage of the Korean Standard Genome Project (www.koreagenome.org).

dream@donga.com