International Mammalian Genome Society

The 15th International Mouse Genome Conference (2001)

Table of Contents * Complex Genetics * Developmental Genetics * Gene Annotation * Gene Discovery * Genome Sequencing * Functional Genomics * Mutagenesis * Presentations * Verne Chapman Memorial Lecture

Dr. Alex Abuin
Lexicon Genetics Incorporated
4000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands
Texas 77381 USA

The large number of novel genes arising from the sequencing of the human genome presents the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with an extensive pool of potential new drug targets and therapeutics. Information about gene function has become a major rate-limiting step in the drug discovery process. Drug development programs supported by solid biology will require the rapid, large-scale analysis of mammalian gene function. In order to address this need, Lexicon has established the Genome5000 program, a genome-wide in vivo functional discovery program designed to determine the physiologic functions of 5,000 genes over five years.  We are using both gene trapping and gene targeting technologies for the large-scale generation of mice with mutations in pharmaceutically relevant genes such as receptors, ion channels, secreted proteins, and key enzymes such as proteases and kinases. Through Lexicons phenotypic analysis program, these mutant mice are subjected to a comprehensive battery of diagnostic tests including: radiography, hematology, neurology, histology, pathology, immunology and many other data types are recorded.  Our analysis includes comparisons between wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous mice within each line and with respect to the total population. All of the pedigree and physiological data are collected into a comprehensive relational database. In turn, this database can be queried at all levels allowing the efficient assignment of gene function.