Plant & Animal Genome (PAG) 2000 Rice Functional Genomics Meeting

IRRI organized a second meeting at the Plant and Animal Genome Conference in San Diego, California, in January 2000. Over 60 scientists, representing research groups from many countries (China, Thailand, India, France, USA, UK, Japan, Korea, the Philippines), attended the meeting. The major rice sequencing groups were present (TIGR, Clemson University, Japan RGP, France-Genoplante). Dr. Mike Gale served as the facilitator for the meeting. Three topics were of most interest to the participants:

Database and information node
Genetic stocks--availability and mechanism for sharing
Resources for DNA array analysis

The group felt that it would be highly desirable to have a Web-based information node where progress on rice functional genomics can be communicated. Such a Web site would serve as the entry point for finding and sharing information and would provide links to individual laboratories or organizations with interest in rice functional genomics.

Most participants felt a need for a clearinghouse of information on genetic stocks. Most laboratories are willing to describe what genetic materials are being produced and to post such information on the Web site.

Participants discussed the timeliness of initiating a communal effort to produce rice cDNA or EST microarrays. Some felt that there are still technical hurdles in microarray technology, but others felt that it is one of the most meaningful activities that a working group can facilitate. A possible model is that participants of the working group can contribute expertise and resources essential for making microarrays and can benefit from the expanded resources from the communal effort.

We conclude from this meeting that the working group will work toward achieving three objectives:

Create an information node
Promote the sharing of genetic resources
Develop communal resources for microarray analysis

The working group is intended to be a broad-based collaborative network that will benefit participants by pooling expertise and resources. Laboratories and research groups interested in the objectives of the working group are welcome to participate. As of now, several institutions have expressed interest in participating in this working group. We expect the list to grow as we continue to contact different research groups.

We believe that the organization should be simple and that the activities should be focused and realistic. Professor Mike Gale (John Innes Centre, UK) and Professor Ronald Phillips (University of Minnesota, USA) are willing to serve as advisors to this working group. We will seek their advice and guidance in refining the organization and operations.

Several research groups have agreed to contribute expertise or resources to initiate the activities identified in the San Diego meeting:

Information node (IRRI, Cornell University)
Genetic stocks (IRRI, Ohio State University, University of California-Davis)
Microarray resources (Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Ohio State University, IRRI).

In addition to pursuing these specific activities, we will have periodic meetings and discussion through electronic communication to promote a collaborative agenda.