FANTOM

FANTOM

FANTOM (Functional ANnoTation Of the Mammalian genome) is a research project aimed at understanding the functional elements of the mammalian genome. It was initiated in 2000 by the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies in Japan and has since become a collaborative effort involving researchers from around the world.

Background

The human genome was sequenced in 2001, providing a complete blueprint of our genetic material. However, understanding the functions of the genes and other non-coding regions within the genome has proven to be a complex task. FANTOM was established to address this challenge by systematically annotating the functional elements of the mammalian genome.

Objectives

The main objective of FANTOM is to identify and characterize all the functional elements in the mammalian genome. This includes not only protein-coding genes but also non-coding RNAs, regulatory elements, and other functional elements that play a role in gene expression and regulation.

Methodology

FANTOM employs a combination of experimental and computational approaches to achieve its objectives. It utilizes high-throughput sequencing technologies to generate large-scale data sets, including transcriptome data, epigenomic data, and chromatin interaction data. These data sets are then analyzed using advanced bioinformatics tools to identify and annotate the functional elements.

Achievements

Over the years, FANTOM has made significant contributions to our understanding of the mammalian genome. It has identified thousands of novel protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs, shedding light on the complexity of gene regulation. FANTOM has also revealed the importance of non-coding regions, such as enhancers and promoters, in controlling gene expression.

Impact

The findings from FANTOM have had a profound impact on various fields of biology and medicine. They have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying development, disease, and evolution. FANTOM data has been widely used by researchers worldwide to study gene expression patterns, identify disease-associated genes, and develop new therapeutic strategies.

Future Directions

FANTOM continues to evolve and expand its efforts to further unravel the mysteries of the mammalian genome. The project aims to generate comprehensive functional annotations for multiple mammalian species, including humans, mice, and other model organisms. It also seeks to integrate its data with other genomic resources to facilitate data sharing and collaboration.

See Also

• Genomics
• Transcriptomics
• Epigenomics
• Non-coding RNA