Annual Report 2003

DDBJ (DNA Data Bank of Japan). Thesequence data can also be accessed throughRGP’s website (http://rgp.dna.affrc.go.jp)together with the map position data andannotation data. As a whole, IRGSP hassubmitted 465 Mb of sequence data (or 366Mb total sequence data excluding overlaps)of the entire genome to public databases.This corresponds to about 92% of the estimatedsize of the rice genome and coversalmost all of the euchromatic regions foreach chromosome. The progress of sequencesubmission to the public databases by RGPand IRGSP is shown in Fig. 1.The sequencing initiative attained a significantachievement with the completion ofthe high-quality draft sequence of the entiregenome last year. A commemorative ceremonyto celebrate the occasion was held inTokyo on Dec. 18, 2002, with Prime MinisterJunichiro Koizumi of Japan declaring thecompletion of the rice phase 2 draft sequence.The initial attempt for annotation of theentire genome using RiceGAAS revealed62,435 protein-coding genes. Although thesequence has not yet been completed to finished-qualitylevel, it has already been usefulfor map-based gene cloning, elucidation ofgene functions and comparative studies withother species. IRGSP is currently shiftinggears into the finishing phase of sequencingto fill sequence gaps within the PAC/BACclones and to resolve the sequence of ambiguousregions with the goal of finishing thegenome before the end of 2004. Acquiringthe complete blueprint of the rice plant willfacilitate discovery of all rice genes that willprovide a critical foundation for crop improvementbeneficial to all mankind.Fig. 1Progress of the genome sequencing by IRGSP.The cumulative nucleotide sequence submission by IRGSP members tothe public database is shown. The red region correspond RGP contributionand the hatched region corresponds other IRGSP members.Fig. 2A snapshot from the commemorative ceremony.Dr. Benjamin Burr, a co-chairman of IRGSP, ismaking a speech. Other IRGSP representativesare sitting behind him.2 Annual Report 2003