Genome Horizons

This summer will see the second anniversary of the launch ofGenome Research. Even in the journal’s short lifetime, genome science has had numerous successes. The human genome project has surpassed many of its initial mapping goals: model organism mapping and sequencing projects, in particular those involving Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mouse, have progressed at impressive rates; complete genomic sequences of archaebacteria, bacteria, and, most notably, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were established; and human genome sequencing was initiated. Through these achievements the genome community has set the stage for the completion of the human genome sequence just after the turn of the century and the launch of a new era of sequence-based biological investigation.

Over the past 2 years, the journal has published examples of these successes in its continuing effort to keep its readers abreast of advances being made in physical and genetic mapping, DNA sequencing, genome-based technologies, informatics, DNA structure and function, and gene discovery. Typically, genome scientists are already turning to new horizons, devising novel ways of using these powerful new resources, and distributing this information to the scientific community at large. As they look to a future beyond completion of genome sequences, we atGenome Research are also moving the journal to a new stage.Genome Research will continue to publish the most impressive advances in genome mapping and sequencing and will renew its commitment to the unique contributions that studies of non-human organisms provide. We will also expand the journal’s electronic dimension to provide ever-improving access to complete data sets on its web site (http://www.cshl.org/gr) and to encourage more effective use of electronic genomic resources.

The long-term future of genome science, however, depends on its ability to integrate within the framework of the other life science disciplines. The value of the data generated by genome research is best measured by its impact on the understanding of biological problems. The genome research community is now considering the means by which genomic approaches can enhance other areas of investigation and how best to equip all life science researchers to use the emerging data. Information and new technologies derived from systematic genome analysis will provide extraordinary aid to functional studies and will change the way scientists study biology. At some level, we expect that all biologists will become (at least ‘part-time’) genome scientists.

To reflect and promote these changes, the journal will include a new section called Insight/Outlook that will contain commentary on the advances published both here and elsewhere and reports that place such progress within its broader biological context. In the same vein, we will publish research papers that reveal novel biological understanding captured by genome-based studies such as comparative genome analyses, chromosome structure function relationships, mutation and recombination related to dynamic sequence changes, and others. We also wish to include reports on the development of whole genome approaches, which are already evolving at a rapid rate, especially in those communities that have complete or nearly complete genomic sequences available; these studies lay the groundwork for more complex studies and further biological insights. In addition, we will continue to publish the best in current genome mapping and sequencing advances, as these remain the foundation upon which progress in this area is made.

As genome science approaches the horizon, Genome Research,likewise, is setting its sights on the future.

Laurie Goodman

Mark Boguski

Aravinda Chakravarti

Richard Gibbs

Eric Green

Richard M. Myers