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China Kicks off Research on Schistosome Genes
Chinese scientists have started the sequencing of the schistosoma jopuiom genome, sources with the National Human Genome Project (NHGP) told Xinhua Thursday.
Doctor Han Zeguang, with the Nanfang Center under the NHGP, said that the sequencing is aimed at finding interrelated genes, developing new vaccine and finally wiping out completely the schistosome in the Yangtze River valley and other places in China.
Han said that China has exerted great efforts to stamp out schistosome over the past 50 years, but failed. The schistosoma jopuiom has risen again in certain areas due to weak preventive measures in recent years and problems existing in the prevention and treatment of the schistosomiasis, Han added.
Chinese scientists hope that the sequencing would help them analyze the schistosoma jopuiom genes and develop new vaccines for treating schistosomiasis.
Han said that the sequencing is of great scientific significance. At present, scientists have just completed the sequencing of the wireworm genome.
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