First complete cancer genome sequenced

November 6, 2008 | Source: Science News

For the first time, a complete cancer genome, and incidentally a complete female genome, has been decoded, scientists report online Nov. 5 in Nature. In a study made possible by faster, cheaper and more sensitive methods for sequencing DNA, the researchers pinpoint eight new genes that may cause a cell to turn cancerous.

Acute myeloid leukemia cells from the bone marrow of the female patient whose complete genome was sequenced (Timothy Ley)

Acute myeloid leukemia cells from the bone marrow of the female patient whose complete genome was sequenced (Timothy Ley)