Australian First: Kangaroo Genome Mapped

November 18, 2008

Australian researchers are launching the world first detailed map of the kangaroo genome, completing the first phase of the kangaroo genomics project.

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Kangaroo Genomics (KanGO), including University of Melbourne, ANU, WEHI, University of Sydney, University of NSW and the Australian Genome Research Foundation (AGRF) have built a framework to assemble the genome of a model kangaroo, the tammar wallaby.

"A good map is crucial for finding our way around a new genome," said KanGO Director Prof. Jenny Graves, who divides her time between ANU and University of Melbourne.

"It enables us to explore how the genome of mammals - including humans - is organized, how it functions, and how it evolved."

"Now the world can use information on kangaroo genes and sequences to explore how mammals develop and function," she said.

Kangaroo. Australian researchers are launching the world first detailed map of the kangaroo genome. (Credit: iStockphoto)

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