Dr. Steven Scherer, associate professor in the The human genome is said by some to be the "book of life," and the X-chromosome a large part of the the plot. A team of genome researchers have described the nature of this mysterious "chapter" in the DNA story.

Among the most important functions of the Y chromosome is the determination of sex. In fact, the paper indicates that 10 percent of genes that cause production of proteins on the X produce genes most often expressed in the testis but that have increased activity in tumours of the testicles, melanoma and other cancers. The fact that men have just one copy of the X chromosome makes the mutated genes on that one piece of DNA much easier to find, said Scherer. The BCM sequencing centre and others around the world have previously concentrated on sequencing the genomes of organisms studied in the laboratory, in future researchers will look more closely at the human genome and its variations.

The National Human Genome Research Institute is developing a comprehensive program defining variations of all the genes in the genome, which means looking at both normal subjects and patients with diseases.

Scherer says such research is the starting point and now the research community is taking the next step. BCM is in a unique position being in the largest clinical concentration in the world with more samples and examples of human disease available than most other centres. They intend to take that information leverage and run with it and hope their community will be the first to benefit from these major advances in medical research.

Dr. Scherer believes the story of each chromosome will eventually be published with all the important features explained.