Chinese genetic researchers and scientists publicly released their latest research results of the complete gene sequencing of three pathogen microbes yesterday, as a special gift commemorating the third anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Human Genome Center in Shanghai.

Such genetic data, which is released to the public for the first time, is considered helpful in the global treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and with the development of new drugs.

Working cooperatively for two years, scientists from the Chinese Human Genome Center in Shanghai, Fudan University, the Shanghai Life Science Academy under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangxi University and other research institutes have successfully sequenced the genes of three pathogenic microbes: leptospira interrogans, the epithelium glucocus gene and xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.

Leptospira interrogans may cause a serious epidemic disease, leptosirosis, prevailing in areas with abundant rain.

Scientists have yet to fully understand the disease or develop an effective vaccine for its prevention.

Scientists recognized over 4,700 genes in the microbe and found about 30 genes related to the disease.

In addition, they discovered 10 potential targets for developing a vaccine.

Epithelium glucocus is a kind of bacteria that is a causative factor in infectious diseases and can create serious harm due to its strong resistance to antibiotics. Research on its drug-resistance mechanism will benefit the treatment of infectious diseases.

Scientists also sequenced the gene of xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, one of the most harmful bacteria to plants.

The microbial genome program has now become the focus of life science in the area.

"As the smallest living body, microbes play an important role in vital activities, and they are good models for human genetic research," said Wen Yumei, a senior expert with the research group from Fudan University.

(China Daily October 30, 2001)