Professor Kim, Jong-joo\'s team of the School of Biotechnology discovered the comprehensive DNA information of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) through genome ciphering
Procured source technology information for distinguishing Hanwoo quality and improving productivity
[Jan 28, 2010]

 In order to enhance the competitiveness of our livestock industry in this age of unlimited competition evoked by the signing of the FTA, development of original technologies are more important now than ever, and the green light has been turned on for product distinguishing and productivity improvement for sustained development and assurance of competitiveness for the Hanwoo industry.

 Recently, Professor Kim, Jong-joo (43, School of Biotechnology) of Yeungnam University became the first in the world to cipher the genetic sequencing of Hanwoo genomes, and thus discovered 3.1 million SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism).

 
 Pioneers in Hanwoo genome research
(From left to right, Choi, Nam-woo, CEO of Insilicogen, Professor Kim, Jong-joo of Yeungnam university, Professor Kim, Gwan-seok of Chungbuk National University, Myung, Hyun-goon, CEO of Solgent)

 According to this, as the results of the industry-academic joint research conducted by Professors Kim, Nae-soo and Kim, Gwan-seok of Chungbuk National University, and Insilicogen and Solgent, with the support of the Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation For Technology of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (director Jeong, Seung), it has decoded the Hanwoo DNA sequence that corresponds to 92% of the standard sequence of cattle registered in the US National Center of Biological Information (NCBI).

 In addition, Professor Kim\'s team discovered approximately 3.1 million SNP and Indels within the Hanwoo genome sequence. Of them 28% were already revealed in tests and overlaps with the NCBI cattle that were registered in the database for SNP (dbSNP). However, 72% of the SNP were newly revealed. Thus, it is expected that it will provide basic information for research on various genetic changes for other types of cows as well.

 In the case of humans, SNP contains not only the genetic information that determines individual characters such as figure, body type and temperament, but also contains genetic information that is the basis of genetic diseases such as cancer and hypertension. Thus, it can be said that studies on SNP will be critical for treating customized genetic diseases and developing new medicines.

 Likewise, sufficient research on Hanwoo SNP must first take place in order to conduct studies on the diseases and economic traits (breeding, growth, meat quality) of Hanwoo, and for conducting grading of Hanwoo and using production history systems. However, only a few dozen SNPs were used in related research until now, and the main reason for this is because the discovery of SNPs in Hanwoo genomes was very limited.

 Thus, by discovering almost all the SNP in Hanwoo genomes, it is expected to greatly contribute in revealing the genetic secrets of Hanwoo. Furthermore, it is expected to ▲ define the genes related to the breeding, growth and meat quality of Hanwoo so to greatly contribute in the productivity of Hanwoo, ▲ provide basic genetic information in picking out beef, containing the high quality meat and wellbeing elements (unsaturated fatty acid contents, low-cholesterol, CLA, etc) that consumers want, ▲ improving Hanwoo that can be utilized for prevention of global warming and for green growth business by defining genes that can enhance the feed efficiency of Hanwoo and reducing the generation of methane and excrements, ▲ provide basic genetic information on genetic disease studies of Hanwoo and of mad cow disease, ▲ utilize genetic resources that enhance accuracy of Hanwoo beef identification, ▲ and improve the DNA information resources used for production history of Hanwoo and tracing their distribution route.

 Professor Kim added emphasis stating, \"In order for us to find the superior genomes of Hanwoo by making comparisons and analysis of foreign cows, we must reveal the comprehensive genome information of Hanwoo and develop the way to utilize it, and this study should provide the source information for it.\"

 Professor Kim\'s team will continue to conduct research to improve the completeness and accuracy of the genome sequence based on the results of this study, and continue define the detailed features of SNP. The results of the study are scheduled to be reported through major theses and webpages. In addition, in order to utilize the results of this study commercially, plans are being made to find the SNP that is linked to better meat quality and tastes of Hanwoo and to commercialize it as DNA chips.

 The \'next-generation genetic sequencing analysis method\', which was used in this study is to acquire vast amounts of data, by cutting the entire sequence of the genomes randomly to 280bp, and then by sequencing random fragments. Using this, Professor Kim\'s team used Hanwoo genomes of 10 individuals and sequenced DNA fragments that are 17 times that of the genetic sequencing with sizes of the cow genes being 3x109bp. This was then assembled to the standard sequence of the cow registered in the NCBI to analyze the genetic sequence of Hanwoo.