The accumulation, at an accelerating rate, of whole genome sequences is fundamentally altering discovery in the biological sciences. As a result, there is a pressing demand for biologists trained in structural and functional genomics who can effectively generate and assimilate new genomic information.

Currently, the ability to isolate and characterize novel individual genes is a routine activity in most national facilities, but South Africa has yet to develop the capacity to generate, assimilate, analyse and exploit whole genomes. As part of the DST-funded and NRF/SAIAB administered South African Coelacanth Conservation and Genome Resource Programme, Rhodes University is driving the Coelacanth Genome Resource Programme. The motivation for the proposal of a Coelacanth Genome Resource Programme with the long-term vision of expansion into a national genome biology programme is based upon the following:

1. The enormous fundamental scientific significance and importance of the coelacanth;
2. Scientific feasibility within the national context;
3. Economic potential in terms of using the programme to drive a national strategy to develop genomics and bioinformatics capacity; and
4. National and international importance with respect to relevance to the public at large as well as within the scientific community.

The major outcomes of this project will be the generation and preservation of indigenous genomic information, the development of the national capacity for large-scale whole genome sequencing and analysis, and the potential for commercial exploitation of this genomic information. The development of the national capacity for whole genome sequencing and analysis will provide a platform that will act as a catalyst for the emerging South African biotechnology industry.

Primary Objectives

1. To build a coelacanth genome resource, which includes the development of the human, technical, infrastructural and logistical capacities for the generation of genomic materials.
2. The utilization of the coelacanth genome resource to initiate a South African genome sequencing project and to develop a national genome biology programme.
3. To develop platform biotechnology that will contribute to the socio-economic and educational development for South Africa and Africa.

Researchers:

Rhodes University

• Prof. Rosemary Dorrington, Project leader (Molecular biology and tissue culture)
• Prof. Gregory Blatch (Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics)
• Dr. Elizabeth Goyvaerts (Molecular biology and cell culture)
• Keoagile Modisakeng (Molecular Biology)
• Kekeletso Mosisili (Tissue Culture)
• Valerie Hodgson (Tissue Culture and Administration)

University of the Western Cape

• Prof. Winston Hide