Washington University in Saint Louis

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Richard Wilson

URL: http://mednews.wustl.edu/sb/page/normal/211.html

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Michael Purdy
Senior Medical Sciences Writer
purdym@wustl.edu
(314) 286-0122

Director, Genome Sequencing Center

Expertise: Large-scale genome sequencing and analysis, gene sequencing, chromosome, Human Genome Project

Bio: Under the leadership of Richard Wilson and other experts, the Genome Sequencing Center (GSC) has become an internationally renowned center for innovative high-speed sequencing of genetic material. Researchers at the GSC produced the initial analyses of more than 20 percent of the human genome and were primarily responsible for the first detailed studies of human chromosomes 2, 4, 7 and Y. GSC researchers also produced the first completed genomes of a multicellular organism (the microscopic worm C. elegans) and land plant (the flowering mustard Arabidopsis thaliana) and are significant contributors to many other important genomes, including the chicken, chimpanzee and mouse genomes.

Education:


News Stories & Tip Sheets:

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New genetic links to common form of brain cancer

Team of scientists uncovers genetic mutations linked to aggressive brain tumor (http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12291.html)

Sept. 4, 2008 -- Scientists at the School of Medicine, working as part of a large-scale federally funded research collaboration, have discovered new genetic mutations and molecular pathways underlying glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer and the most aggressive.


Duck-billed DNA

Platypus genome explains animal's peculiar features; holds clues to evolution of mammals (http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/11692.html)

May 7, 2008 --
The platypus genome explains the creature's fascinating features, from mammals, reptiles and birds.
Nicole Duplaix/Getty Images
The platypus genome explains the creature's fascinating features, from mammals, reptiles and birds.
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The duck-billed platypus: part bird, part reptile, part mammal — and the genome to prove it. An international consortium of scientists, led by the School of Medicine, has decoded the genome of the platypus, showing that the animal's peculiar mix of features is reflected in its DNA. An analysis of the genome, published today in the journal Nature, can help scientists piece together a more complete picture of the evolution of all mammals, including humans.


Kernel of truth for corn

Washington University unveils draft sequence of corn genome (http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/11155.html)

Feb. 25, 2008 --
Richard K. Wilson, Ph.D., is leading efforts to sequence the corn genome.
Richard K. Wilson, Ph.D., is leading efforts to sequence the corn genome.
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University scientists have begun to unlock the genetic secrets of corn, a crop vital to U.S. agriculture. The researchers have completed a working draft of the corn genome, an accomplishment that should accelerate efforts to develop better crop varieties to meet society's growing demands for food, livestock feed and fuel.


In search of genetic variation

Washington University part of major effort to sequence 1,000 human genomes (http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/10869.html)

Jan. 22, 2008 --
The School of Medicine will play a leading role in an international collaboration to sequence the genomes of 1,000 individuals. The ambitious 1000 Genomes Project will create the most detailed picture to date of human genetic variation and likely will identify many genetic factors underlying common diseases.


A new look at lung cancer

Genome researchers uncover novel genetic alterations in lung cancer (http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/10476.html)

Nov. 4, 2007 -- Scientists at the School of Medicine, working as part of an international team of researchers, have completed a massive effort to map the genetic changes underlying the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer. Their results are published in the Nov. 4 advance online issue of the journal Nature.



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Looking at Genome of the Platypus
The New York Times and 3 others

May 8, 2008 -- An international scientific team, which announced the first decoding of the platypus genome, said the findings provided "many clues to the function and evolution of all mammalian genomes," including that of humans, and should "inspire rapid advances in other investigations of mammalian biology and evolution." The research was conducted by a group of almost 100 scientists led by WUSTL genetics professor Wesley Warren.


Platypus Genome Reveals Secrets of Mammal Evolution
National Geographic News

May 8, 2008 -- Decoding the platypus genome has long been an important goal for biologists seeking to understand the origins of mammal evolution. That goal was reached by the team of project leader, WUSTL's Wesley Warren.


Platypus Is Even More Strange Than It Looks
NPR All Things Considered and 1 others

May 8, 2008 -- NPR's Joe Palca reports that scientists have now completed a draft DNA sequence of the platypus genome that reveals reptilian and mammalian elements. WUSTL genetics professor Richard Wilson, who directed the platypus genome project at WUSTL, comments.



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