University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
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Horse genome publication concludes project initiated in Lexington
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Nov 11, 2009)

Four researchers from the University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center and a faculty member in UK's Department of Computer Science were among 58 co-authors of a research article published Nov. 6 in Science that reported the first complete sequencing and assembly of the horse genome.

"This is the culmination of a project that began in 1995 from a workshop in Lexington, Ky.," said Ernie Bailey, co-author and professor of veterinary science.

Since the workshop, scientists from 25 countries have collaborated on what is known as the Horse Genome Project to build preliminary maps of the horse genome and use genomics tools to address horse health issues. The group has met twice a year since the first workshop. Bailey was the coordinator of the Horse Genome Project.

Other researchers from UK include Teri Lear, professor of veterinary science; James MacLeod, John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight chair, professor of veterinary science and director of UK's Equine Initiative; Stephen Coleman, graduate student in the department of veterinary science; and Jinze Liu, professor of computer science.  

"The frequent meetings stimulated research," Bailey said. "Every six months we needed a new discovery to present. With over 120 scientists active in...
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