From: Todd Ciche [mailto:ciche@msu.edu]

Subject: Heterorhabditis to be sequenced!

June 18, 2005
To H. bacteriophora genome consortium members:

Hello,

First, Parwinder Grewal, Randy Gaugler, Byron Adams, Paul Sternberg and myself would like to graciously thank you for your input and support on this sequencing proposal, as well as the solid science and outreach that has laid the foundation for this grand effort. Second, I want to inform you that H. bacteriophora has been targeted for a high quality draft sequence (6x coverage) by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). This means that the sequencing capacity for this project has been paid for by the NIH and the project will shortly be in cue for sequencing at one of the NIH’s genome centers (Washington University Genome Sciences Center). Since we have neglected to update the consortium for quite awhile, let me update you on what has occurred.

Sep. 2003: 3rd Int. Sym. EPN&B; Informal discussion; If an EPN could be sequenced, which one?

Nov. 2003: 3rd Int. Workshop EPN&B; More formal discussion on target EPN.

During subsequent discussions, H. bacteriophora TT01 was chosen as a target strain, genome consortium formed.

Jan. 2004. H. bacteriophora genome proposal submitted to NSF/USDA Microbial Genome Project.

June 2004. Proposal was not funded; a collaboration with Wash. U. GSC sought and later formalized.

Feb. 2005. Revised H. bacteriophora genome proposal submitted to NSF/USDA.

March 2005. Paul Sternberg suggested submitting the H. bacteriophora proposal to NIH which I did; Heidi Goodrich-Blair and others also submitted a white paper for S. carpocapsae.

June 8, 2005. H. bacteriophora chosen as a target for a high quality draft sequence (6x). Hopefully, S. carpocapsae will be next.

Parwinder informed me that our NSF/UDSA was very highly rated, but didn't get funded. We are seeking additional funding for manual annotation, curation, and dissemination of the genome sequence. I have two healthy inbred lines of H. bacteriophora TTO1 (13 self-fertilized generations), I prefer line M31e that I am using for most of my experiments. I did the breeding and have worked with it extensively, so I feel confident using it for sequencing. I want to distribute it to all of you to cryogenically freeze and begin to use for experiments. I will also ask the C. elegans genetic stock center and ATCC to maintain and distribute this and the wild-type strain.

We all benefit from the H. bacteriophora TTO1 genome project and value your contributions. Focusing our research and method developments on this strain and promptly communicating key advances should facilitate the development of this EPN as a model organism. We don't know the timeline yet, but the wait in cue is usually 6mos-over a year, sequencing and finishing takes 6-9 mos. typically. I suggest we meet in 6 mos-1 year to coordinate this effort. Please email me if you wish to receive my inbred line(s). Email Parwinder or myself with any suggestions.

I think we should acknowledge Paul Sternberg's role as advocate, adviser and participant in H. bacteriophora research, his role in forming the collaboration with WUGSC and making sure we sought funding from all sources. Having a leading C. elegans scientist like Paul appreciate the biology of H. bacteriophora should continue to be mutually beneficial. I hope we can attract more C. elegans researchers in the future. The genome, further establishment of methods and strong science should do so.

We also should thank Parwinder's leading role in coordinating and establishing the consortium and submission of a strong proposal/white paper.

It’s a great time for EPN research and to learn more of this worm's tricks.

Best regards,

Todd Ciche

URL of NHGRI press release. http://www.genome.gov/15014493
Isn't she/he a beauty!