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The 14^th International Mouse Genome Conference (Nov. 6-9, 2000; Narita, Japan) was an excellent venue for the presentation of the progress and promise of mouse genomics. The meeting covered a complete range of topics, from gene identification, mapping and sequencing, bioinformatics, mutants, and functional genomics, to the future need for further enhancing the production and use of the mouse as a model system. And then there was the welcomed presence of taiko drums and the ceremonial breaking of sake barrels to close the meeting (and did I mention karaoke...?)

View larger version (137K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Ceremonial breaking of a sake barrel.

One of the most gratifying aspects of the meeting was the presentation of the young investigator poster awards, to encourage and promote exceptional work from young researchers. The Genome Research poster award (a year's subscription to Genome Research and a signed copy of James Watson's new book, A Passion for DNA) went to Dr. Takashi Sado from the National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan. His poster, entitled "Role of Antisense RNA at the Xist Locus in X-Inactivation" (co-authors Hiroyuki Sasaki and En Li), presented data on a novel untranslated antisense RNA, Tsix, at the Xist locus. The work included information on the processing of Tsix, its imprinted status on the maternal X chromosome, and evidence that its deletion resulted in the accumulation of Xist RNA. The Editors of Genome Research congratulate Dr. Sado and his colleagues on the high quality of this work.

View larger version (97K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Takashi Sado, poster award winner.

Laurie Goodman