The first draft of the horse genome sequence is now publicly available for use by biomedical and veterinary researchers around the globe.

In addition to sequencing the horse genome, researchers produced a map of horse genetic variation using DNA samples from a variety of modern and ancestral breeds, including the Akel Teke, Andalusian, Arabian, Icelandic, Quarter, Standardbred and Thoroughbred. This map, comprised of 1 million signposts of variation called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, will provide scientists with a genome-wide view of genetic variability in horses and help them identify the genetic contributions to physical and behavioral differences, as well as to disease susceptibility.

And because there are about 80 known genetic conditions in horses that are genetically similar to disorders seen in humans, this database may also be an important tool for understanding human musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The horse genome sequence data may be accessed through the following public databases:

• GenBank
• NCBI's Map Viewer
• UCSC Genome Browser
• Ensembl Genome Browser
• Broad Institute Web site

[Photo: Twilight, the horse. NHGRI-supported researchers have sequenced the genome of this Thoroughbred mare from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Credit: Doug Antczak]