Scientists sequence chromosome seven

ST. LOUIS, July 9 (UPI) -- Genetic researchers say they have completed DNA sequencing of chromosome seven - a chromosome associated with cystic fibrosis, deafness and several cancers.

Richard Wilson, director of Washington University's Genome Sequencing Center, led the research conducted during the past five years at centers around the world. Results appear in the July 10 issue of Nature.

Wirednews.com said the information about the 1,150 genes the researchers found will advance the study of acute leukemia, cystic fibrosis, and a rare mental disorder called Williams-Beuren syndrome.

The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto published its version of chromosome seven in April. That report described 1,917 genes, 767 more than Wilson's group, but some suggest the Toronto researchers may have over-counted the genes.

Whichever count is correct, chromosome seven is the largest to be fully sequenced thus far.