Former UA professor tries link the exact genetic code

Gene Myers will be tangled in a web of DNA polymerase chains and computer codes until after the millennium as part of a venture with Celera Genomics, a private company in Rockville, Md.

"It's going well, according to plan," said Myers, Celera's director of Informatics Research Groups. "I'm having the adventure of my life, and I can't imagine doing anything else.

Myers began working on genetic sequencing at the University of Arizona in 1984 while tackling the university's computer problems. The private sector wooed Myers for his expertise - comparing computer text-files - which is similar to comparing the DNA sequence.

To form one strand of DNA, composed of four different amino acids, takes 120 million nucleotides. Myers' group is working on discovering the exact sequence of the amino acids - which is unique to each individual.

"This greatly accelerates learning about biochemistry, developing new medication and making better diagnoses," he said, adding that it will take at least 50 years to develop medical benefits.

The scientists will first describe one person's DNA and use it data as a base for further research.

"The two main points are to determine biochemistry and to understand the variations of sequences," Myers said. "Once we understand the variations, we can screen people."

Myers will warm up to decoding the human genome this summer by breaking down the genetic make-up of a fruit fly.

"It is like having a Rosetta stone," Myers said.

The U.S. government has its own genetic undertaking called the Human Genome Project, which includes England, Germany and Japan. The international project is slated for completion more than two years after Celera's.

Myers' group has received some flak for competing with a publicly funded research team.

"Everybody knocked it," he said.

But the computer specialist wasn't discouraged, calling his job the "opportunity of a lifetime."

He said his experiences at the UA were positive, but it was time to move on.

"I felt really sad to leave, the UA was good to me," said Myers. "Some days I miss it, and truthfully, there is a chance I will come back - I plan on it in a few years."