Editorial

As we conclude the preparation of this special issue of Genetics and Molecular Biology it seems appropriate, first of all, to recall the comments of our colleague Andy Simpson who said when referring to genome sequencing: Sequencing networks (...) generally foster a collaborative spirit (Nature Rev. Genetics 2:979-983, 2001). In fact, the present enterprise started as a nationwide network of 25 research laboratories, the Brazilian Genome Consortium (BRGENE), established to sequence the genome of Chromobacterium violaceum. This initial effort induced the organization of regional networks, such as the Southern Brazil (Genesul) subsequently set up to study pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Mycoplasma hyopnemoniae. Now, we have come full circle back to a national network undertaking the studies presented here.

This is also an appropriate moment to point out that this work is a demonstration that we have reached a critical mass able to push forward the field of bioinformatics and computational biology in our country.

The coverage presented here, far from being exhaustive, is limited to selected important aspects of Mycoplasma physiopathology, which reflect the particular interests of the individual groups. The data generated by the sequencing effort are being explored in functional studies aiming at a better understanding of M. hyopneumoniae and M. synoviae biologies, to facilitate the development of new strategies for pathogen detection and prophylaxis. Without doubt, one can find here a truly collaborative spirit.

Thanks are due to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT) and the Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq) and their respective staff for support all the way through; the FAPERGS (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul).

Special thanks are also addressed to the Sociedade Brasileira de Genética for encouraging and supporting this publication.

This work is dedicated to the memory of our colleague Laurimar Fiorentin from CNPSA-Embrapa.

Ana Tereza Vasconcelos, Arnaldo Zaha; Darcy Fontoura de Almeida

(Associated Editors)

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  14 May 2007
• Date of issue
  2007