The Genetic Information Research Institute (GIRI) is a non-profit institution that was founded in 1994 by Jerzy Jurka. The mission of the institute "is to understand biological processes which alter the genetic makeup of different organisms, as a basis for potential gene therapy and genome engineering techniques." The institute specializes in applying computer tools to analysis of DNA and protein sequence information. GIRI develops and maintains Repbase Update, a database of prototypic sequences representing repetitive DNA from different eukaryotic species, and Repbase Reports, an electronic journal established in 2001. Repetitive DNA is primarily derived from transposable elements (TEs), which include DNA transposons belonging to around 20 superfamilies and retrotransposons that can also be sub-classified into superfamilies . The majority of known superfamilies of DNA transposons were discovered or co-discovered at GIRI, including Helitron (biology), Academ, Ginger, Kolobok, Novosib, Sola, Transib, Zator, PIF/Harbinger and Polinton/Maverick. An ancient element from the Transib superfamily was identified as the evolutionary precursor of the Recombination activating gene. Due to the growing importance of Repbase in genome studies, GIRI hosts International Conferences devoted to Genomic Impact of Eukaryotic Transposable Elements .
Famous quotes containing the words genetic, information, research and/or institute:
“Nature, we are starting to realize, is every bit as important as nurture. Genetic influences, brain chemistry, and neurological development contribute strongly to who we are as children and what we become as adults. For example, tendencies to excessive worrying or timidity, leadership qualities, risk taking, obedience to authority, all appear to have a constitutional aspect.”
—Stanley Turecki (20th century)
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—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
“I did my research and decided I just had to live it.”
—Karina O’Malley, U.S. sociologist and educator. As quoted in the Chronicle of Higher Education, p. A5 (September 16, 1992)
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—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)