Rationale to sequence the genome of the red flour beetle,

Overview: In a world of worthy candidates, there are several compelling reasons to sequence the genome of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. First and foremost, Tribolium is one of the most sophisticated genetic model organisms among all higher eukaryotes. Among arthropods, only Drosophila offers greater power and flexibility of genetic manipulation. Second, the Tribolium genome sequence will provide an informative link when direct comparisons between human and fruit fly sequences are unproductive. Third, as a member of the most primitive order of holometabolous insects, the Coleoptera, it is in a key phylogenetic position to inform us about the genetic innovations that accompanied the evolution of higher forms with more complex development. Fourth, Coleoptera is the largest and most species diverse of all eukaryotic orders and Tribolium offers the only genetic model for this profusion of medically and economically important species. Analysis of the Tribolium genome will facilitate the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and antibiotics. In addition, it will lead to a better understanding of resistance mechanisms and improved specificity and efficacy of insecticides and biological agents to control crop pests and disease vectors. Finally, many genetic and genomic tools are already available for Tribolium. Both forward and reverse genetic approaches are available to facilitate functional genetic analysis. A molecular recombination map and a physical map based on a BAC library of ~20 x genome coverage are now being completed, and will furnish the necessary foundation upon which to assemble the genomic sequence, which at ~200 Mbs is only slightly larger than that of Drosophila.