Encode Project Common Cell Types

The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Project seeks to identify functional elements in the human genome. To aid in the integration and comparison of data produced using different technologies and platforms, the ENCODE Consortium has designated cell types that will be used by all investigators. These common cell types include both cell lines and primary cell types, and plans are being made to explore the use of primary tissues and embryonic stem (ES) cells. Cell types were selected largely for practical reasons, including their wide availability, the ability to grow them easily, and their capacity to produce sufficient numbers of cells for use in all technologies being used by ENCODE investigators. Secondary considerations were the diversity in tissue source of the cells, germ layer lineage representation, the availability of existing data generated using the cell type, and coordination with other ongoing projects. Effort was also made to select at least some cell types that have a

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• Leo Ware