Genome Sequencing and the Future of Personalized Medicine
On March 31, 2022 scientists finished sequencing the entire human genome. A genome is a complete set of DNA found in each cell and contains the information for a person’s development and function. So, by sequencing the entire human genome, scientists now have a deeper insight into how our body functions. In the past 20 years, scientists have also learned that many chronic illnesses stem from a person’s genes. Thus, by sequencing the entire human genome scientists may have opened the door to earlier detection and improved treatment when it comes to diseases.
The Human Genome Project began in the 1990s and its goal was to sequence the entire human genome. By 2000, 90% of the human genome had been mapped. The remaining ten percent took almost 22 years because it was full of the more complex and repetitive DNA.
An image representing Genome Sequence.
Genetic technology has progressed so far that genome sequencing may become part of routine healthcare. If this were to happen, doctors would have access to a patient’s entire genetic makeup which would advance the practice of personalized medicine. Doctors could provide a treatment plan that is tailored to a person’s genetic makeup. For example, physicians would be able to see whether certain cancer treatments would work and then proceed with the best treatment plan for said patient. By avoiding unnecessary treatments that would have failed, doctors would be able to opt for care that is personalized and targeted.
Aside from treatment, access to a person’s genome sequence would help with earlier detection of diseases. Scientists could find mutations and abnormal sequences that trigger chronic illnesses. If these genes can be detected early in a person’s lifetime, then lifestyle adjustments can also be made early on to avoid the development of these illnesses. Additionally with early diagnosis, doctors can start care before the disease progresses. Another recent development within the world of genetics regards editing the genome. Many diseases are triggered by tiny genetic mutations. Through sequencing, doctors will be able to tell whether a patient’s genome sequence has to be edited to prevent hereditary diseases.
With the ability to sequence genomes comes a slew of ethical questions. Many scientists and experts agree that it’s morally reasonable to use genetic sequencing and editing to help people who are predisposed to chronic illnesses. However other issues could arise surrounding genetic discrimination and privacy. These are valid concerns as our knowledge of genetics grows and scientists and policy makers will have to work together to put some sort of restrictions in place. But at the end of the day, the Human Genome Project shows promise to help scientists make huge strides in the field of medicine.
