Whole genome sequencing 'not ready for widespread clinical use'

Current ratings for: Whole genome sequencing 'not ready for widespread clinical use'

Public / Patient:

0 0 ratings

Health Professionals:

0 0 ratings

Both the technical barriers associated with human DNA sequencing and the costs involved have been decreasing for some time. A new study investigates the benefits and drawbacks of whole genome sequencing in clinical applications.

The first sequencing of a human genome began in 1990 and was completed in 2003 at a cost of $2.7 billion. Now, whole genome sequencing (WGS) can cost as little as $1,000, with the procedure taking just days.

When sequencing an organism's DNA, the order of DNA nucleotides is documented by machines. This ordering is transcribed in letters - A, C, G and T - which each represent a particular piece of DNA (adenines, guanines, thyamines and cytosines). The human genome is made up of 3 billion of these letters.

Using the genome sequence, scientists are able to find genes much more easily. In a clinical setting, it is hoped that WGS could quickly and accurately reveal the genetic basis of family diseases. Even in healthy individuals, it is believed that WGS can uncover potentially important information about a person's genes and their health.

For example, Medical News Today recently reported on new research that looked at using WGS to select embryos for in vitro fertilization.

Link:
Whole genome sequencing 'not ready for widespread clinical use'