Jian Wang & Jun Wang talks
with ScienceWatch.com and answer a few questions about
this month's New Hot Papers in the field of Molecular Biology
& Genetics.
Left to right:
Jian Wang & Jun Wang
Article Title: The diploid genome sequence of an Asian
individual
Authors: Wang, J, et
al. Journal: NATURE, Volume: 456, Issue: 7218, Page:
60-U1, Year: NOV 6 2008
* Beijing Genom Inst Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, Peoples R
China.
* Beijing Genom Inst Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518000, Peoples R
China.
* Shenzhen Univ Med Sch, Genome Res Inst, Shenzhen 518000,
Peoples R China.
* Natl Engn Ctr Genom & Bioinformat, Beijing 101300,
Peoples R China.
(addresses have been truncated.)
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
This paper is one of the representative papers which first demonstrated the
application of next-generation sequencing technology to decipher a human
genome. In addition, the paper studied an Asian genome, which is of
interest for the community and also greatly expands the scope of the field
of personal genomics.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or
synthesis of knowledge?
"We think this paper is one of the symbols that
indicate we are moving towards a personal genome era, where
an individual's healthcare is personalized and one could
have an early prediction, precaution, and prevention of
diseases... "
Our paper provided a detailed description of the first Asian genome. As new
sequencing technology was used, some analytical tools were also developed,
including read alignment, genetic variations identification, as well as
other bioinformatics methodologies.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper
in layman's terms?
We have deciphered the DNA sequence of an Asian individual.
In addition to mapping this genetic knowledge about one of the largest
ethnic groups in the world, it also brings forward the possibility of
providing genomes at a cost which is orders of magnitude lower than that
found in the
Human Genome Project (HGP).
It suggests that, in the near future, everyone could have an affordable
personal genome and enjoy the benefits of personalized healthcare.
How did you become involved in this research, and
were there any problems along the way?
It has always been a goal of the Beijing Genome Institute (BGI) to finish
the genome sequence of an Asian individual. When the technology became
feasible for us to achieve it, we developed new bioinformatics
methodologies, and thus began the sequencing.
There have been many problems throughout the entire process, including
experimental difficulties in getting the new platform handled smoothly,
getting a sense of the characteristics of the new types of data, and the
development of a high-throughput bioinformatics analysis pipeline to deal
with the gathering of data which lie far beyond what conventional tools
could handle.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
We think it may serve as a demo case and protocol for genome re-sequencing
studies using new-type sequencing data. It also enables researchers to
study more human genomes and to characterize complete genomic patterns of
information about the human population.
Do you foresee any social or political
implications for your research?
We think this paper is one of the symbols that indicate we are moving
towards a personal genome era, where an individual's healthcare is
personalized and one could have an early prediction, precaution, and
prevention of diseases due to the availability of knowledge about one's own
genome and genetic information.
It has helped change the current mainstream style of medical care from a
focus on the curation of diseases to a concentration on keeping people
healthy. We believe that the length and quality of individual lives will
benefit greatly from further research and development in this field.
Jian Wang, Ph.D.
Director
Beijing Genome Institute (BGI)
Shenzhen, PRC
Jun Wang, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Beijing Genome Institute (BGI)
Shenzhen, PRC Web