Genomics and the future. DNA- The life code which can reshape the
future.
Guldana Hidayatli
Baku Higher Oil School
Gul.idayatlee@gmail.com
Supervisor:
Introduction
The genomics revolution started around ten years ago with the completion of
the Genome Project.
The Human Genome Project was an international scientific research project that
determined the DNA sequence of the approximately 20,000 – 25,000 genes that
make up the human genome. The project was completed in 2000 and provided an
unparalleled and never-before glimpse into how the human body works, how it
reacts to its environment and how disease develops.
Why we need Genomics?
The information and understanding that was gleaned from the sequencing of the
human genome has resulted in massive advances in the development of new drugs
and medicines to treat diseases, as well as spurred genomics research into other
areas like the environment and agriculture.
Without this knowledge, many of the advances and successes of the past ten years
and the improvements in treatment of disease and
environmental sustainability would not have been
possible.
However, genomics is still in its infancy and much
more is to be learnt about genes and their role.
Much has been achieved to date, but the real
potential and pay-off for the past ten years of
research is still to come. Typically, it is not likely
that research funded today will result in any solid, tangible outcomes until around
20 years later. However, there are already some successes.
Genomic and Health
By knowing more and understanding more about genes, we arm ourselves with
greater knowledge that can help create new and fantastic ways of treating
diseases and developing new treatments for some of the most debilitating
disorders. In health, genomics helps to:
 Improve the diagnoses of diseases
 Identify genetic pre-disposition to diseases
 Develop drugs that are tailored to a person’s genetic information – often
referred to as ‘personalized medicine’
 Monitor the impact of our lifestyle and
environment on the genome, and in turn, our
health
Some examples of genomics research taking place
right now in health include:
 Autism
 Type 1 Diabetes
 Understand Cancer Causing Cells
Conclusion.
Genomics research is really coming into its own right now – the genomics
age is just starting. There is much potential for genomics to solve many of the
major challenges we face today, and many which are still unknown. Genomics
research holds the key to meeting many of the challenges of the coming years.
As the Ontario Genomics Institute’s President and CEO put it: “Genomics will be
to the future what broadband has been to communication and what highways
have been to transportation.”