Genome sequencing costs are certainly coming down. This past week, I saw several headlines extolling the value of reduced costs of the complete sequencing of a genome. One such article indicates that a firm called Complete Genomics has reduced the costs of consumables for nanoarrays to between slightly under $2,000 to just over $8,000. According to Cliff Reid, chairman, president and chief executive, "We've demonstrated that it's possible to accurately and affordably sequence and detect variants across entire human genomes". In another article, researchers at the University of Queensland revealed that canola has been sequenced: “By applying novel combinations of next-generation sequencing and assembly methods, the researchers were able to decipher the genome sequence at a fraction of the cost than if they had employed traditional methods.”  

Over the past few years, I have included a slide in my presentations which shows how sequencing costs have been dramatically reduced. I note that Richard Dawkins in his latest book, The Greatest Show on Earth, uses a similar graph to suggest that the cost of DNA sequencing might be similar to Moore’s Law regarding computers and memory size. He calls it Hodgkin’s Law. Dawkins looks forward to the day that genome sequences will be inexpensive enough to allow a complete genetic catalogue making for more accurate molecular clocks. As he notes, “it is an exhilarating prospect: a massive database of DNA sequences, cheaply and easily obtained from all corners of the animal and plant kingdoms.”

We may be coming close. I noted on Twitter recently that Dawkins should be pleased with the set up of the Genome 10K project. The mandate of the project is to collect DNA sequences representing the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species, approximately one for every vertebrate genus.

In recent years, the Archon Genomics X PRIZE was set up to encourage advancement in the field of personalized medicine through the relatively cheap and affordable sequencing of individual human genomes. Announced on October 4, 2006, “The $10 million X PRIZE for Genomics prize purse will be awarded to the first Team that can build a device and use it to sequence 100 human genomes within 10 days or less, with an accuracy of no more than one error in every 100,000 bases sequenced, with sequences accurately covering at least 98% of the genome, and at a recurring cost of no more than $10,000 per genome.” 




There will be many advantages to our having the ability to rapidly and affordably sequence an individual’s genome. For example, genomics and personalized medicine will enable approaching cancer treatment from a molecular perspective rather than the traditional use of organ and tissue classification. Many other diseases have genetic risk factors as well and understanding them will allow not only more personalized treatment, but also prior preventative measures by those at risk. In spite of all the advantages, we must also be aware that there can be unintended consequences. According to Robin Pierce, there is a double edged sword associated with Personalized Genomics. An entire project of Genome Alberta is called GE³LS which examines genomics and its related ethical, economic, environmental, legal and social aspects.

I have watched the movie Gattaca (1997) many times. It is one of my favourites, and you can find several references to the movie in my previous blog postings. I remember throughout the movie, people put their finger out into a little scanner, a very quick small sample of blood is extracted and the machine very quickly analyzes the DNA and comes up with the complete ID and status of the person. In the movie, this represented a way of monitoring people and maintaining a severe form of genetic discrimination. The movie reveals a future dystopia which results from knowing too much genetic information. The movie came out during the Human Genome Project (HGP), but prior to the final first sequence being revealed. It is important that we move forward towards the best that genomic research can lead to without going down that other path.