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From DNA to genomics—History of a revolution
Source: Nature, 2003/04
Following the 1953 discovery of the DNA structure by researchers Watson and Crick, the publication
of the sequence of the human genome (the Human Genome Project) in April 2003 constituted a major scientific turning point in the development of genomics. Before the Human Genome
Project, scientific research focused mainly on understanding how single genes were involved in diseases (monogenic diseases). This was the age of genetics. While limited in part
by existing technology, this type of research nonetheless led to significant developments, such as the identification of the role of many key genes in cancer and type 2 diabetes
as well as the detection of gene mutations associated with cystic fibrosis.
YET IT WAS THE COMPLETION OF THE HUMAN GENOME PROJECT THAT TRULY LAUNCHED THE SCIENCE OF GENOMICS
This major initiative ushered in a new era of biology
defined by an acceleration in the acquisition of knowledge and the development of high-throughput technology.
Source: NHGRI
As a result, we are now living in the genomics age. In terms of human health, this branch of science allows us to simultaneously focus on the impact of genes and environmental
factors on diseases as well as people’s overall health and medicine is shifting from a curative to a preventive approach. Genomics is thus providing a solid foundation for the
development of tomorrow’s biotechnological tools. It constitutes a powerful means of promoting productivity by mitigating the random nature of scientific research. The stakes are
high, since genomics could unlock the secrets of some of the major diseases of our times, among them cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and diseases of the central nervous
system such as Alzheimer’s.
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