The Relevance of Using Novel Genome Sequencing Technologies

Use of Genomic Sequence Data: Thought Problem 3
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Use of Genomic Sequence Data: Thought Problem 3
By contemporary standards, the publication of the first human genome sequences by the International Human Genome Project (HGP) and Celera Genomics seems superficial but was a milestone that offered the initial insights into the human genomic sequence data (Gibbs, 2020). Novel genome sequencing technologies have revealed answers to complex biological problems with the availability of genomic data derived from non-model organisms. Ellegren points that only less than 700 eukaryotic genomes had been sequenced between 2004 and 2014 although this number has increased since then (Ellegren, 2014). While the information obtained from genomic data could offer more prospects in practical applications, critiques such as the physicist Niels Bohr are pessimistic that such applications might take scientists time to actualize or might drive research into unanticipated directions. However, since the first announcement of the draft of the human genome sequence, there have been significant advancements in diverse fields such as pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. Demiraya et al (2019) defines precision medicine as an emerging data-driven approach to patient care that integrates environmental, epigenetics, genomics, and phenotypic factors that are unique to an individual patient. Besides, between 2014 and 2021, the dawn of exascale computing technologies have broadened the understanding of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine on greater scales, contrary to Bohr’s claims.
Physicians face massive challenges in selecting an effective drug combination fitting individual patient cases. For instance, identifying the precise protein and signaling pathway that could arrest a potential drug resistance is often a significant issue in patient care. However, modern approaches and the availability of genomic sequence data have made it possible for physicians to map innovative personalized treatment approaches to predict drug resistance targets based on parallel proliferation pathways in specialized cells. This strategy considers the presence of each protein in a pathway within a target cell, associated activating mutations, and the access to chromatins of the...